Wanted Opinions on Starting Preschool Too Early or Late

I am pro-school in most cases, but I'm curious - what are your reasons for not sending her? From what you wrote, I am guessing that there are two - the cost and questioning what they learn. If the cost is a problem, are there options for you to pick up a few extra bucks while she's in school and the baby is napping? As for the benefit, that is tough to quantify. Just the idea of learning from new people (not always mom or dad) is huge. She will get new perspectives and new rules. If you research to find a great school, she will get to participate in fun and engaging activities. As a full-time mom myself, I know that I don't spend enough time on creative things like art and music. I look to pre-school to help to round out the areas where I'm not as strong. Kids benefit from exposure - to other kids, other adults and other environments. Just my opinion, but you asked for it ;)

M.
Actually pre-school should not be academic and if you are looking into a school that emphasizes what they will "learn" I would definintely look elsewhere. Even the NAEYP (the group that accredits preschools) advises against academics at that age. What they do learn is very basic and all done in a fun way, mostly through play- things like ABC identification, colors and shapes.
I sent my boys to preschool starting with the 2 year old program that was 2 days per week. They each went for 3 years and it was the best thing that I could have done for them. The whole dynamic of being in the preschool setting is just so beneficial for them. They had a blast! I am a SAHM and could never provide the type of enrichment and experience that they had at the preschool. There is only so much fun that you can interject into your childs day while trying to "teach" them what you think they should know. You most likely have chores, errands and other things that keep you from spending 2-3 straight hours enriching your child. And kids love to be around other kids. Yeah they might only be playing "beside" one another still but that doesn't mean that they are not completely enjoying the experience.

In closing I would say if you decide to send her make sure that you find a good one. Spend some time there and you will be able to tell if the "vibe" is right. My preschool just felt so right from the moment I entered. Speak with the director to get the objectives of the program as well as other Moms to get their opinions.

Good luck.

Whether you stay at home or you work outside of the home, your job is to do the best for your child. Preschool is different from a tumble class because it is for more than one day a week, it is without you and it is structured. She will learn how to behave in a school setting. Be social. Respect for her teachers. And funny as it sounds, she will learn how to do things like standing in line and waiting patiently for her turn, and about how to behave in a group school setting. She will learn about the world from a different perspective. If you want to be more involved, find a co-op preschool. I belong to one, parents help run the school, sit on the board and run committees. But most importantly for me, a parent is in the classroom on a rotating basis. I am in the class with my daughter, helping and seeing what happens first hand, about every 6 weeks. You get to know the teachers and aids much better, because you are there with them during the day. And most co-ops should have in place a program to take care of the younger siblings while you are in the classroom.

I look to Pre-K for education as well as social aspects and learning how to behave in a school setting. But pre-school helps them prepare for Pre-K so they can take full advantage of preparing for Kindergarten.

Love your child but let go a little to let her fly.

Depending on what you want to spend or achieve, it won't hurt her to be in pre-school. There are a lot of other elements in the class. She has to learn how to listen, work as a group, gain the respect of the teacher, follow what the class is doing. Because your daughter knows this information, she will likely gain the respect of her peers (as long as she doesn't tell everyone she's the smartest LOL) and get a sense of accomplishment. She will also likely have "jobs" in the classroom helping the teacher. These are all good lessons. My twin girls went to pre-school at age 2 1/2 and 3 and 4 because I couldn't teach them the "social" lessons they needed. Because of their birthday, they went to k the following year and didn't need pre-k.

I had the same issue. I waited until my son was almost 4 yrs old before starting preschool. He was one of the most advanced in the class and very social. I must admit I was worried about it but he was one of the most well liked kids in the class. He got along very well with other kids. They'll be in school for many years..if you want to keep your child home one more year go for it.

This is definitely a personal decision but I'll give you my personal experience. I have 3 boys (7,6,4 years) and I put my 2 older boys in preschool starting at 2 1/2 thinking it was a good idea for them to socialize and be in a classroom setting getting them ready for when they started kindergarten. I also sent them because I'm a SAHM and it allowed me to have a little one on one time with my youngest son while they were in preschool for the morning. Well, I definitely learned from my experience! If I had it to do over again (don't you just love that?!) I would have waited until the year before they were supposed to go to Kindergarten. Everything they learn in pre school they are learning at home with you and you can get them social with other kids with play dates and other type of mommy and me classes. For me, I ultimately think it was a waist of money to send them. Needless to say, my youngest has yet to go to pre school and won't until the year before he's supposed to start kindergarten. There's a lot of pressure out there that you HAVE to send your child to pre school but it's really a personal choice. When I was younger, pre school was NOT the norm and most kids did not go to pre school at all and went straight to kindergarten. Explore your options. Again, it'll be your personal choice as to what you do and when and if you send your child to pre school. Education is never an easy decision, so good luck and do all your research to make the best decision for your family and your child!

