What is the difference between headstart pre-school and pre-k?

Question

I am looking into schools for my twins but I am awfully confused by the different titles what is the difference between the three and what order do they go in? also what are the costs and benefits of starting the at 2 years old?

Answer 1

Head Start is preK.  It is a federally funded program in which families must meet certain "requirements".  Head Start programs are designed for low income/at risk programs.  There are also state funded programs as well that is 50% finance based.  They usually work hand in hand.  These programs are for 4 year olds for the most part...though I have had a couple of 3 year olds in the Head Start program when I was working there...because of need...most of those 3 year old had special needs and it was beneficial for them to be in the program 2 years.  

Preschool... it's very general term.  I consider preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.  Some consider preschool is any age before Kindergarten...which would include your two year old.  If you do not NEED child care for your 2 year old...I would suggest waiting until age 3 and enrolling the child in an actual preschool instead of a toddler day care program.  

Preschool provides many a benefit...most decent preschools have a curriculum that covers what we call the "whole child"... physical, social-emotional, cognitive, etc.  Preschool is a great way for children to get experience in working with peers and problem solving.  This is also a time to help children realize that there are other adults that they must heed besides mom and dad.  

As for costs...it varies from program to program.  In our area...rural MI... preschool usually runs about $2.50/hr.  There are many types of programs to meet your family's need.  Some provide 2 days a week...some 3 days...some 5.  Some provide 2 hour sessions, some half days...some whole days.  The first year I suggest a 2 day a week program...especially at 2 years old.  4 year olds would benefit from more days a week as most Kindergartens are starting to go 5 day full day.  By the time your child reaches Kindergarten...most likely if you school hasn't already... they will be 5 day/full day.

Good luck in your decision making.

Answer 2

They are all programs for children too young for Kindergarten. Beyond that it gets a little confusing, but stick with me.

1. Head Start is a federally funded program for low income (mostly) children. The priority is for children who will enter kindergarten the following year (4's) but some programs do take 3's. (There is an Early Head Start for Infants and Toddlers but there are not many around.)

2. Pre-K is for kids who will enter Kindergarten the following year. The K stands for Kindergarten. There may be a Pre-K program in the public schools near you.

3. Preschool means a program for 3's and or 4's. Some programs call their classes for 4's Pre-K, some just call them four year old classes. Head Start, Pre-K and Day Care centers are all preschool programs. Some preschools also have classes for 2's.

Your best bet is to visit a variety of programs and see which seems to fit your needs and has the kind of atmosphere you want for your kids. There is no requirement that they attend any program at any time but in this day and age some experience in a classroom away from home is a good idea before they start Kindergarten. The advantage to sending them at 2 is mostly to get them used to being away from you and with other kids, and to give you a break.