Pre-K or No Pre-K?

DS will be 4 in October. He didn't go to pre-school. He was involved with library programs and other toddler programs from 18 months- now... His immune system isn't great and after another trip to the ER over the weekend, I am second guessing sending him to school this year... He doesn't understand why he is always sick. I know it is good to build him up, but if he is getting sick now without being in school, can you imagine how he will be when in school... I am thinking maybe another year to build him up without exposing him to EVERYTHING in a few months....

He gets speech now 2 days a week and OT 1 day a week. And that will continue through December... I found a place that is 3 days a week, 2.5 hours a day. I am not sure if I should put him in or just continue with his programs/sport activities and then go right into Kindergarten in September 2014..He is very social and friendly. He knows his colors, shapes, ABC's, numbers, etc.... He is very bright..

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

DD is about to go into Kindergarten. Pre-K made a HUGE difference in her! It was amazing how she started the year and how she ended. I couldn't imagine sending her to Kind without everything she learned in pre-k!

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

If it were me I would do it. I don't think that the extra year will build him that much but I would discuss that part with your doctor. I went to 2 years of nursery school before kindergarten and plan to do the same with DD. I think the school atmosphere provides structure and routine that might not be found in the programs you described. Plus, if he is going to get sick from going to school I think it better this year if he has to be absent than next year. I'm a teacher and I remember my first year of teaching I was sick often, nothing serious, and now I rarely get sick.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Honestly, I don't know one single child in our area that went to K without having gone to preschool and Pre-K. I think these days you are doing your child a huge disservice not sending him to Pre-K. Especially given that he is an October birthday. Unless you are holding him back and having him do Pre-K next year or K twice I, personally, would never start my child in K as their first school experience. It just wouldn't be fair to them at all honestly.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

It sounds like your major concerns have to do with his health and I would get this checked out further. Discuss with your doctor and have some tests done. Go for a second opinion maybe.

I don't think that should impact your decision to put him into Pre-K. It is very rare now for children to begin Kindergarten without Pre-K, and those who do often experience issues transitioning to the formal school setting and academics. IMO keep him in the pre-k program and definitely follow up with the health issues.

Good luck!

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

As a Special Education Teacher who teaches Kindergarten, I think you should definitely enroll him. Kindergarten these days is what first grade was for us.

DD will be a "young" kindergartener in 2015 and I am starting her in a PK3 program this September. 3 mornings a week.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I would still send him to school. It's preK so leaving him home a few days every once in a while isn't a big deal. I think it's still good to go to PreK before K. Meet the kids in the area, the structure of learning and school, the bus, etc.
First speak with your Ped about your concerns of his health. That's the first issue. My DS has been in daycare since 3 months. He was very sick the first few years always having ear infections or another virus.
It was horrible. Now he is sooo much better. Still gets sick, but not as bad and it's also good to expose him to other kids and germs to build his immune system.
He's also in the special ed preschool, which is making a huge difference. He is learning so much.
I have a friend who's daughter had major issues when she was born. She had to stay away from kids pretty much her first 2 years. Now at 4 she is doing amazing and healthy and goes to preschool 3 days a week. She does get sick, but it's part of being a kid. Kids can get sick at the library, mall, birthday parties, etc.

Message edited 7/23/2013 1:47:27 PM.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I would definitely send him to prek. I am a big advocate of preschool for both social and academic reasons.

Is there a reason why you don't want to send him?

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Is there a bigger health issue that's making you nervous? Or is it that he keeps 'getting sick' -
The first time they have that constant exposure to other kids in a class room setting, whether they're 5 months or 5 years old is when they'll initially get sick constantly - so if that is what you're worried about, I thnk it's better to put him in Pre K now ......you don't want to be constantly keeping him home from Kindergarten

My kids have been in daycare 3x a week since 6 months old, but if they were not, I'd absolutely without question put them in Pre K - I think it's extremely important before starting school full time, 5 days a week.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I would send him. Better that he builds his immunity now than wait until kindergarten where attendance is monitored. At least for pre-k you can keep him home when he is sick and not worry about it being on his record.

Also, if he is getting therapy now pre-k will probably be a tremendous help. He will be more comfortable with a school setting prior to kindergarten.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Many children don't go to Pre-K and turn out just fine. As long as you have had him enrolled in things so he knows how to take turns, can follow directions, and know the academics he needs to know, I don't see it to be an issue AT ALL.

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Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I'd send him to Pre-K.
DS went for 2 years and it helped him a lot in preparing for Kindergarten.
Kindergarten these days expect a lot with the whole Common Core criteria.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I don't think kids really need school super early.

Sounds like your son is getting lots of attention and education.

My pediatrician does not think it makes kids any smarter or more social in the long run.

This being said, I'm sending DS to a part time preschool because I WFT and would rather he play with kids than sit with a nanny for at least part of a day.

If your kid was a premie, or has some serious issue... You should absolutely prioritize his health.

Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I don't think there is a huge difference about having pre-k or not when parent is very involved

that saying - a child is going to get sick when ever they go to school for the first year a lot

but getting sick is actually good for them they have found out - the kids that go to daycare from a young age - get sick a lot at daycare but then they have a good immune system - they also have lower incidence of getting cancer in their 20s they found out

the only thing is I would rather them miss school in pre-k instead of k

my son seemed to have a terrible immune system - we even had his blood tittered to check that all the vacccines he received were taking - he went to day care and was very sick before he was 2 - he went to day care till 20 months and then a 2 year old program - but after he turned 2 he has barely been sick - so you never know what is going to come

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I think you should send him. Get sick now or get sick later, its going to happen. And I would build his immune system before he is in school full time. My DD went to pre k at 3 for 5 days. It was only 2.5 hrs but she needed it and loved it. Now entering 2nd grade, she is a pretty healthy kid. She had a rough 2 years of pre-k with ear infections, stomach virus, etc.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Those who say you need pre-K for kindergarten, why do you feel this way? For the teacher, what is it that they are expected to know when entering kindergarten?

I am debating on not sending my kids to pre-K as well... either that, or will just send them for one year. I think it's insane that people feel forced into sending a 2-yo to school. When do they get to be kids?

That being said, I'm open to sending to no pre-K OR one year... trying to educate myself in advance so please do send info if you have it on what is expected in kindergarten. TY!

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Message edited 7/24/2013 8:53:21 AM.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

Thanks for all the info.... I am having a full work up on him done in the next 2 weeks.. He is developing more food allergies which is worrisome in the school setting.. I did register him for one place and I have the option to pull him out if needed.

Pre-K or No Pre-K?

We personally are not sending our kids to Pre-K as of right now. For one, the pre-k program through our school the kids have to be 3 by December 1st. They miss it by a day. We also can not do the pick up and drop off around our work schedules. They are currently in an in home daycare that is run by a family friend and we are paying a lot less than what a regular daycare would cost. We've checked out some pre schools in a daycare setting and it is just way too expensive, we can't afford it. We have plans of moving to NC early next year, and I will be a SAHM, so i will re-visit the preschool thing then. Maybe sending them 2 days a week but for now, they will remain where they are. Do i wish i could send my kids to pre school? Yes! They are way too smart and need more of a challenge than what they are getting now. Do i think it's absolutely necessary to send my kids to pre school? No. As previous posters have said, as long as they are enrolled in things and we as their parents are very involved, i think they will be just fine.

Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?

I would send for the following reasons:

1 - I think it would be good for him to have seperation from you before Kindergarten.

2 - If your worried about constantly getting sick - pre-k may help his immune system build up before Kindergarten.

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Re: Pre-K or No Pre-K?