As a parent do you think preschool is necessary?

blushingbride_08 · September 2014

Many of my ds friends are going to preschool this week. Now it has me wondering do you think preschool is necessary? I was planning to send LO to kindergarden not preschool. Mind you he does go to play dates to socialize and I'm teaching him the numbers, alphabets, etc at home.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

Absolutely. For a kid who is typically developing a year is probably enough--for a child with any sort of delay the sooner the better. It's pretty conclusive that kids start at a disadvantage who don't get preschool and even though they can catch up fairly quickly it's foolish IMO to not give them the most ideal start. Obviously there are parents who make too much for head start/too little to afford it but for those who have some wiggle room I seriously side eye those who don't choose a year.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

Also preschool has zero to do with academics and a play date is incomparable to a preschool classroom.

raraavis28 · September 2014

Once upon a time, like long before I had kids, I thought it wasn't b/c I was basing it on my sisters' and my experiences growing up and what preschool and kinder were like. But Kindergarten has changed a lot.....even just the whole-day aspect is huge. I can't imagine keeping a kid home all the time and then expecting them to adjust easily to being in a classroom all day 5 days a week. And I'm not even talking about academic/social stuff. I really don't think skipping preschool is a good idea now.

penguingrrl · September 2014

I think preschool is absolutely critical. Playdates, gym daycare and some playing with letters and numbers with parents are wonderful things and certainly help a child have success in K and after, but the experience of being in an actual classroom is irreplaceable.

Keeptruckin · September 2014

Pre school is so important. Play dates do not involve circle time, standing in line, following instructions, etc. I have never known a child not to benefit and love preschool! And like kc said, if your kid has any delays it's even more important. DD is going through assessments now and I believe is only doing as well as she is now in school due to great preschool teachers!m

Aussie45 · September 2014

Play dates don't mirror being in a classroom setting. In a classroom, kids learn to raise their hand, wait their turn, wait in line, and how to navigate through different scenarios socially. DD will for sure be going to preschool before K.

Like someone else mentioned, it would be tough to go from being at home 24/7 to being in a classroom 5 days a week. Regardless of teaching numbers, colors, and other things at home, you just can't replicate classroom setting with one kid at home.

jensriot · September 2014

I didn't send my first to preschool and regretted it for her entire first year. She was fine, but kinder would have gone so much better for her if she'd been to preschool. Not necessarily academically, but with the social and class experience aspect. So far, this year is going so much better because she has K under her belt. L will go for two years and A will get 1-2 years depending on timing. Most likely 2 years.

fintin · September 2014

Necessary? No. Kids go into kinder without preschool alot.
Recommended? Yes! It helps so much and if you don't teach certain things that most of the kids already know he's already starting at a disadvantage.

notkateanymore · September 2014

OMG we've never talked about this before...

id012 · September 2014

I think it is! Ds is in preschool now he just started at age 3. My niece just started kindergarten and only attened a little 3 mo th pregram for preschool. My SIL sais shes hacing a hard time is really behind the other kids. Im sure she will catch up and excel in school adventually but for now my SIL regrets not sending her to normal preschool.

vlagrl29 · September 2014

DD just started preschool today at 3 1/2 years old. She loves it and didn't want to come back home. I could tell she needed the structure and time away from me. Tomorrow she starts dance class.

alli2672 · September 2014

I don't think it's completely necessary. Like if I lived in SF and would be able to pay my kids' college tuition if I saved what I would spend on preschool, then I probably wouldn't send them. I know that the studies don't show any benefit to headstart after third grade, and I would assume that would be true for preschool as well.

However, where I live, preschool is like $100/mo and 6 hours/wk. Even most of the homeschool parents still send their kids to preschool. It's just fun and social and gives kids some classroom experience prior to kindergarten.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

notkateanymore said:

OMG we've never talked about this before...

It's the sahm unity horse though

Andrewsgal · September 2014

This post has my name all over it

. Yes one year of preschool is necessary. Lol at kids catch up by third grade. Um pretty sure three years of catch up will tank a kids self confidence. I hate that asinine argument.

dizzycooks · September 2014

Kimbus22 said:

Yep. Unless you truly can't afford it without giving up food or the logistics of it in your area with your work schedules make it actually impossible, I have no idea why anyone would deny their kid that experience.

