is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

DS will be 2 in july and i was thinking of sending him to preschool in sept for 2-3 hours a day, 2-3 days a week.

i can't do a coop since i work.

the one i'm looking at is 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. it's about 400 a month. it's a montessori (which i'm not choosing for the fact that it's montessori, just that it's a nice place and not a coop)

i just don't know if it's worth it. my mom watches him and DD when i work and she takes him to the park, gymboree, etc. i want him to socialize with other kids, but i'm wondering if i should wait until he's 3.

i will have to sign up next week and DH and i just don't know what to do.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

It was really worth it for my kids. DD really needed separation from me because she has a lot of anxiety. It helped with the separation anxiety a lot.

DS had a slight speech delay which really improved when he was in school away from DD and she wasn't talking over him all the time.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

My dd is in a two year old program and LOVES it. I love the socialization aspect of it. $400 does sound a bit high though....

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

If he is socializing then I would say to wait until he is 3. I sent DD#1 at 2 years and 8 months to preschool, twice a week, for 2 1/2 hours per day. Honestly, it was not really worth it.
She went to preschool 3 x's a week for the next 2 years after that at a wonderful Preschool and WOW what a difference.
JMHO

ETA: I am not sure if it had to do with the school because the school I really wanted(and she eventually went to) did not take them that young.

Message edited 1/4/2010 9:44:17 PM.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

DS is 2 and started nursery school in Sept. and loves it! He goes 2 x's a week for 1 1/2 hrs.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

DS started school in Sept (he was two on June 28th) and he loves it. It's 2 hours two days a week. I would have done three days if I knew how much he would enjoy it.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

If you would have asked me a year ago if I was going to send DS to a 2 year old program I definitely would have said NO....

I just didnt think it was worth it....

With that said, on a whim, I asked at the JCC if they had a 2 year old program...

After checking out the program DH and I decided to sign DS up..

He LOVES it..LOVES IT!!!

It was the best decision we could have made...

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

thanks everyoe!

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

thanks for posting this..i was thinking about the same thing..not sure if i should start ds at 2 or 3. I'm now leaning towards 2.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

DD will be 2 in April and I just started to look at schools with 2 year old programs.

I'm looking at 2 days per week for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. The prices I've gotten for this range from $110 to $260.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

400 sounds like a lot, and he's only two.

We waited till 3...he turned 3 two weeks ago and I just dropped him off this AM at his first solo art class.

He walked in fine, did not want to leave...no seperation anxiety at all. He was actually mad that he wasn't getting on a school bus by himself this AM.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

It is absolutely worth it! Michael has learned SO much since he started preschool 3 months ago...its amazing! He loves it, loves his friends and his teachers!

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

We are waiting until the fall to put DD in.. she turns 3 in August. I didn't feel like she needed it earlier. She doesn't really have separation issues, and I feel like the 2 years before Kindergarten is enough. But if you think it's a good idea, go for it. It could only be beneficial!

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

DD started at a Montessori school at 21 months. It's been fabulous.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

My older DS is 2 1/2 and has been in daycare since 13 weeks old so I can say without hesitation that yes, it is worth it in my view. The interraction they are offered with their peers and the things they can learn are amazing. My son will also be in a Montessori class next year and I'm very, very happy with our decisions regarding his time in daycare.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

my dd goes to in home care so she gets socialization there...that said, I will probably put her in a program in September for a few days a week when she is 3 1/2

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

I am a preschool teacher. I teach 3 year olds this year. My answer is no. Children will be in school for many many years. In my professional opinion a 2 year old should spend as much time with their parents as possible. (granted that's an option, I understand parents have to work and so thats not always possible) If you don't have to send him to school if you're a sahm I would keep him home until he's 4 and then send him to preschool.
I'm sure you will hear it differently and at the end its your call.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

If I had your situation, I would wait until he's 3. He's in Gymboree and at the park and I think that's great for now.

Re: is preschool worth it for a 2 year old? for 2-3 days a week?

I have friends who send their 2 yos and I really dont they they are better socialized or know more than my 2yo son who goes to gymnastics, library, music etc....

DS is a december baby so I will probably enroll him at 2y 9m but I am not 100% sure yet. I am not sure its worth the money at that point and maybe keep him home for another 6m-1y