3yo preschool question/advice

amyb05 · January 2011

I am looking for advice/opinions on 3yo preschool. I am really torn on what to do for Easton for next fall. He is currently in a MMO program 2 days/wk that I LOVE! It is the perfect mix of academics, structured play, silly fun and mastering skills that you need before real learning even takes place, like sharing, taking turns, patience etc. The nurturing part of me, wants to keep him in this program for another year because he loves it. The former educator part of me thinks it might be time to move into a more academically focused preschool. A private school that we are considering for pre-k/k has a 3 yo program that is 5 mornings/wk and costs $13k/yr. I really like this school, but I am not ready for him to be in a 3yo preschool 5 mornings/wk and I am really not looking forward to paying $13k/yr at 3! There is no other 3yo option for less days/week at this school. Admission to the private schools we are interested in for prek/k gets increasingly more competitive if you have not been a part of their younger programs. I am not really sure what I am asking of you. If you are going the private school route, what did you do at 3yo? Or what was your experience with 3yo programs and number of days per week your child attended. I feel like as a SAHM and a former teacher, we cover a ton of academic stuff at home. I think Easton is a really smart and happy kid but I am just not sure what is best for him or best for me at 3. I think I will be ready for him to be in a true 5 half days/wk preschool setting at 4 as we prepare for full day kindergarten at 5, but what to do at 3 and private school admission is making me crazy! If you made it this far and have any advice, THANKS!

DzsGirl · January 2011

We are still debating Private/Public (leaning towards Public school) but Grant did 3 day 3's and I just registered Reid for 3 day 3's for next year. It is a part time program (9-1) at the private school we would send him to. I personally felt more than 3 days a week was a bit much for a 3 year old, they are going to have many years of schooling going 5 days a week. I will say that Grant got a tremendous amount out of 3 days a week both academically and socially.

soon2b3 · January 2011

It's a tough decision for sure, and if you're like me, you'll second guess it many times over. If you are really set on the private school for pre-K and K (and beyond)...then it would obviously increase your chances (if not guarantee, right) for getting him in at Pre-K level if you started there at 3.

Is the only option to send him to the MMO 2 days a week? Is there a MMO program (at your current or other) that is 3-4 days a week?

Also, do you have a different school in mind for 5 days a week that would cost less at age 3 that you would be considering?

If it really is only the 2 options...current MMO 2 days a week and a full time private 3 y/o program at the school you intend to put him in for pre-K/K...I would say it's really TOUGH :-)

Obviously you both love the 2 days MMO. If you can try to figure out the odds/chances for getting him in the private pre-k at age 4 without having been in at age 3...and they were still in your favor/likely..i would say leave him at the 2 day MMO. If you can afford th $13K for the full time private 3 y/o program and it's really the only place you intend to send him for pre-K and you very likely won't get in to pre-K if you haven't been there since 3...then I would go ahead and go there.

Sorry, don't know if helped at all..just stated the obvious. :-)

K&P414 · January 2011

So are your only 2 options 2/week at MMO or 5/week at Private school? That is tough. If there is any option that meets in the middle that is the one I would choose. I do have some friends that have sent their kids to a 5 half day program and were surprised at how easy the transition to 5 days a week was if that is any consolation. As far as $13k a year goes...I personally think that is an awful lot to invest in a 3 year old program. I understand though that you want to eventually end up at the private school and I think the money is worth it at that point but still, that's a lot of money for now.

care99 · January 2011

We are struggling with the same thing. Because of C's birthday, he would be in a 3 year old program next year at a private school. But his current preschool has a 'young' class for Sept-Dec. birthdays, so he'd be in a Young 4s next year. I'm even struggling with that because it's 5 days a week (3 hours/day). Then I have to factor in Hayden starting preschool. If Colin went private, that would be 2 drop offs 3 days a week. The whole thing is a mess for me too because we need to cut our nanny's hours and she will only work full time, so that means getting a whole new nanny. Ugh. Sorry to highjack your post.....we are leaning towards keeping him where he is, because it's a great preschool only $5k vs. $13k. I'll deal with pre-k next year.....

Good luck in your decision!

