Should I start my daughter in preschool this year, or wait?

Question

My daughter Brooklyn turned 3 in March. I am a stay at home mom, with a 3 month old baby. I love having my daughter at home with me, but some people are telling me that it would be good to start her in preschool this year, so that she goes through 2 years of it before starting kindergarten.

She's a very social little girl, and has all the developmental skills that a child her age should have. We live in an apartment complex, so she gets to play with other kids on the playground every day. She's also got lots of cousins that she gets to play with frequently.

Should I put my daughter in preschool this coming fall, when she will be about 3 and a half, or wait until the next year? I'm not sure how necessary it really is. On the up-side, It would give me more one-on-one time with my younger daughter.

Do you think that going thru 2 yrs of preschool is truly beneficial? I can understand that it may help kids who are behind in some areas, but how about for a "normal" kid?

Answer 1

contact the preschool now, and ask if she can do some trial days. most places recommend this.

if she really loves it, then start her this year. it's only a couple of hours each day, and you can usually choose what days she goes, so it's not like full time school.

if she hates it, then try next year.

Answer 2

I teach preschool, so my first instinct is to tell you to send her to preschool at 3, but honestly, this is a question only you can answer. Sending her to school has its benefits like getting used to a routine, being in a more structured environment, and making new friends. However, it seems like she gets a lot of social interaction already. And you made the point she'll be in school 13 years in her near future anyway, so why not enjoy this time you have with her now? I'm sure you're doing a great job raising her, and as long as you provide her with learning experiences at home then she will be fully prepared once you do decide put her in school.

Both keeping her at home and sending her to school has their own individual benefits, but if I was able to not work and spend days with my kids then I would certainly keep them home with me.

Answer 3

I would love to be able to stay home with my daughter.  I'd postpone school as long as possible personally.  You can teach her a few things at home, my daughter's school does letters, number, days months, colors, etc.  I cannot really think of any thing that she'll "miss" from not going to preschool.  Even if she just watches TV, she'll be introduced to a lot of material they teach in preschool.

If she's already sociable that's another reason not to worry.

Answer 4

Just do like 2 mornings a week for 2 hours at a time.  It's enough for her to get the feel of it, but not so much that you feel like you're pressuring her to go to school.  Then next year, increase the amount :)  OR if she really loves it, they may let you increase at any time.  

Think of it this way, you spent all that alone time with your first kid, why not have some with your second?

Answer 5

My daughter started preschool when she was 3 she is 5 this September and finally starts school this yr. My daughter has always been so forward i was a little like you a bit wary of letting her go but if i am truely honest i have to say it was the best thing i have done for her. She has made lots of friends, learned lots of different things not just from home but from preschool too.

Everyday my daughter so much looks forward to going to preschool.

My opinion is let her go, get her into a routine. Trust me she will love it and also you can meet  other parents too so you are both benefiting from it!!

Answer 6

I would recommend preschool at 3 years old because it teaches routine, following a teachers instructions and socializing with other children in her own age group and how to act in a school environment.  Preschool isn't just or those that are behind, it is for preparing for kindergarten which is why they call it pre-k in many areas.