Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I do not think that kids absolutely need to be in preschool. I think that with enriching experiences and stimulation at home, they will probably be just fine without it. I personally think the expectations in kindergarten need to be adjusted and the pressure reduced.

That said, I just enrolled my DS in preschool for the fall. He'll be three and will go two afternoons a week. We want him to have the socialization and school-based experiences I can't provide at home (I'll also have a newborn then). Also, I feel like he's bored sometimes at home, and he needs more of the academic stimulation since he already knows all his letters and letter sounds, numbers to 100, etc.

I am nervous about him going, I think it'll be harder on me to see him leaving the nest and going to school. but I think doing it gradually like this (vs suddenly going five days a week in kindergarten) is better for everyone.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I think it depends on the child. I know some kids who are very clingy to their mom and have separation anxiety. Preschool has helped a lot with their independence. I think if I were a SAHM, I would at least enroll my child in preschool by age 4.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

My 5 year old has never gone to preschool.

1. money. Paying for art, music, spanish, sports. Those kept us busy anyway. We use free library classes, lowe's building classes, he use to go to lego classes. preschool seemed unnecessary compared to other activities.

2. habits. he is a really good boy. i pick and choose who he hangs out with. there is no talking back.

3. it really would have gotten in the way of life. we were always somewhere doing something. with a group of kids his age. not, 5...but would rotate out 25 kids. i can't see how sitting in a room with the same kids beats the zoo, train to library, museums, or gold mining. that is where i wanted my money to go.

4. he has asthma. i did not trust him to tell the teacher he needed meds.

5. he reads and writes. we study a different state everyday and he does a little report of it for when dh gets home.

since then i have moved. i can see if you don't have the support system and places to go that preschool would be a benefit to get them out of the house. he starts kindergarten in august. we are so excited. i know he is going to walk in and be fine. he actually can't wait to get away from me

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

DS has been going to music class since he was 10 months old, gym at 12 months and started preschool prep at 18 months. Those were probably unnecessary.

DS started part time preschool at 2.5 yo and is now in full time preschool at age 3. He LOVES preschool. Socialization, listening to directions, learning, playing in a group, etc. are so beneficial.

I don't know why anyone would NOT want to send their child to preschool. Maybe not at 2 but definitely at 3 or 4. They do so much at school with their classmates. You can do a lot of playdates for socialization but I don't think it is the same as being in a classroom.

Message edited 2/24/2012 8:17:42 AM.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

DS has been in daycare since he's been 3 months and I'm amazed everyday how much he's learned.
If I was a SAHM I probably wouldn't of even thought to teach him so much so to me, Yes... sending a child (prob arouind 3) is important to get them prepared for Kindergarten. THere's a full day K in DS's school. THe kids are writing sentences and learning so much.

Also to add. DS is speech delayed with sensory issues. I honestly think him in daycare helps him tremendously. His OT and Speech teacher said they can tell a child that goes to daycare b/c they're usually more social and structured.
Again, I'm just speaking for my child. Daycare is huge for him and with his delays I think he's come farther having structured classes and getting good social skills.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

not "needed" at 2 or 3, but i think some exposure is good for them. at 4....i think preschool is definitely needed.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

At 2 I don't think it is necessary.

At 3 I am still on the fence about DS for next year. Academically I don't think it is necessary, and I think the socialization can be gained other ways (classes, etc.). But, learning to follow the requests of someone other than a parent is important for kindergarten, but I do believe that can wait til age 4.

I just feel like there's so much of an emphasis on preparing for the next step...Starting at 2 to prepare for kindergarten. And while maybe students start knowing more than we did 20 or 30 years ago, clearly they aren't graduating knowing more, so something is going wrong along the way. IMO, who cares if you can write the alphabet when you're 4--that will come.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I am not a teacher, so everything i do is going to be trial and error since i have no experience.

but to me, raise a nice kid and they will listen to the teacher.
go to the park and tell your kid to go up to strange boy and say hi i am josh do you want to play?
is plenty socialization.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I am a SAHM and home school until Kindergarten. Our oldest is in Kindergarten now and had no issues adjusting to a school environment. They are on target with all their peers academically and has always been a super outgoing, articulate child.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I really think it depends on the child and the situation. At 3 I put Teddy into a summer camp and then he started preschool that fall for 3x a week. Well now he is in UPK and for 5x a week he is at school. I looove how much he is learning and gaining his confidence. But I agree I think 2 is a little young 3 sure for a few days a week and by 4 def 5 days a week for a few hours. They have crazy requirements for Kindergarten these days.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I love having DS in daycare and I much prefer it over having a nanny/babysitter in the house watching him. He gets socialization, and an enriched curriculum. They do more with him than I ever could!

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

(non-parent but hope to be soon) i don't think its necessary to put your child in daycare and/or pre-school. I was in pre-school PT and it did nothing as far as socialization for me. It actually made it worse. It is something you need to know its best for your child if you have a choice to choose it. If your child really loves to be in social environments and craves it then I would def. choose to enroll them PT or even FT. Some children need more time at home with their parents and in smaller social circles in order to blossom when they get into kindergarten.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I have friends who have been kindergarten teachers for well over 10 years and they both say there is no difference in the kids who went to pre-k versus those who didn't a few months into the school season.

I never attended pre-k and I did fine. I have no plans on having DS attend either at this point.

