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Toddlers: 24 Months+
AliciaBeth
member
Ugh... Opinions/Experiences Please...
AliciaBeth
member
I HATE making decisions when it comes to my child... I'm just terrified that I'm going to make the wrong one...
Right now I work full time, and my son stays with my friend (and her 4 year old and 6 month old) every day. He has been there since he was 6 weeks old, and she has been wonderful to him. We love her.
Next year I'm planning to put my son in a different situation:
Option 1: A great preschool program in our area with after-school care. He would be in "class" until 11:30 each day. His supply list includes things like pencils, glue sticks, and scissors (OMG!) AND... he has to be fully potty-trained (we haven't even started). The preschool program is run by wonderful instructors who are both former "teachers of the year" in our school district. They are running out of spots and if I want one, I have to put down a non-refundable $150 now!
Option 2: An old, but very well respected daycare program in our community that also has Pre-K. It is cheaper and includes lunch. He wouldn't have to be completely potty-trained. The instruction isn't from certified teachers and the building and facilities are old, old, old. Everyone who has ever been there loves it. I'd have to wait until a month before I want him enrolled and then hope they have a spot for him.
Obviously it is difficult to guide someone to the correct decision after only reading about the options, but can anyone offer some insight? What can I do to make this decision easier??
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Ugh... Opinions/Experiences Please...
Are you able to tour either one to get a feel?
I think the most important thing is you find a school that feels right for you. The first one, for example, would probably not work for us because I strongly believe in developmental preschool and don't want DD doing academics. There are others who feel the complete opposite. I strongly recommend you see them both personally. Is that a choice?
I also recommend you consider what you believe to be the non-negotiables to you regarding DS's early childhood education. Do you want him to get a certain amount of outside play? Do you have strong feelings about the ways they approach reading? Whatever it is, figure out what you care about.
A school might be the best one in the world, but it doesn't mean it's the best one for your family.
I would probably keep looking, but if those are the only two options can you wait another year until LO is potty trained and enroll him at the first option? (I didn't look to see if you have a siggy/ticker that shows how old he is.) For us, PT has just started to go more easily so I would hope she will be PT by this fall when DD will be turning 3. But she will still be too young for the preschools in my area. I digress...it sounds like the first option is great because about half the day would be structured learning and then it seems like probably structured play for the second half?