2 year old school programs - need advice

I am so torn on what to do with Jack.

There is a few places over here when we can do a Mommy and Me class - it's once a week for about an hour and a half.

I also found someplace with a 2 year old drop off program for two days a week. I'm thinking this may be great for him since he has been home with me since birth - and hopefully I will have a baby around that time so it would give me and the baby some alone bonding time.

What are your thoughts on this?

What would you do?

Thanks!

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

Well, we are most likely doing the drop off type program.

I think it is good for them at this age, the socialization away from Mom or Dad, you know?

And it is getting them ready for "real" preschool

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

Honestly, I am in the same boat as you.

I think I would do the drop off class with him. If your house is anything like mine, you both need it

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

I think it really all depends on your DC... I know for my DD it wouldn't work.. the 2 year old program we are currently doing is not separation- the first few classes, Maddie was nervous and cried- and she's finally now able to fly on her own- we're getting to the point where I can run an errand and leave if I want (up to teacher).

If you think DC will be able to be separated from you clean, then give it a whirl!

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

I wrote in Kate's post about what we were going to do.

Feb-June 09: Mommy and me (1 time per week)
July-August: Slow separation class (2 times per week, 1hour and 45 minutes, mommy are present)
Sept: pre-school 2 days per week (2 hours each time). That was leaving us with still some time to do other things during the week. You could also add a 3rd day.

It was all at Kiddie Junction in Levittown. So he would have been "familiar" with the school by the time it was pre-school time in Sept. Up to 2 weeks ago they still had availability.

Toddler Time is 5 days per week.

Message edited 1/28/2009 1:14:22 PM.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

We do the drop off 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs. I think it is perfect for Andrew. He is learning so much and made so many new friends. He is learning to share better, more shapes, all different colors.

He comes home and tells me all about the books his teacher read and the songs they sang. I am so excited for him.

He turns 3 in May and I in Sept signed him up for 3 days.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

I would do the drop off program...however, I may be jaded since I have dropped DS off since he was 5 months old

seriously though--Jack would be great in a drop off and you will have time alone or with new baby...do it

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

I would try it. It will probably shake up your week a bit.

I am going to hold off...I think he would love it, but his asthma makes me nutty. I have to wait till he's older and has more control.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

Just a quick note to add to my post and "what if" DS is not ready come September and you already paid for the deposit.

In the case of Kiddie Junction, you could transfer back to a slow separation class until January and try again for pre-school in jan/feb.

So it's something you may want to ask when you enroll DS to a pre-school.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

My DD started 2 yr old program in September when she was 21 months. They had a 3 week transition period where we slowly introduced them to the school etc.

She loves it! She does so many activities and gets to play and it breaks up her day (and mine to! )

I say try it - worst case he cannot handle it and you take him out.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

I was originally going with a mommy and me - but it was going to get too complicated b.c I wouldn't have a baby sitter for the baby.

I ended up going with a one day a week separation program. The moms go for the 1st class - and then for as long as your DC needs you. I was told some moms leave after the 1st class others stay for up to say 5 classes (you can stay as long as needed - just the moms sit in the corner with a book and are told to not make eye contact).

I chose this b.c DD now does classes with me or she is home with me or at playdates with me. I want her to be comfortable going on her own for a 3 year program so I thought this was a nice alternative.

etd to add my preschool is a co-op and we pay per month - you will get your money back for any classes you don't attend if you need to remove your child b.c they don't separate - but they will allow the mom to stay for as many classes as your child needs so really it is about both of your comfort levels - if your child is happy but you can't leave then it is your choice whether you pull them or not.

Message edited 1/28/2009 3:10:05 PM.

Re: 2 year old school programs - need advice

Thanks everyone!