Hi Denise Is it to early to send my son to playschool at 2 and half yrs

Question

.He is very attached to me (only 17mths) and will not have mixed with alot of kids before school. I went back to work when hes older brother was only 6mths, so he has mixed with alot of kids at the childminders.

I'm on a career break.

Answer 1

Thanks for asking Catwoman, i would always advise giving your children the opportunity to socialise with other children and to be able to play without you watching over them, as they learn how to interact with others and this is obviously an essential skill in life. If you are in a position to let him attend a playgroup for a couple of sessions a week then go for it, as when he is three he will be entitiled to two and a half hours a day as part of the voucher funding. Even if you are on a career break i am sure you will find things to do to fill the time!!

Answer 2

Hiya! I am a pre-school teacher and I say... Let the detachment begin. This is a great age for him to start making friends and developing his own mini independence. Once it becomes a daily thing you will see the change, and notice his awreness in the daily routine. As well as his skills (develpmental and motor) will progress very well. Do it girl! for you and him...

Answer 3

I think 2 and a half years is probably the earliest for a child to start pre-school. Any earlier and they miss ouome. A vital emotional and social learning in the home-especially if they are in the setting for more than 2/3 days a week.

But 2.6 means that a few days in preschool will give him new experiences, social play and friendships and a great start to education so why not :) Dont worry if he hasnt had many social experiences yet thats what preschool will focus a lot on!

Answer 4

I would recommend a day care rather than a preschool. Preschool is really young for that age. I'd recommend he be three years old, at least.

Answer 5

I agree. The older he is, the more difficult he will find leaving you. He may cry at first, but a good preschool will give you a home visit before he starts which will help him to get to know some of the adults. As soon as he begins to form friendships he will really settle down. Boys often are a little bit sad at first, but quickly find like-minded peers to play cars, trains etc. and this helps them form little relationships. The friendships they form away from you are very different to the ones you may have through your own friends, so this is very important for him. I would suggest two sessions a week until he gets his funding the term after his 3rd birthday, by then he will probably be settled enough to go for 5 sessions. By the following year, when he starts school he will have made lots of friends and will find school much easier.

It's not easy, but we early years workers are well aware of that and will be very supportive. Good luck! :-)    

Answer 6

Yes send him I used to work in playgroup they get such a lot out of mixing with other children and learn such a lot sharing friendship etc

Answer 7

Absolutely not!!!  I'm the Director of a Parent's (Mother's) Day Out Program.  Our children range in age from six months to five years.  It's great to begin the separation process now.  It'll be tougher on you than on him.  That's OK.  We understand and work with you both.  Check out the type of a program that meets two days per week instead of the usual five.  These programs are typically sponsored by churches.  That way, he still has time with you during the week but will get that all important time away from you.  If the school is good, your son will be saying "Don't let the screendoor hit you on the way out" within a month.  The best thing a child can say to me is "I don't want to leave."  That means they have successfully formed a healthy and beneficial attachment to another adult.  This is vital for their development.  The other plus is that you will get some time to take care of you.  While he's at school you can get things done like shopping, doctor/dentist appointments, taking a bath or just going potty by yourself. : )  Good Luck!!!!