And I would say if it is "impossible" due to your work schedule then you perhaps should consider a childcare facility that offers preschool.

I am not a fan of fullday preschool starting much before 4yo, but there should definitely be at least one year of preschool before kindergarten. Like others said, just the classroom setting is different and takes practice.

MomIn2013 · September 2014

SS. In Ontario we have public Junior Kindergarten, which kids start in the year they turn 4, so it's like one year of preschool before kindergarten. Same idea, though, and yes, I agree that this one year at a minimum is very important to help them prepare for/transition into school.

penguingrrl · September 2014

JellyBellyStarr said:

MomIn2013 said:

SS. In Ontario we have public Junior Kindergarten, which kids start in the year they turn 4, so it's like one year of preschool before kindergarten. Same idea, though, and yes, I agree that this one year at a minimum is very important to help them prepare for/transition into school.

It's here too...it's called pre-k.

I think she means a free universal program, not just a tuition-based option. Very few states have universal preK.

JulyMumma · September 2014

An absolute must.

2 years of preschool for a child who does not attend daycare

1 year of preschool for a child who does attend daycare

If you can't afford it - pick up a PT job to pay for it.

fancynewbeesly · September 2014

I stated this before--many times, but right now I really regret Reese not being able to start preschool this year. Her doctors won't let her, so hopefully she will be able to go next year for pre-k. In my eyes, at least ONE year (but I prefer two) is extremely important for kindergarten.

Preschool isn't so much academics, but things you can't learn not in a classroom setting. (lining up, waiting your turn, raising your hand, listening to other adults, sharing, independence, etc)

notkateanymore · September 2014

Dammit, why can't I add the Friends "New Information" gif here???

Seriously peeps, preschool=yes.

fancynewbeesly · September 2014

sing4mysavior said:

@fancynewbeesly‌ I hope this come across right... We all wish that Reese could be in preschool this year! Through these unfortunate circumstances though, she is growing in ways other kids couldn't even dream of. I know it is definitely NOT what you'd choose if you could, but all her interactions and appointments and new people and waiting and procedures is really going to grow her so much. She is such a strong girl with such a devoted mama and she's gonna ROCK preschool next year.

Thanks so much! That completely made me smile. Academically, I know she is ahead. Not even so much with memorization of facts (although she knows all the colors, alphabet, numbers, etc), but just logical reasoning. But again---logical reasoning in kindergarten only gets you that far--if you want the teacher to actually listen to you, you can't call out out your logical reasoning every 2 minutes! I think it is harder because right now (since January) except for a few hand picked playdates, she doesn't do ANY group socialization (except at the hospital) So no more gymboree, dance, swim lessons, library times, etc-which will also make it harder for her to adapt. I know she will done fine, but it is one of the things I worry about.

That and everything that has been going on makes her the center of attention, and being an only child to boot! Hopefully she will get approved for next year!

MesmrEwe · September 2014

While I don't think it's absolutely 100% necessary - neither of my kids will be in a formal preschool program, but instead it's a guided DCP program where they basically learn everything and then some that they'd experience in formal preschool. DD went into K ahead of her peers by almost a full year, which is kind of sad considering she didn't have a preschool program and the school was operating one of their own. This should have been my first warning at that place - might have saved three years of heartache!

I think it's good to have some form of early education, but each family should decide for themselves which is the best environment for their LO's to learn the best.

Aussie45 · September 2014

I agree with everything that @sing4mysavior said (and so eloquently put to boot). Reese is learning different kinds of socialization through all of her appointments, treatments, etc. It's obviously not the optimal choice, but hopefully next year will work out the way you guys want it to and Reese can start preschool. I followed her page on FB and I'm blown away by how she just takes everything in stride (and you as well). She is an amazingly strong little girl.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

MesmrEwe said:

While I don't think it's absolutely 100% necessary - neither of my kids will be in a formal preschool program, but instead it's a guided DCP program where they basically learn everything and then some that they'd experience in formal preschool. DD went into K ahead of her peers by almost a full year, which is kind of sad considering she didn't have a preschool program and the school was operating one of their own. This should have been my first warning at that place - might have saved three years of heartache!
I think it's good to have some form of early education, but each family should decide for themselves which is the best environment for their LO's to learn the best.

