Opinions welcome.....preschool topic?

Question

okay my oldest is almost 3 (april 26th) we were looking into preschool for the fall...well where we went they talked daddy into signing him up to start april 4th im leary but i could deal with that.But they are also trying to enroll my 20 month old son....there i draw the line way to young.What do you think my husband says its beneficial...why? 3years of preschool? 16 years of school just for a highschool diploma?

Answer 1

It's the job of the employees of the preschool to convince you (or your husband) that it is best for your child to enroll them, and that if you don't your child will be behind the others.

It's your job to do what is best for your child. One year before kindergarten is plenty of time to get them into an organized program. As long as they learn to share, wait in line, and play nicely, the preschool's job is done. Parents and elementary teachers can take care of teaching reading, arithmetic, and other academics.

childhood is for play and discovery...better done at home with mom and dad.

Answer 2

I had my daughter in part time at 18 months and she did okay. But I feel that if you are able to keep them home then do it! Or maybe have them go part time for socialization and to help with the seperation anxiety.

Answer 3

It is never to early to start learning besides learning should be fun especially at at any age. Although you could be teaching your children at home like reading books which develop language, vocabulary, listening skills plus it is the perfect opportunity for you and your child to bond. I am a preschool teacher and I am just a tool for parents to help them work with their child at home. You as a parent are the child's first teacher . Preschool is a helpful tool for you. I hope this helps but the one that decides is you.

Answer 4

If you have a way of staying home with your 20 month old I would do so. Personally we don't plan on putting our children into daycare until at least the age of 2. We have my in-laws who would look after them until then but some parents don't have that choice. Putting your 3 year old into daycare now won't hurt them. They can make friends and the teachers will be flexible in helping them remember the rules. I don't think there is a perfect time to put a preschooler into daycare. I Do agree that a child should be put into daycare at least a year before starting Kindergarten as it will help them to learn how to function in a classroom atmosphere. If you are concerned that your 3 year old will have too much time in daycare/school, there are some daycares that offer half-day programs. In the end you know your children best, don't let ANYONE pressure you into putting your children into daycare.

Answer 5

EDIT:  I originally misread your question.  I apologize.

What reason does your husband have for thinking it is a good thing for your youngest to be there?

Answer 6

a 20 month old would be more like daycare and if you are a stay at home mom, there's noone that can take care him better than you.  Preschools are for 3, 4 and 5 year olds and include kindergarten readiness.  I agree with you.

Answer 7

Retired teacher here.  First of all, there isn't any way that I would enroll my "almost 3" year old into a pre-school at this time of year.  The other kids have been there all year and know all the rules, have their own friends, and know what is expected of them.  Furthermore, the teacher would have to spend too much time on your kid just "teaching him/her the ropes."  That's a lot to ask of a teacher, and it might not go over with the teacher too well, and your child wouldn't be getting the best from the teacher as a result.  Yes, the owner of the place is telling you one thing, because they want your money.  Your child would go in there, knowing nothing, feeling terrible because he/she doesn't know as much as the other kids do, have no friends, maybe be made fun of by the other children, and would hate it.  You don't want to do that to your child!!!  If you want to send him/her next year, that's fine, but play with him yourself at home until September and enjoy the time you have together.  They get too old too fast.  Enjoy them while you can.  As far as your younger child is concerned, I was always of the thought that the longer they are with their parents at home, the better off they are going to turn out to be.  That one has to be YOUR decision.  I hope you make the right one for your child, and not just yourselves.  Good luck.

Answer 8

I think it's a bit too young, too.

Answer 9

3 is a good age to start preschool.  20 months is very young and a 20 month old should (IMO) still be at home with mom or dad or  a grandparent, etc.  If you are able to stay home, then that is what is best for your child right now.

Answer 10

I work in a day care and am also a mother and I understand your concern.  Our daughter has been in daycare since she was 5 months old and now she is close to 7 .  I understand you dont want your 20 month old to get sick or to start picking up bad habits from the other kids like fighting or biting.  Daycare can be a good thing because your 20 month old will be around other kids and develop social skills.  Your child will learn new skills and do alot of creative things.  Daycare is not a babysitting service while you are at work it is a school teaching your child the skills need to move on to the next level.  So don't be worried about daycare be happy your child is growing up.  The daycare you choose should either have cameras so you can see what is going on throughout the day or an open door  policy were you can visit your child at any time of the day.

Answer 11

I'm a preschool teacher and i do agree with coachpis its too late in the year to enroll your child. in my class the children knows every thing they need to know. if a child comes to my class now its going to take a lot to get him to catch up with every one.

Answer 12

Is this a child care center?  They do want to enroll the children...that's how they stay in business.

Personal opinion--- waiting until the fall will be just fine for your 3 year old.  Why start her at the end of the year?  What kind of preschool program is this again?

Do you need child care?  Your 20 month old does not need to be enrolled if you do not need child care.  A 3 year program and/or a 4 yr program is usually suffice in a good kindergarten readiness preschool program.

Answer 13

You are the parent and you need to follow your gut.  If you feel it's too soon, for your younger child, then listen to your heart and wait.  

But you and your husband need to agree also.  Hopefully you can come to a mutual decision.