I only sent one out of 4 to preschool - and then not until age 3. Even at age 3, children play "side by side" and not truly "with" each other. All have done well in school. So I would provide the tumbling classes, the swimming classes -- esp swimming, because knowing not to panic if one accidentally falls into the water can save your child's life.

Hi M.. My church has a preschool for age 3 and 4. 3's only went 2 days a week and 4's went 3. Personally I thought 3 was too young to send my son. He still seemed like such a baby to me. Not that HE wasn't ready but I wasn't! I stay home and he did know all the letters, colors, numbers, etc but I sent him when he had just turned 4. I also sent him to KG when he was just 5. He turned 5 at the beginning of Aug. last year and he went to KG at the end of Aug. Everyone told me to wait but he would have been so bored another year in preschool. And he is doing wonderful in KG. He is one of the best in the class. He is reading on a 2nd grade level.
Anyway, the point is.... YOU know what is best for your child. You spend the most time with them and know them better than anyone else. As long as you have a peace about the decision they will be fine. Just do what you think is right. Blessings!

You sound wonderful! I am with you on the, "What should I do"? I am going to be sending my daughter to PreK only for social reasons. My Daughter however is going to be 4 in sept. At your dd's age, I would wait. That is me though. What about watching a chid a little older than her(for a challenge), and doing a little program yourself with the kids. It will save you money, and you will be able to make a little extra on the side. Just a thought. I do my won little Prek here in my home with 3 others....so much fun!

I run an at home daycare but when my children were little I stayed home with all of them before they started school and just taught them at home what they needed. I would recommend the tumble class as parents we really have such little time with them at home so enjoy it. Once you put them in school there is no turning back.

I stay at home and send my son to preschool 3 days a week for 3 hours a day. He loves the days he goes to school. He's learned to make friends wich I can't teach him at home. He also eats better at school, I'm not sure why, but his teacher says it's because he sees all the other kids eating.

I wish i had more time to answer you, i'll make it as quick as i can and might add more later on.
I used to teach preschool.
I would look for a 2 day a week just mornings program. for a young 3. If you choose to send her.
If you don't i think the only problem that i can see and it isn't a huge one is that in most schools. the 3 year old group becomes the 4 year old group meaning they have all been together and been friends for a whole year before your daughter comes along and tries to fit into the .... well they really are cliques... so you might want to talk to the teachers about how much the make up of the group changes from 3-4. Alot would depend on your daughters personality. My son would have no problem joining a new group and would easily become the most popular, My daughter on the other hand struggles alot with this and would probably be on the outside looking in for quite a while.
Preschool is should be about socialization in a "school"like atmosphere, rote academics may be a byproduct but shouldn't be the whole focus, creativity, love of learning and discovery should be the Most important things . swim lessons, tumbling, zoo classes etc can provide the social too, but i've found that those teachers ( in my own personal opinion) don't form much of a bond with the children, are much looser in what behavior is permitted, and unless you jump in and inititate playdates outside the class, the kids don't really get much of a chance to get to know each other and play with each other. So in actuality they are socializing with the dance teacher or the swim teacher a little bit, but they are just part of a group moving through an activity, not a "class of friends".
Think about your daughters personality, your own personality with stange moms and decide from there what would benift you most.

I just wanted to add my thoughts (sorry i didn't read all the responses, so I hope I'm not repeating!).

I was considering pre-school for my daughter when she was 3... i found a co-op that i was SOOO excited about! But then I thought to myself, kids are only little for such a short time... i want to spend as much of it with my girls as I can. I thought to myself, I won't regret NOT sending them to preschool at 3, but I might regret not spending that extra time with them, since it goes by so fast! So I decided to wait until they are 4 until they start pre-k, which is only 3 half days a week.

I do take them out all the time, to the park, to storytime at the library, to playcenters, etc... so they are pretty socialized... and they both do swim class, which I like because it gives them a little structure while also learning a life saving skill.

I read something in a magazine once that kids who go to preschool, or even two years of preschool are at the same level as kids who don't by second grade or something like that. Going to two years of preschool isn't going to make your kid the valedictorian... know what I mean? Plus, they have all their lives to go to school... why rush it?

one last thought, my neice's kindergarden teacher told my sister that kids who know too much when they go to school, get bored easily!

So I just wanted to give you a few things to consider!!!! Good luck with your decision!

hi M.,
I made 2 huge huge mistakes with my children when they were young... oddly, IT WAS THE SAME MISTAKE DONE TWICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
has nothing to do w/ pre school ... it was ' real' school' . bothmy children started 'real school' at age 4 year old !!!!!!
they were 4.0 through all school years ..., henceforth,
being 2 girls they NEVER fit in with their peers .
by 4th grade it was a social NIGHTMARE !!!!!!! tooooo late to hold them back [ 4.0]
girls were 'date'n', wearing make up, gossip'n... my girls were up to two years younger than peers ..
it got worse .... high school !!!!!!!!!!!! my girls were so young ... everyone was drive'n , date'n 18 year old sr. boys [ nightmare]......
it was bad for a parent , a nightmare for my children ....
however , they were a 4.0 and highly successful with NO friends ...
they turned into the classic 'nerd' , book worm ... sad to see this as a parent .
a mommy

Hi M.,
Your daughter will always benefit from being with her mom. Under the age of 5 a child needs her mother more than other relationship. Don't doubt your influence. The more grounded she is with you, the better jumping off point she'll be at when it is time for school.
Best wishes,
-H.