So how is this program different than a typical preschool?

MesmrEwe · September 2014

LalaMama81 said:

Also, wouldn't any decent daycare include age-appropriate curriculum including a prek element for a 4-5 year old?

No one I know using center daycare uses a separate preschool.

Primarily this @Andrewsgal - it's not a preschool but they do have an age appropriate curriculum they follow through all ages from infant up to school-age. It's rather Montessori than formal preschool.. There's no set "class time" per say but they do structured activities together.

KMommytobe · September 2014

Yeah absolutely think it's important and can only help them!!! Our 3 yr old starts next week.

I think it's great to ease them into school as well. Instead of throwing them into kindergarten 5 days a week they do a couple days one year, 3 days the next.. Etc. (easier on the parent too!)

Andrewsgal · September 2014

MesmrEwe said:

LalaMama81 said:

Also, wouldn't any decent daycare include age-appropriate curriculum including a prek element for a 4-5 year old?

No one I know using center daycare uses a separate preschool.

Primarily this @Andrewsgal - it's not a preschool but they do have an age appropriate curriculum they follow through all ages from infant up to school-age. It's rather Montessori than formal preschool.. There's no set "class time" per say but they do structured activities together.

um that's preschool

ariel06 · September 2014

I can the difference socially and academic between my niece and nephew who attended an at home daycare vs my kids having two years of preschool (plus ECFE). My almost 6 year old niece just who just started kindergarten could count to 20, but didn't have a clue when I asked her to actual count how many of an object (and I'm talking less than 10 items). Even though she had the social aspect of being at daycare 5 days a week, she had no clue on really basic "preschool" skills like taking turns, listening, following 3 step directions, using scissors, etc. Nephew is still struggling with the social aspects of school as a 3rd grader.

shipsshoessealingwax · September 2014

Okay, I'm aware that this will probably be considered a really stupid question, so please don't flame me... Would public Pre-K be considered the same as / equivalent to a preschool program, for the purposes of this discussion?

honkytonk_kid · September 2014

LittleLuvBug said:
Okay, I'm aware that this will probably be considered a really stupid question, so please don't flame me... Would public Pre-K be considered the same as / equivalent to a preschool program, for the purposes of this discussion?

I don't see why it wouldn't, it's just that many (most?) school districts don't offer universal public pre-k.

penguingrrl · September 2014

LittleLuvBug said:

Okay, I'm aware that this will probably be considered a really stupid question, so please don't flame me... Would public Pre-K be considered the same as / equivalent to a preschool program, for the purposes of this discussion?

It does in my mind. In my experience public preK is rarely available, but generally offers the same opportunities that private preK does.

Angela814 · September 2014

penguingrrl said:

JellyBellyStarr said:

MomIn2013 said:

SS. In Ontario we have public Junior Kindergarten, which kids start in the year they turn 4, so it's like one year of preschool before kindergarten. Same idea, though, and yes, I agree that this one year at a minimum is very important to help them prepare for/transition into school.

It's here too...it's called pre-k.

I think she means a free universal program, not just a tuition-based option. Very few states have universal preK.

Most (but not all) districts in my area have free public 4K. I actually think there's only one that doesn't.

penguingrrl · September 2014

Angela814 said:

JellyBellyStarr said:

MomIn2013 said:

SS. In Ontario we have public Junior Kindergarten, which kids start in the year they turn 4, so it's like one year of preschool before kindergarten. Same idea, though, and yes, I agree that this one year at a minimum is very important to help them prepare for/transition into school.

It's here too...it's called pre-k.

I think she means a free universal program, not just a tuition-based option. Very few states have universal preK.
Most (but not all) districts in my area have free public 4K. I actually think there's only one that doesn't.

That's lovely. You're incredibly fortunate. The only district I lived in that had free public K was NYC. In NJ and PA neither district offered it. The school we were in in NJ had tuition-based preK for typically developing kids and free preK for students with special needs. The school district we're in in PA doesn't have a preK program at all.

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