My son is turning 3yrs.old when is it time to start looking into preschools?

Question

My son is turning 3yrs.old when is it time to start looking into preschools?

Answer 1

In general I suggest a minimum 1 year of quality preK.  The person that suggested to start looking now is correct.  I hope you have more options than what we have in our area.  Usually, in the city, the good preschools have waiting lists. :-)  In the country... it's not usually a problem getting into a program.  At least in my experience.  Start researching.

PreK is more than just cognitive development.  I'm a preschool teacher and I sent my eldest son to 2 years of preschool.  Yes, everything he learned cognitively he learned from me at home not at school.  PreK benefits children mostly in the social area...and this is important.  We need to remember that Kindergarten, when we went to school, was more for the social learning...however with expecations higher...children that have already experienced the social setting of school benefit as they do not need to learn these appropiate behaviors and the transition to Kindergarten is much easier on the child and the parent.  They need to have that firmly settled before they really can "learn".  

If you are required to have in child care because of work...I suggest you find a 3 year old classroom for him instead of just child care.  Good luck in your decision making.

Answer 2

I would start looking now-many quality preschools have a waiting list.  The point of preschool at this age is social-emotional development and making connections, don't have him attend one that will stress him out academically.  You can go to the National Association for the Education of Young Children- www.naeyc.org and look for an accredited program in your area (they are the front runners/leaders in the field.)  If you are income eligible, try Head Start (which I am partial to, because I teach there.)   Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you are home with him-I'd skip preschool altogether

Warm Regards,

Jana

http://www.summerhouseliving.com

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 4

Is he home with you all day?  You could probably teach him more than a preschool.