2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

DD is not in day care, my Mom watches her. She is alone in the AM and all day Fridays. Mon-Thurs afternoons she is with her 4 cousins (4-16) and another adult woman that helps my Mom. She goes to various library programs and just did 8 weeks of music class and the safari gym afterwards. She is very babied by her cousins (except the 4 yo, LOL) and isn't exposed to hitting, grabbing, biting, etc. Not that she is an angel but pretty good for a 2 yo. She is smart as a whip (tx, Mom!!) so she doesn't need the academics. I would like for her to go in the fall (she'd be 2years, 3 months in Sept) for 2, 2.5 hour sessions. I would like to her socialize more with other kids and give my Mom a little break. But I will be honest-- I am scared as HELL as to some of the behaviors she might be exposed to, that she'll get hurt or even learn a bad behavior and hurt someone else. How bad is it in these 2yo programs? I have 2 places to interview but I am curious how you think discipline and bad behavior is handled by real Mom's who have been through it. Like I said, would love for her to socialize more and learn she doesn't always get to be "the baby" but I am scared to leave her there and not know what happens.
Tx for any input/experiences.

2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

From my experience with my friends who tried it at that age (and with kids who never went to daycare) they all found their kids were too young for the "drop off" classes.

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

Both my kids did 2 yo programs. They loved it and learned so much! They were so excited about it too! I'm really glad they did it.

Edited to add: I never had problems at that age with picking up bad habits, getting hurt etc. yes, they may get hit or hit someone but that is an important life lesson they need to learn. It's going to happen sooner or later.

Message edited 5/3/2013 12:59:12 PM.

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My DS will be 3 in December and I'm sending him to nursery school on Tues and Thurs mornings for 2 hours in September. He doesn't *need* it socially or academically bc we've been in various programs since he was 9mo, but I think the independence will be good for him. I vote yes! She will do great (especially if she's advanced academically) and it will expose her to lots of new things!

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My DD started a 2 year old program at that age, but she had also been in daycare prior to that. I hardly ever hear about discipline/behavior problems in her preschool class (and at this point, she's old enough to rat out one of her friends if they get in trouble, lol).

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

Tx, I was so excited when I first thought about her going and then all of a sudden got so anxious and worried. Guess that's what us mommies do. I do know she needs to learn how to get along with others but the thought of me not being there to see what is going on is hard for me. I see stuff on the playground and what not and know I am there to see what really happens and to address it as needed. I think she will love it, this is all about me, LOL.

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My twins went to a 2yo program. They were in daycare only a few days a week for a few months but from 8mo - age 2 they were home w/ DH. They LOVED it. I looked at a ton of places and finally found one that was a good fit. They paint, play, learn things that I just wouldn't have thought to teach them, they sing all kinds of songs. It's been a wonderful experience. They did not have any trouble adjusting at all. They go 3 mornings a week from 945 - 12. It's terrific!

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My son goes to a 2 yr old program for an 1.5 a day, 3 days a week. I notice a really big difference in him and it has been great for me too. I am a stay at home mom and have an education background BUT there is only so much I can do here with him and I alone. He learns a lot from me but at school he is learning how to share, listen to other adults, do projects, and so much more. I have met a lot of other moms and now we are invited to play dates and birthday parties as well as mom only get togethers. We also go to school in our community so it's a nice feeling being apart of the community and the stuff that comes along with that. I also get a break for just a small amount of time but any breather right now with an almost 3 yr old and a 13 month old makes a big difference. Ds also strives having a tight schedule and activities. He's a beast at home when he isn't involved in stuff. He also sleeps better since starting school. He will attending nursery school in the fall for 3 yr olds five half days.

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

Most people we know did a 2 year program. By me it varies by birthday which ones you are eligible for (and changes by school). By me the options are full separation, 1st half of the year (sept-dec) mommy and me then jan-june separation class, mommy and me. These were all kids who have sahm's. Most did drop off I only know one who did mommy and me.

My girls both did a full separation class. The parent goes with them the 1st day, as the child does well they move the parent to chairs in the corner, then the hallway. Most parents went the 1st 3-4 classes. It was a 2 hr 2 day a week program. The only kids I saw who had a rough time still had to be pried from mommy at age 4, after doong a 2 and 3 yr program. My feeling is it largely depends on the kid. IMO some kids just have a harder time separating than others whether they were 2, 3 or 4.

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My dd is currently in a 2 year old program ( she will be 3 in July) and goes 2 mornings a week from 9 to 11...it's the best thing I have done for her so far...she LOVES it and has learned so much!

2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

My 2 year old goes to school 3 days a week. He loves it. In sept he will go 5 days a week

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?

I don't think it's necessary at 2.

DS is quite social (he does have a little sister). He is watched by grandmas too (I would think differently if he was in daycare).

He's almost 3. No difference between him and 3 year olds who were in preschool for 2s. The only difference is maybe the one you alluded to (he's not aggressive or rough as we can't have that with his little sister). He is exposed to cousins and other kids.

At 3 now, we would like him in an organized activity so he can listen to a "teacher"... But it won't be every day due to technical difficulties with the baby sitting (even a full day program won't cover our work hours).

Re: 2 year Old Pre-school programs--yeah or nay?