Swithing schools for Pre-K?

DD is turning 4 in May and will be starting Pre-K in September of this year. She has been going to the same daycare since she was 4 months old. I like her current daycare (hence why I've kept her there so long) and love her current teacher, but have the same problems that I assume maybe daycare chains/centers have which is high employee turnover and lack of consistency in the classrooms. The lead teacher is always the same, but I feel like when I walk into the room in the afternoon for pickup, it's always a guessing game as to who is going to be in the room. By the time I get there in the late afternoon, the lead teacher has already left, so there are always 2-3 assistants in the room to maintain NYS ratios. It is also always chaotic in the room when I pickup. Now I know that this is likely a result of their age and the fact that its a long day for them, but I feel like I walk into craziness which the afternoon assistants are calling "centers". In my mind, centers are a great way to keep the kids occupied and focused, while providing them with a variety of different tasks, but there needs to be organization and structure while it goes on. To be honest, I think the assistants, who are college aged girls, are also "done" at the end of the day, contributing to the free for all.

With this being said, DH and I are contemplating switching her for Pre-K to a very well liked and highly regarded school in the area. It's the same distance from our house and comparable in price (about $100 more per month). The class sizes are smaller and the teachers are super experienced (some having been there for 15+ years). There is one lead and one assistant, and they stay in the room the entire day, except for their lunch break, which is taken at separate times so that at least one of them is always present with the kids. The Pre-K classes max out at 14 kids, which is the NYS 7:1 ratio. Now my current daycare maintains that same ratio, as per NYS, but in the Pre-K room they have one lead and 2 assistants so there can be 21 kids in that room, which I feel like is a lot for Pre-K year -- learning how to write, intro math, etc. My only hesitation is that we would be switching her for a single year and then she would be switching again the following year for kindergarten to our zoned elementary school. I also feel bad/guilty taking her away from the kids she has been with for years, but know this is inevitable as she will be going to elementary school with different kids anyways.

WWYD? Thoughts? Sorry for the vent! Thank you!

Swithing schools for Pre-K?

What are the hours at the current school vs. the potential new school? Just by reading it seems like her current school/daycare is a long day for all.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

Swithing schools for Pre-K?

It sounds like you are more comfortable with the new school and it works out better for you schedule wise. I will say that my DD attended prek last yr at a school similar to what you are describing. There were 30 pre k kids broken up into 2 rooms. There were 4 teachers. I absolutely loved the teachers and the environment and she got more of an education than she does in actual kindergarten lol. I say go with whichever you are more comfortable with. Neither option sounds bad to me...

Swithing schools for Pre-K?

Unless you think she is the type of kid who'll really struggle with change, I wouldn't worry about it at all. Dd went to a private preschool at 3, now she's in a new school for upk, and next year she'll be in another school for kindergarten. It may not be ideal but it's the same for so many kids.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

Swithing schools for Pre-K?

I think a change is ok - especially if it will introduce her to mornekids in the area.

Once pre-k came in daycare, we saw a lot of children leave for other pre-k options.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

I really don’t think it makes a difference for the kid to start with new kids at that age. I’d just make the switch if you think it’s a better environment.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

I switched my dd from daycare where she had been since 9 months old to a local catholic school’s nursery and then pre-k program and loved our decision. She was ready for a more “ school” environment (even though daycare was a pre-k program with structure and academics - it wasn’t the same) and thrived there. As a matter of fact, we were so happy that we are keeping her there for elementary school.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

My 3 year old's daycare actually closed down with no notice, so we ended up enrolling her in a catholic school that offers a full day program plus before and after care and the prices aren't too bad. I like that she is getting more of an academic curriculum vs. what she was getting at her old daycare. We are looking to sign her up there next year as well. Being that you are a teacher then you would be covered for breaks and summers.

ETA in my daughters class there are 20 kids, 1 teacher and 3 aides.

Message edited 1/28/2019 11:40:12 AM.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

I would leave her.

In daycare centers of any size, it is very common for the teachers and assistants to change out. You cannot expect the teachers to work 11 or 12 hour days. They would not be fresh to watch the children, and that's when accidents occur.

DS was in a 21-child pre-K class with a head teacher and 2 assistants and he easily transitioned to his 20-child Kindergarten class.

If you liked the center enough to keep her there for 4 years, I'd leave her for the last year. She likely already is comfortable and has her friends. Uprooting her now would be harder on both of you.

Swithing schools for Pre-K?

Sounds like you want to switch her. I'd do it. I had to switch pre-k schools mid year because we moved. I was so worried since she'd be in a new school for a few months and then another new school when she started K. She was completely fine. I honestly think we worry so much about things that don't even phase our kids.

Re: Swithing schools for Pre-K?

I did this for my child (switched preschool for Pre K) and had absolutely no issues. They make friends easily and quickly at this age. There are lots of crafts and the kids are in small groups within a small class. I think it is fine!