MrsL1022 · January 2011

I have struggled with how many days to put Colin in school for lately as well. This year he goes 2 days a week and absolutely loves it. On the days that he does not go he asks to go. I just registered him for a 4 day 3 program for next year. I looked at places that had a 5 day program but I feel that for a 3 yr old program and pre-k 4 days is plenty. He will have to go 5 days for the rest of his school career. I also chose a school that has a private school attached so that we can decide if that is something we want/can do when the time comes. That being said it is very competitive to get spots in the private schools as the kids get older and the schooling becomes mandatory rather than optional like it is now. If you think it will be impossible to get E into the 4 yr program at the private school then put him in the 5 day 3 yr old program. If it were me, I would take my chances an put him in a place where he could just go 3-4 days a week and worry about private school at 4. It seems like you are worried about how many days a week it is from the get go and that you are more concerned that he will lose out next year or the year after if you don't secure a space now. While that very well could be the case, as long as you are on top of it and know the registration dates well in advance and make sure you are first in line it probably won't be as hard as you are anticipating and you will have the extra time with him this next year. I hope that wasn't too contradictory and that it made sense. You have a hard decision to make but whatever you decide will be what's best for Easton and your family. Good luck!

maykat · January 2011

Honestly, I don't think putting your 3 yr old in a 3 day vs 5 day pre-school will prevent him from getting ahead later on. We have had to scale our kids back to 3 days a week because DH is out of work and it's worked out fine for them. I prefer the 5 days for us just for consistency, but if I wasn't working I would definitely consider 3 days.

If the program is for 3 days a week for all kids, than that should be fine. My friend who taught kindergarten for years (she is now a vice principal) has said she can tell a difference between the kids who start kindergarten and have not had a full 5 days of preK--the kids are worn out and falling asleep in class at the beginning of the school year. Eventually, they catch up though and adjust.

If it were me, I would look at where I wanted him to attend kindergarten and attack it from that route.

tracigator · January 2011

Benjamin started the 2 year old program at his preschool (it's the preschool at our synagogue) this year and did 3 days a week. He just loves it. It's the right mix of social interaction and academics that he needs right now. Enough moms wanted a fourth day so they added one at the start of January. I wasn't going to sign him up because of a few different reasons but at the last minute, decided to do the 4th day. He was so very excited to go to school and see his friends when we went that first Thursday. He goes from 9:30-1:30 and it's perfect. His socialization skills have improved, his speech has improved and there is a mutual love between his teachers and him.

They may be offering a 5 day a week program for the 3s next year and I'm definitely thinking about it as a possibility. While I agree that he's going to have the rest of his school career to go 5 days a week, he absolutely loves going to school and seeing all of his friends so I will seriously consider it if they offer it as an option. At this age, the academics that they do learn are all taught through play so it's not as if he's sitting at a desk in a classroom all day, every day.

FWIW, we'll also be starting Noah in the 18 month program next year but he'll only be going two days a week.

MissSweetestTea · January 2011

3 days is perfectly fine for a 3 year old.

trust yourself. you know that more schooling is not going to make Harvard for accessible, right!

As a two year old, we have done 2 days of preschool this year and one day of a bible study program while i do mine.

Next year he will do 3 full days of preschool; 2 days will be 3 hours and 1 day will be 4 hours.

We will be applying to a private school for the Pre-K 4 program at the school we ultimately want him to attend. That will be a 5 days a week mornings/early afternoon only. (not sure specifics on the hours)

The gradual progression will be good for the age.

UGAbride · January 2011

We've never really considered private schools before, so that may be why 13k sounds like SO SO SO much money for a 3 year old to go to preschool. I get that it's the "getting in" factor at your particular school, but I just added up what we spend on preschool for BOTH boys, and this year tutition is $3,200 (Jack goes 3 days in a 3 year old class, and Ethan goes 2 days in a 2 year old class, so we are paying for 5 days). Maybe you could ask if you were to sign up on the first possible day next year, do they end up having to turn some of those 4 year olds away? If so, then I definitely see your dilemma, but it would KILL me to spend that much this year on 3 year old preschool. I also do agree that it's more days than I would want to send my child to preschool...as a SAHM, I want some time at home with them for special outings together, playdates, etc. Right now I have them enrolled in a sports class one morning a week, they love that. I actually really like that our preschool is only open 4 days a week, so they will not go 5 days until kindergarten. Good luck with your decision, it's tough!