IMO I feel like there is to much presure on children so early on to get ahead of or at the same level as John and Mary.

Each child is different and is going to learn at their own pace and time. I don't think it will be the end of the world if my son doesn't know how to tell time when he enters kindergarten.

He will be in school for the next 16-18 years - I don't see the need to start it at 3 again jmo.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Yes Riley started at 18 months once a week until she turned 2 now she goes twice a week for 3 hours each day!! She loves it!! Before that my parents and in laws only watched her so she wasn't really around other kids!! She took to it like nothing!! Plus were she goes is my moms best friends preschool so it made it even easier!! If I didn't have this school I would of waited until she was at least 3 years old.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I think by 3, yes. Its great to have a little separation, socialization, etc

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Do I think they NEED it?
No.
Do I think they BENEFIT from it?
Yes I do.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

i think by 3, yes they do. I think what they learn and the skills that preschool teaches them are invaluable.

the structure, the socialization - just the simple idea of sitting in a seat and having that control is something that is expected of them by the time they get to K - especially since now most schools are full day K.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

I was against these pre pre school type settings however my girls did Mommy and Me last summer at a school and are now doing a slow separation school program and they love it. They are getting a lot out of it.

I think by 3 children really should be in some form of school setting. As a teacher I can see how the stakes are now higher. What was once learned in K is now learned in Pre K and what was once learned in 1st is done is K. PreK and K used to be about dramatic play now both are becoming more and more academic.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by JennCo

i think by 3, yes they do. I think what they learn and the skills that preschool teaches them are invaluable.

the structure, the socialization - just the simple idea of sitting in a seat and having that control is something that is expected of them by the time they get to K - especially since now most schools are full day K.

I just want to start by saying, as I posted earlier, PreK has it's merits and can only help. No doubt.

But that being said, as someone who taught Kindergarten, I can tell you with regards to your statement that it's "expected" they be able to sit still and control themselves coming into Kindergarten, is not 100% accurate.

I'm sure some schools and teachers may have different expectations but where I taught in Queens, for the most part, the first few weeks in Sept. were really meant for teaching the kids routines and behaviors........... how to sit still, how to raise their hand, how to stand in line, how to wait your turn, how to walk through the halls, how to come to the carpet, how to hang your coat in the cubby, etc. etc. etc. That's what those early weeks of Kindergarten are for.

If a kid walked into my class and was able to sit down, line up, follow directions, etc. without any problem right from the get go, that's awesome! But realistically, all of those routines and behaviors will be taught and reinforced over and over again within those first few weeks and PreK or not, by the end of Sept. every kid in the class knew what was expected of them throughout the day. It does take some longer than others to really get it all down (PreK or not) but they all do get it at some point.

Just wanted to share my experience.

And I agree with one of the above posters...........these routines and behaviors are something you can teach as a parent.

For example, my DD knows which bucket to put which toys in, she knows to push in her chair, clean up her messes, hang her coat on her door, wait and follow directions, etc. It's just something I reinforce with her throughout each day and I know she will carry those behaviors over into Kindergarten.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Message edited 2/24/2012 3:38:13 PM.

Re: Do you think 2y, or 3y, or even 4y olds NEED daycare/preschool?

Posted by JennCo

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by JennCo

i think by 3, yes they do. I think what they learn and the skills that preschool teaches them are invaluable.

the structure, the socialization - just the simple idea of sitting in a seat and having that control is something that is expected of them by the time they get to K - especially since now most schools are full day K.

I just want to start by saying, as I posted earlier, PreK has it's merits and can only help. No doubt.

But that being said, as someone who taught Kindergarten, I can tell you with regards to your statement that it's "expected" they be able to sit still and control themselves coming into Kindergarten, is not 100% accurate.

I'm sure some schools and teachers may have different expectations but where I taught in Queens, for the most part, the first few weeks in Sept. were really meant for teaching the kids routines and behaviors........... how to sit still, how to raise their hand, how to stand in line, how to wait your turn, how to walk through the halls, how to come to the carpet, how to hang your coat in the cubby, etc. etc. etc. That's what those early weeks of Kindergarten are for.

If a kid walked into my class and was able to sit down, line up, follow directions, etc. without any problem right from the get go, that's awesome! But realistically, all of those routines and behaviors will be taught and reinforced over and over again within those first few weeks and PreK or not, by the end of Sept. every kid in the class knew what was expected of them throughout the day. It does take some longer than others to really get it all down (PreK or not) but they all do get it at some point.

Just wanted to share my experience.

And I agree with one of the above posters...........these routines and behaviors are something you can teach as a parent.

For example, my DD knows which bucket to put which toys in, she knows to push in her chair, clean up her messes, hang her coat on her door, wait and follow directions, etc. It's just something I reinforce with her throughout each day and I know she will carry those behaviors over into Kindergarten.

I'm glad you shared your point of view b/c I've heard that alot of those skills you mentioned are already expected of K aged children. So i find that interesting.
DS is 2 and in his daycare class they teach him to hang up his own coat in his cubby, walk in a line with the other children when leaving the classroom (they have this ring rope thing that each child holds onto) and they have a designated reading time where they all sit down and read with the teacher.
Like I said, based on what I've heard about K, those skills are somewhat expected of children at that age so if thats not the case, it's good to know.