Talk to me about preschool.

[Deleted]

I know it's still a little early to be thinking about it, but there's a preschool close by that has a great 2 year old program. I emailed for more information, and the director said that there would be room for E when she turns 2 in January if we are interested.

The school offers a T/Th program, a M/W/F program, or a 5 day program. I would also have to decide if I wanted her to go from 9:00-11:30 or 9:00-12:30. Right now I'm thinking the 5 day program would be too much for her to start with.

When did your kids start preschool? Should I start her when she turns 2 or wait another year?

[eb777888]

I started S right before he turned 3. I think all kids are ready at different times but knowing S, I wish I would have started him at 2. He's an only child and I SAH and he was really craving some independence. It turned out to be so good for him. I cannot say enough good things about preschool and what it's done for him. He's really social and loves being around people and the only socialization he was getting was from his 2 hours at the gym childcare and occasional playdates. He thrived, he loved the independence and having something that was all his outside of me and H and I kinda feel like he appreciates me more now since we have some distance and I'm not all up in his grill 24/7. I got to a place where I just wasn't sure how to entertain him or what to do with him and preschool was the exact thing we needed.

I started him in the T/TH class last year. This year he's doing the M/W/F class and next year he'll go 5 days a week, then the year after that he goes to Kindergarten. I chose to ease him into it. I think we could've done five days a week this year but I have some other classes at the gym I want him to attend.

[karmasabiotch]

J transitioned from full time daycare to full time preschool. We physically changed schools when he was 3.

[Deleted]

She doesn't get a lot of social interaction with a lot of kids because she's not in daycare. She spends the day with the nanny, and she has an occasional play date and she sees her cousins a few times a month, but usually she's not around kids her own age. E is also shy and she clings to me a lot, so I really want her to have some time on her own.

[maggiemoo]

Do it. Start with twice a week. She'll cry when you leave, but she will calm down and have fun. DS 2 was in in 1 year old class and DS 1 in the two's last year. I enrolled them again this year. The time goes by quickly, but the social aspect is good for them. Plus you get a little free time.

[AHappierHour]

I just started DD1 she 3 and goes MWF from 9-1130 and it's seems so short. I feel like I can't get as much as I thought done. And Im rushing around. I would love if she was there till 1230.

[eb777888]

Yes, even S cried and clung to me the first day which was c.r.a.z.y. Usually he's like "see ya, mom, peace out, get the fuck out." But he somehow knew this was a big deal and that I'd be leaving for awhile. He even cried when I picked him up the first day because I was one of that last cars in line and he was getting scared-- so try not to let it get to you too much when she clings/cries. Also, I didn't linger when I dropped him. I gave him a kiss and hug, told him I'd be back then got the hell out of there.

[roadbananas]

I'd go with 3 days, 2 is too little, I think 5 is too much to start.

Dd has been in daycare/preschool since she was 2, full time from 730-5ish every day, so I may not be much help on that. They had their curriculum during the 9-12 hours.

[maggiemoo]

Sept 9, 2012 17:46:33 GMT -5 AHappierHour said:

I just started DD1 she 3 and goes MWF from 9-1130 and it's seems so short. I feel like I can't get as much as I thought done. And Im rushing around. I would love if she was there till 1230.

Exactly. It stinks. I hate having to rush around and get them there on time. 2.5 hours goes by in a blink. However, I always feel relief knowing I can do whatever I want. What I hate is that the youngest gets out 30 minutes earlier than the oldest. If I pick them up at the same earier time, the oldest misses out. If I pick up at the later time, the teachers are feeding the young ones lunch. I don't like it. Maybe pack a snack for the youngest? The teachers gave the OK. I just feel off about it.

[sonrisa]

We are starting a once a week 1.5 hour mommy baby program at the preschool in January (She's 2 in Nov.). She'll then do a T/Th 9-12:30 in the fall.