All day pre-school for 4 year old?

Question

A few months ago I registered my son for pre-k - originally was Mon - Thurs from 9 to 1. He is currently going 3 days this summer for camp. So when I picked him up today they informed me they changed their program. It will be Mon thru Fri from 9 to 5 - learning in the am, snack, playtime, lunchtime, naptime, storytime, and then more learning - just seems like such a long day for a 4 year old. And of course it costs more money than I anticipated. School is starting in 2 weeks (we live in FL). Was thinking about researching other schools in the area but don't have much time and not sure how my son (who is VERY shy) will react going to a new place. Just looking for some other thoughts. Thank you.

Answer 1

My parents put me in preschool when I wasn't even a year old. It was all day preschool, too. I'd say if you can afford it and think the program is good, then try it. See if there is a way to have your son in it for a day or two without the commitment of totally signing up.

Answer 2

my nephew is four he will go 7:30 to 3:18 mon-fri

Answer 3

The less school the better for kids with loving, attentive parents. Your influence is more important than whatever nonsense he'll learn from the poorly trained and uncaring 20-somethings that couldn't cut it in teaching because of their weekend habits so opted for Early Childhood Education. Studies have shown that kids in preschool exhibit greater agression and other unpleasant behaviors in later schooling than kids who stayed home with a parent or relative. Both because of the lack of loving influence, sense of abandonment/neglect from being dropped off with strangers, and bad influences from the other children who are all too young to socialize healthily. http://www.nncc.org/Research/NICHDinterv...

Answer 4

I taught preschool for years and no matter how good the school is, if you are sending your child there for 8 hours a day.... the teachers will be the one raising your child for you.  If you don't HAVE to send him all day, don't.  he needs you more than he needs full time school at 4 years old.

Answer 5

I'm a teacher, and 9-5 for a 4 year old is CRAZY! I would insist that you be able to pick him up after lunch. The learning in the afternoon is just not going to be productive, and you're right - what a long day! I understand that you don't want him going somewhere new - my son is shy, too. If yours is a good school with a caring staff they should be able to help you work something out (although they may make you pay for full day). I would not take him 9-5.