seansgirl2006 · January 2011

For me personally, I have already decided that I don't want Ethan in anything 5 days until kindergarten. I just switched this year from teaching Kindergarten to GA Pre-K and the more I am seeing behind the scenes in a preschool now the more I feel like there is no need for my child to be there that much. Unless of course it is for childcare too and you are working. I am working full-time right now and my son is there close to full-time (often stays with dad when he can). My thoughts are the same as Lauren in that they will be in school full time for the rest of their lives. I am hoping to teach one more year and cut my own hours back to part-time and then start sending Ethan for just a morning program. If money weren't a factor that is what I would be doing already. I know I can teach Ethan whatever I feel he may be lacking and still have him ready for kindergarten. Sounds like you feel similar with your son.

I guess the main thing you will have to decide is gambling it being more difficult to get into a private school. That changes things a bit. That is not a factor for us.

andrea922 · January 2011

I would research schools that have 3 or 4 days a week. 5 days a week seems like a lot for a 3 year old. We are moving up from 2 days a week to 3 next year, and then for pre-k we plan on sending him to a private school (if he gets in) that will be about $16k a year, but that is all day, not just mornings. Our preschool now is only about $4500 a year for 5 days a week, so $13k a year at 3 seems awfully steep.

Temp925407062502290 · January 2011

wow that is a lot of $ for a 3 year old class. I am with you about the 5 days a week. I actually just discussed this with DH last night because I have to register BOTH kids next fall. I was back and forth with Nate...should he go 3 or 2. He is 2 right now but I feel I need a little bit more break with him and trying to prepare him for pre K which will be 5 days a week. Then I was back and forth with Wes if he should go 1 or 2 days a week. Just don't want to let my babies go that fast.

I think life is short. This was your dream to be a SAHM then do what is comfortable for you. Life is short and if you want to spend that extra time with your kids when they are this age that is awesome.

Go with your heart on this one:)

sherean@gmail.com · January 2011

We're looking at preschools now for our son who will be 3 next year and I'm with you, I think 3 days a week is plenty. He's been in a 3-morning a week preschool and enjoyed the experience. He might be ready for 5 days, but I'm not.

However, if the $13K school is one you're hoping to have him in for a while, then you might have to bite the bullet and get him in while you can. It does seem easier to get them in while they're younger.

We have our sights set on a couple of different private schools; one that starts at pre-K (but is rumored to be adding a preschool soon). We will start trying to get him in as early as possible, just so we can get him in!

juliensarah · January 2011

Hey, its Julienandy under my assumed identity when I have issues logging in...

SC is in 5 days and doing great. I think there is something to be said for the consistency of everyday in grasping the little things.... like greek and algebra. :-)

That being said, our school is small and our director is very flexible. Last year I was teaching the older 3's and we had kids that came every day, 4 days, and 3 days in my classroom. Some kids need 5 days to grasp the social skills....some do fine with 3. Honestly its PRESCHOOL....you know what they need, do what you are comfortable with. Personally I would stay where you are if you like it and try 5 days if you can. Also, ask your director if they are at all flexible about 4 or 3 day programs as you never know.

This year I am teaching 3 days a week...some kids go 5, some 3. The lead teacher is with them 5 days, there is another assist the 2 days I am not there. With you as a mom, I don't think the academic stuff...rather the skillset a 3 year old should have...cutting, knowing birthday, putting on coat, jumping, etc will be an issue and 3 days would be fine...BUT if you like the school why not consider 5 days. You will still have afternoons with E.

Anyhoo, good luck. The decision is easy for me since I am teaching and want a couple days off. SC did great last year 5 days - she has never had seperation issues, esp with me in the building, so easy decision for me. If I were not working though, I would love to put her in 4 days so we had a day to ourselves, but we have afternoons which is plenty.

kep · January 2011

Amy, I think there must be a typo in your post because I am seeing $13k as the tuition figure. Say what?

)

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