Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

DD is only 2 & I never thought 'd send her so young but since we're together ALL the time I figured it would be good for both of us.
There's a preschool by my house that she could go just one day a week (2.5 hours.)
I was about to fill out the form but now I'm not sure.
I just keep thinking that she will be in school for so many years, why start so early.
Also, I resigned from my job to be with her so to pay for a school is a lot (even though one day won't break the bank but it's just the point that I stay home to be with her.)
She is an only child but she's with other kids at least 3 days a week at our library classes & church nursery.
I know I'm making a big deal out of one stupid day but I just can't decide.
What would you do?

Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

If you can afford it, I say do it. There are so many benefits to being in a school setting. Even though it is only a day, she will learn so much, have friends, and get used to a routine.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Beck - just sent you an fm.


What is the cost for one day a week?
Anyone know of a range?

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

2.5 is too young for me.. Wait another year and then do it.... JMO

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

None of my children went. We did library classes and them dance. They grow up so fast and didn't want to miss any time with them. I have read that children who go to preschool are more likely to go to college. It's a tough call. My youngest is 5 and not in K yet. She can count to 100 and knows the calendar and can write her name. I just would work with her even when driving. They can learn alot from home. Either way enjoy every moment

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

From a sahm perspective. I see people say you can teach them the work, but to me, that is not why you should put your DC in. I think one day a week 2 hrs or so is great. It is about being comfortable separating from you. Socialing without mommy. Learning the classroom routine and listening to the teacher and someone other than mommy. Most library programs at that age are mommy and me so you really don't get that tiny chance to be independent from you. One or two day programs for a short time will do that without making you feel like you are dumping them or too much for that age. Not sure where you live but by me almost all the 2 years do some sort of program whether it was mommy and me or separation (depends on the birthday to which program you are eligible but 2.5 in Sep would do a one or two day separation 2-2.5 hrs).

Anyone can teach their child the work but the social/classroom rules can't be easily taught at home without other children there. Yes some can be taught at playdates but it was not the same. My girls also did library storytimes, gymboree, music together. But those type classes did not offer the same benefit as just being in a classroom and starting to learn what they had to offer. So if you can afford it then go for it. If not wait until 3.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I am starting my DS at 2 1/2 2 mornings a week. It is not about academics for me, or even separation as I work and he is with a babysitter, with 2 other kids. I want him to have the teacher directed experience without me. We do library classes, gymnastic classes, mommy and me, etc. But I want him to be able to navigate with a teacher, and learn other people's rules and expectations. Also, my son is beyond social. He asks to go say hi to people, he loves other kids. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, but for my DS school is the best choice.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

i'm in the same boat. DS is 33 months (turns 3 in November). We adopted him from Korea a year ago and I've been a SAHM ever since. Especially with his background, I've been nervous to leave him with other people. So its him and I ALL the time. (although, like you I take him to library class, gym class, playdates, etc)
BUT I signed him up for a nursey school program that starts in a couple weeks. Its 2 mornings a week- so 5 hours a week total. \Honestly? I did it for the separation. At this point, hes been here a year and is really well bonded to us and adjusted- so I think it will be good for him to start learning that its ok for me to leave, and come back. And that there are other people ( teachers) that can take care of him, and that he has to listen to other adults, too.
I'm not so worried about the "academic" stuff- he can count to 20, knows his alphabet, recognizes letters, shapes, colors, etc.... its more for the social stuff.
Plus, with no family in the area to watch him, it'll give me a couple hours to get some stuff done kid-free
Honestly, I think one morning a week will be great for her- and you. Sure, she has a lot of years to be in school... but at this age, I don't think it will be "hard-core" school.... its more just fun activities that teach them social skills and start opening up the world of learning a little bit more for them.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I think its to young and not necessary especially since you are doing nursery and library classes already.
Wait another year and enjoy some non structured time.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I asked my ped this question when DS was 2.

She said that she thinks the only thing it will add at that age will be a whole bunch of colds.

I enrolled him in gymboree instead.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I would not send my 2 year old to preschool unless I had to work and needed it. They are only little for so long, and have a lot of schooling ahead of them.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

For two and a half hours, ONCE a week, I don't see how anyone could make the argument that they are only young and free for so little time, lol. I think you should do it. It's great for separation, independence, speech, etc.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

My three are starting preschool 2 days a week for 2 hours a day starting in September. They just turned two last month. Honestly with my family its more about the alone time for me. I am a SAHM with very active 2 year old triplets. I think this time apart will be good for both them and me. They do not need help with socialization as they have eachother to play with 24/7...but I think it will be good to help with separating from me and get into a routine. Plus I really just need time to run errands or drink a cup of coffee in silence for a few minutes. I am hoping since they have eachother in class they will adjust well...but I am so nervous!!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

do it!

DD is 2 as well, and I knew she was ready for 'school', so I signed her up for a summer program that was 2 days a week, 2.5 hours a day. I was SO nervous to drop her off, I totally thought about withdrawing her. She went right into the classroom on the first day and never looked back. She LOVES it so much. She tells me how she loves playing with the other kids, singing, dancing, drawing. I'm SO happy that I signed her up.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I was on the fence for my LOs and I'm happy that I've sent them just to one year of pre-K (3days/wk, 2.5hrs/day). My oldest is now 5 and entering Kindergarten next month and he learned more about good citizenship than academics but I think it helped him a lot and he enjoyed having fun with his friends/teachers.

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I sent both of mine to school at 2 and it's the best thing I could've ever done for them. They loved it and it helped in more ways then I can count

Def send her. One day a week is perfect for her

Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I would def do it! One day a week for a few hrs is perfect!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

Re: Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

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Message edited 1/11/2014 10:42:04 PM.

Pre school or not? Still can't decide!

I would not send my child to pre-school that young unless you had to. I think they have plenty of school years ahead of them and say let them be young while they can.

I am not into this entire concept that a lot of parents have today about sending them to school so quickly.

I have a very good friend who has been a kindergarten teacher for over 12 years now and she always says that a month into the school year and you can barely identify the kids who went to school before kindergarten vs the ones who didn't. Both their social and learning skills all even out.

IMO in the end its the parents and the child and the amount of effort they put into their work that make them excel, not how young they start school. You can't move forward in life without working for it.

DS will be 3 in Sept and is sstarting a 3 day nursery because my mom can't watch him 5 full days anymore. I have to work so there is no other choice for us. If I didn't have to work I would stay home with him and he would start school at 5 years old.