Please help: Preschool

I am trying to decide to start my DDs in preschool at 2 years old or 3 years old. I don't know what to do. DDs will be 2 in October, I don't know if it is worth it, to start them at that age.

I don't want a structured school schedule for a 2 year old, so that is why sending them at 3 may be better. Help, need advice.

Re: Please help: Preschool

I think it all depends on what you want. I sent my daughter at 2 - and she loves it, and is learning a lot. But you have to be comfortable with it. If you are more comfy starting her at three then wait.

Message edited 1/9/2008 8:27:44 AM.

Re: Please help: Preschool

I started Sarah at 2.5. She had severe stranger anxiety that we wanted to work on.

Plus with the age difference in mine I can't do Mommy & Me type stuff. Andy's too young for Sarah's classes and she's too old for his and I couldn't find anywhere that would accomodate us. So it's nice that she can play with the other kids.

Re: Please help: Preschool

Mine were always in daycare so they went right into pre-school when the spots were available.

In terms of what I've seen, the older you start the harder of an adjustment it can be. I think it depends on the kind of mom you are.

If you're doing playdates & on the go a lot, then I would say you can hold off. If you're a home body, then I would say do it. I've noticed the stay-at-home kids have a harder time adjusting versus the mom who is socializing their kid multiple times a week.

Would the pre-school allow you 1 spot, where 1 child goes 3 days a week, the other 2 days a week and then switch the following week? That way you get some alone time with 1 child every day.

Re: Please help: Preschool

I am starting DD at 2 but really she will be almost 3 because she turns 3 in Dec and will start preschool in Sept 2008. I actually want some sort of structure but then agsin DD will be almost 3. I think she needs some sort of structure.

Re: Please help: Preschool

We started DS with separation classes in Gymboree at 2-ish. At 3, we started preschool, and now, at 4, he's in Pre-K. We did the very gradual approach, since DS doesn't like change too much, so we're hoping that a gradual increase in formal class will help him with kindergarten. It seems to be working for us.

You may want to look into something that is more than Mommy and Me, but less than a structured preschool, if that might make you more comfortable. That's why we went with the classes at Gymboree. It was an hour or so, parents aren't in the class, there is some structure involved, but nothing too strict. For us, it was a nice intermediate stage.

Re: Please help: Preschool

you sent your DD at 2? What kind of school was it? Did you have to pay? My DD is 2 1/2 and I want so bad to get her into something but $ is kinda tight

Re: Please help: Preschool

We are starting to look now, but most of the places we have found have either been or a church where the child has to be 3, or if they are 2 you have to go with them. I'll let you know if I find anything reasonable!

Re: Please help: Preschool

I may put DS in next Sept. He'll turn 2 that November.

Re: Please help: Preschool

My DD was 2 in September and she goes for 2 hours on Fridays to a playschool. I would have preferred 2 days (but it wasn't an option at her school), but I do honestly believe that they have their whole lives to be in school, so there's really no need to rush it. Quite frankly, going two days at 2 years old would have been more for me than for her! My DH didn't want her to go at all because he felt 2 was too young, but is glad now because her nursery school is 3 days/3 hrs and I think going from nothing to that would have been a tough transition.

ETA...other than Fridays, she and I go to playgroup on Thursdays and my cousin watches her on Wednesdays and my ILs are in the mix as well, so she's on the go a lot. If that were not the case, I may have searched for something a bit more.

Message edited 1/9/2008 4:33:59 PM.

Re: Please help: Preschool

thank you ladies. it seems DH and I have a lot to think about. I can't believe we have to worry about this already.

Re: Please help: Preschool

I am going to send my DD in for the fall to a 2 year old program. She is just too active to be home with me.

It's two days a week, two hours a day! It's $135 a month.

Re: Please help: Preschool

My Ds started school this Sept. He turned 2 in Oct. It's 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs. He absolutely LOVES it!!!!! And he is learning soooo much!

Re: Please help: Preschool

I'm sending them at 3 but I can't imagine any 2 year old program being too structured. They should be focused on socialization at that point, i would imagine.

Re: Please help: Preschool

I just started DD in a program that is 3x/week, 2 hrs 45 min, she just turned 22 months...
I did it for socialization and b/c I cannot keep her entertained all the time, especially since I have an 8 week old at home...