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Pre-School and Daycare
Preschool for 2 year old?
My dd is only 18 months old, but I am beginning to research local schools for next school year when she is 2 and a half. There is a program with a great reputation here that takes 2 year olds 2 or 3 days a week. My dd is currently with a nanny that takes care of her during the day. The nanny would be the one who would take her to preschool 2-3 days a week. My question is this: What are your opinions about putting a 2 year old in preschool? Obviously I know it is not necessary, but I am thinking maybe dd will need something more than her nanny watching her all the time? But then I think she is still a baby and could use the one on one attention as long as possible. I would also have to shell out more money, paying for preschool on top of the nanny. A lot of people tell me thatit would be good for her to be with other kids and that she would learn a lot more. What do yout think? Are there pros/cons to sending a 2 yo to preschool or should I wait until she is 3 or even 4?
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Re: Preschool for 2 year old?
Hunter turned two in June and just started preschool twice a week. I probably would have started him at 2 and 1/2 but he was so jealous of Lily going last semester. He has loved it so far. It is nice for him to play without his siblings and learn to follow a routine.
I think it depends on the child. Lily was 2 and 1/2 and cried for the first few months. She had a speech delay and didn't talk so it was hard for her to communicate. Preschool has done wonders for her but I don't think she would have been able to handle it at two. She is very shy while Hunter is outgoing.
Every child is different. My son has been in that type of setting since he was 1 1/2. He attends a montessori school, so he learns at his pace. He's definitely more advanced linguistically and socially than other 3 yr olds his age, that aren't in that type of setting. He is learning spanish, sign language, fractions, & theatre.
He also had more colds when he was younger that left permanent dark circles. Now he's "healthy as a horse" according to his doc. Some people opt for keeping their children w/mommy/daddy, a nanny or granny, or other caretaker, but putting their kids in soccer or some other activity for socialization at 2yrs old. Others, who can't afford to keep their kids home, have had their kids in daycare since they were 12 wks old. Each family has to decide what is best for them. To ans. your question, no 2 yrs old is not too young i.m.h.o.
totally depends on the child. if it's more for the socialization part of it and parttime preschool on top of a ft nanny would be pushing it, maybe try some classes ... like toddler yoga, gymboree, tumbling, dance or even find a playgroup... something where he/she interacts with other children.
dd did start going to a MMO when she was 18m/o b/c I had my 2nd when she was 19m/o... and I needed a couple of hours, just twice a week. she played, she did art, she had fun. she started preschool three 1/2 days a week at 2 1/2... for 2 school years... now she'll do 3 full days for prek. she loves it. I see it as a huge benefit to her b/c she's now at an age where she doesn't want to do certain things with me.. like practice writing and she's not big into art projects (more into pretend play and reading)... but at school, she does some amazing stuff. she'll do it for them. ? she's outgoing. ds will be three soon and will be starting this year.
I can only speak to my personal experience and what I felt was right for my kids. There's no wrong or right answer.
While my kids were small, I worked p/t and my mom watched my kids. We live on a lonely country road with few neighbors. My bizarre work schedule made weekly activities such as swimming, music, gymnastics, etc. difficult.
Despite that, I felt that my kids benefitted more from my (or my mom's) one-on-one attention than they would have from school right up until they were about 3. They both attended a 2 morning/week program for 3s. DD did a 3 morning/week program for 4s, then did 1/2 day kindergarten. DS did 5 afternoons a week for 4s, but stayed in that class again when he was five instead of going to full day kindergarten. He'll start kindergarten next week, having just turned 6.
This was a really good progression for both my kids, and I'm very satisfied with the decision, even though they both had a bit of learning to do at age 3 about how to interact with other kids. If I had it to do all over again, I would not put them in school earlier than 3.
Again, a big part of this decision was my particular kids and my work situation. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer for this. Whatever you choose will be right for your daughter, I'm sure!
HTH!