When to start preschool?

[TJ]

I'm starting my daughter in preschool this fall. She'll be 2 yrs. 10 months, but now I'm having a panic attack that she'll be too young. What are the advantages to waiting another year or starting her as planned? I'm curious to hear from other parents. Thanks!

[MJ Bishop]

The greatest advantage is she will get a head start. Relax, she'll thank you later for sending her early. Good Luck!!

[Zicea Becks]

I put all of my kids in school at 3.

Mesa (now 13) was about 2 years 11mos. when she started.
Daniella -8, Penelope-7, Theresa-5 and Denim-4 had already turned 3 when they started.

I don't think there is ever a time where they are too young to be mentally stimulated.

Slater-2.5 will be 3 when she starts next school year.

I'm more worried that she'll be anti-social than slow in the class. she already counts to 20, sings her ABCs, and knows her colors and shapes...but then again, she HAS to know all of that stuff to even go to the school she is going to go to.

that's why it's important to find the right fit (as in the preschool) for your child.

worst case scenario is that it's too much for her and you pull her out, or change her school/class.

it's okay....deep breath.

[The Peveteaux-Goldmans]

My daughter started pre-school at 2 and loved it and is really thriving (she's almost 3). Some kids don't do so well that young though. Like Zicea says, if it's too much for her you'll know and you can always pull her out or change schools.
One tip I would give though is to give it a few weeks. Some kids don't handle change very well at any age so if she seems devastated it may not mean she's not ready for school, it may just mean she's not handling the change very well. Always ask the teachers how she's doing 15 minutes after you leave. That's more indicative of her readiness then the (sometimes dramatic) drop-offs.
Good luck!
April

[TJ]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone!

[The Irons family]

They love it, and then they hate it, but it is so fun to watch the kids grow into really playing together in a way that we as parents can't provide & negotiating their own relationships, and learning lots. The first day I took my son to his first day of school, I was with my mom, who had to make me get out of the car I was panicing so badly. My son was just 2 when he started. And he loves school, and what's even better is on the weekends our time together is precious.

[Kinderbloom]

Ok, I think it is your decision what you think is best for your daughter. There are lot of people that will advice you which one is better, but in the end your the one that has to make the final decision. I am a stay at home mommy and a business owner and I have a 2.5 year old daughter. She is with me the entire day but I teach her everything from teaching, socializing with other kids and more. She is really an active little girl and I keep her quite busy!

My schedule is as follow:
I wake up give her breakfast
Take her to Gymboree (where she plays, paint, art) that's her play time
Bought her (pre-k) teaching books ( I went to the teacher supply store, which is not only for teachers but for everyone)
I follow all the instructions as for as what to teach week (a new subject each week)
If there is a holiday I make some kind of crafts or anything related to that day, just like how the teachers do it.
Then we go to the library (where is on the computer for an hour ) learning games. Story times!
Then she is in a playgroup every week (where she plays with other children)
So, far she is talking well, knows her colors, shapes and sizes, and more an I think I am doing a great job with her. A lot of people are asking how old she is and if she is in school, because how well, she is talking.

And the most important tip i can give is " interaction, communicating with her is very important" I talk to so much that when my husband comes home, I don't want to say one word, because I am tired! :) really funny, but believe me it is worth it!

So, My advice to you is that if you really want to teach her at home then you need to follow a schedule. If you feel comfortable sending her to pre-school that go for it.

My daughter will go to school at around 3 or 4. And I am happy that I am doing such a great job!

In the end your the one that needs to make the final decision along with your husband!

So, Good luck and have a great day!

[Rowena Lee]

The "right" age to start preschool varies with each individual child. Many children enjoy the company of other children and do well in group settings by around 3 years of age; others are 4 or 5 before they will do well in such a setting.

If the home situation is good and the child is in a loving and intellectually stimulating environment, then preschool certainly isn't necessary and would serve a primarily social interactive purpose.

For children from more difficult home environments, a good preschool program, such as Head Start, can help improve their socialization and intellectual development.


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[Debra Trotter]

I'm no expert, but if you don't have a need for preschool (i.e. you need a break for yourself, to do work, to be with a younger child, etc.), then I would wait until your child is at least 3 years old. We started our daughter at 2.3 and while she's definitely grown socially and emotionally, I'm not sure that's due to her time in preschool. I'm not convinced that any child needs preschool, let alone three years. Plus, I feel like keeping a two year old on a schedule (getting dressed, getting out the door, in the car seat, out of the car seat, etc) creates a lot of friction that wouldn't exist if our day was more flexible. She's in preschool because I work, if I didn't, I would have skipped the first year, and possibly waited until 4 -- arranging playdates instead to make sure she gets time with kids her own age. preschool is overrated.

Greetings,
Debra@ Anxiety Cures

[TJ]

Thanks for your response, Debra!
My husband and I both work full time which is why we are starting her in preschool. She's already been at her current daycare since she was 12 months. I did take her on a play date to her new preschool and after talking with the teachers, other parents who have their kids at the school and watching her play, I feel much better about my decision. If I didn't have to work I would probably bypass preschool completely or find a half day program a couple days a week the year before kindergarten. Unfortunately, I haven't won the lottery yet!

[Tony Oggs]

We had no major problems starting our at that age....However, being potty trained is important to alot of preschools. Oggs from Arena

[debby]

TJ, I think 3 to 5yrs time is best for pre-schooling. My friend also put her child in pre school in the age of 3. You can wait for a year more. learn english london

[TJ]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! My daughter started preschool in August and her age wasn't a problem at all. She walked right into the classroom and hasn't looked back.