My 4 year old needs to go to Preschool? Where?

Question

He just turned 4. Now he's going to a 3 year old preschool at a local church (2 days a week, 3 hours a day). Next year the church will put him in the 4 year old program (4 days a week, 3 hours a day) I know this is the best place for him but it's $100 a month, and my husband doesn't think we can afford it.

I can try and put him in the public school program. It's free and it's 5 days a week and regular school hours. He really needs the social skill. He hardly ever gets a chance to play with kids his own age. More time in school w/other kids would help him share and play nice w/others. BUT he knows his ABCs (and some small words) and all the colors (in English and Spanish) He knows numbers 1-20 in English and 1-10 in Spanish. He can write his name. He knows his phone # and address.

I'm not trying to make him look smart but I think he'll be bored in public school. What do I do? I want him to get the most out of going to school. Where do I put him? How do I talk to my husand about it?

Answer 1

If you have a college around you, check with them to see if they offer Early Childhood classes and possibly have a child care center on site.  If they don't have a center, ask if one of their EC teachers could recommend a preschool.  Our EC teachers visit and evaluate their students at different facilities.

Answer 2

avoid public school...the government does not know how to raise your child.  If you can not homeschool, make sure you know, trust, and respect the person teaching him.  What your child learns with others should never contradict your personal family values.

Answer 3

100 dollars a month is cheap!  I f you want to find out about good schools check out NAEYC online- The National Association for the Education of YOUng Children.

you can also look into your local Head start program-  Most children who are four know their numbers 1-10  also there are differnent types of "knowing".

Answer 4

Sounds like you're getting a great deal where you are! However, I can understand if finances don't allow you even that small amount a month. Public school is definately an option. (As long as we're talking about your local public school that's offering a pre-k program). Introducing him to the public school will get him used to where he may later attend school. And you already recognize the importance of that extra socialization, so I don't have to sell you on that. I don't think he'll be bored in public school... there's always so much more to learn at that age.

My suggestion is to sit and talk with your hubby. Go over your budget and see if there are small "sacrifices" you can make to keep him in the church preschool (reducing your cable to basic, dropping your home phone or reducing your cell phone, eating out less, whatever it may be). If it's still not an option, make an appointment with this public school to meet with the director and tour the facility. Ask about things that concern you and observe some classrooms.

You'll know what the right choice is... just do what you think is right.

Answer 5

Call your local Child Care Resource and Referall Agency.  They can give you the number of the Community Partnership in your area.  They help parents pay for child care if both of you are working.  If not look into Headstart...if income eligable then your child could go into a quality program for free.

Answer 6

There should be a universal pre-K    I would suggest you check with your local public school.. I live in a city, pre-school is provided through public school.

Contact your local congress person and inquire if you cannot find public education for your preschooler in the area where you reside.

Answer 7

try a local montessori skool..... it helps alot........ my 6 yr old cuzzin is already learining 7th grade math..... nd they use interacting learning.... thier results are GREAT!

Answer 8

public school may suck ut when it comes time for kindergarden testing they do lean towards accepting the ones that have been through their programs. I know my son has been in preschool through public here for 2 years he is autistic and doesnt speak except for the learned phrases he knows his cousin and all other kids that went through another preschool program have to go through a 5 yr old program then through kindergarden. you can still work at home with him just send him to the school

Answer 9

$100 is pretty inexpensive, if I were you I'd keep him in the church school, but public preschool are also pretty good.  Most other preschools will run upwards of $300-600/month.