In my opinion you should keep your precious ones home with you as long as possible. You are able to be there for them and that is fantastic. As you noted there are other ways to get "socialization." Do you have any other options that you wouldn't have to pay for. What about a play group.

It seems to me children are leaving the comfort of a home sooner and sooner all the time. I was on homeschool.com discussion forum and we were discussing how children seem to do better at home and be more advanced. I guess one on one is the biggest benefit. I've worked in a Montessori with infants, toddlers and preschoolers and in a day care. As much as we want to have time for the children we have to focus on so many, if you give them one on one time the others get into things. Even well intentioned schools can't do more than what a mom (or dad) can do at home.

I wonder if you would even consider homeschooling. I know that is not what you asked. But, take the time to read the following books. You may have your eyes opened as I did.
How Children Fail by John Holt
How Children Learn by John Holt.

I am reading Teach Your Own by John Holt right now, written in the early 80's. He shares parents reasons for pulling their children from school. So many parents, not just in this book, talk about how their children were doing fine, happy, well behaved until they were put in school. Children who were able to read fell behind because the teacher has to follow the curriculum, of which the child may already be advanced. Etc.

Because your dd already knows her basics, back to your original question, she would probably be bored, which could lead to behavior problems. At the Montessori, we had toddlers that were really smart but became behavior issues for just that reason. They needed more and were too young to be placed in the preschool room because of ratio.

I just read through some other responses and would like to say that children also pick up bad habits from other children. While your children are home you make sure they are picking up and learning the right manners you want them to know. Used to be the parents job not the school's.
All those things the preschools teach can also be taught by you. You already have taught her basics and can teach her much more. Someone stated learning a letter a week. Check out this website: www.letteroftheweek.com for great curriculum ideas for babies through elementary.
I know a big misconception about homeschooling is the lack of socialization. Children who go to school have unnatural socialization in that they only socialize with children their own ages. Homeschoolers socialize with younger and older people and have been shown to have very advanced socialization skills, even with adults.
I stick by my original post and say find a group where you can be involved too and keep them home for academics as you are doing fine and there are plenty of other websites to help you along if you run out of ideas. Try something like starfall.com. Try magazines like Highlights or Mailbox.

Hi M.,

I'm sure your daughter will be fine whatever you decide, but I personally think kids benefit so much for the social skills they learn in preschool. Playing with mom and siblings is not the same as playing with peers, and they need both kinds of socialization. Maybe if you were hesitant to do preschool you could find a playgroup.

good luck! Patty

My son attended a 2 mornings/week Nursery school at 3 (he turned 3 the previous March. They had to be "3 and potty trained" to attend. Then he attended 3 mornings per week pre-school at 4 an started K at 5. His friends who had later birthdays (july, August) are doing just fine in school and are keeping up fine.
I disagree with another poster who said that in Kindergarten they learn colors, shapes and the alphabet. My son only has a few months of K left this year and they are doing addition, subtraction and basic algebra concepts! I am blown away by what is being taught in Kindergarten--in a good way. They have science, math and the whole class has been reading since December. Kindergarten isn't just for shapes & colors any more! They write first and last names on their papers, etc.
I guess what I'm saying my advice is, if she's potty trained (if that's a requirement like it was for us) by the fall--I think you should go for it. If she isn't ready to move onto K in 2 years, she can always do a T-class or another round of pre-school. Good luck whatever you decide to do!

My kids knew all of the same things and I still felt the little bit of money it cost to send them to preschool was worth it for the excitement of their new friends they meet. My oldest also started kindergarten this year and I was very surprised at how much they push them. I think that him having been in preschool was helpful to learn how to be in a structured situation. Wish you lots of luck with your decision. Also, just a tax tip, preschool is deductible most times for dependent care expense.

A.

Hi,
I am a stay at home mom too. I did some day care out of my home and was also thinking of sending her to preschool or not. My daughter knew the same things that the 2 kids I watched that did go to preschool. But at the same time I wanted her to be around other kids.
She was 3 at the time and I happened to get a list of classes that the YMCA offered for the fall. I saw that they had dance classes in ballet. I signed her up and it was the best disision that I ever made. When it was time for the recital she was so cute on stage. Not shy at all. When it was over she wanted to know when the next recital was. She loved it. She was hooked. She is now 13 and in her 10th year of dance. She does ballet, tap, jazz & hip hop. It has taught her a lot and helps with a lot of things. Balance,
stretching, remembering footwork, and many other things. She has good grades in school A's & B's, has a lot of friends, is outgoing, very well liked by adults, in the Chorus,Middle School Little N Band. I am sure that dance helped her with marching band,with the footwork & steps. She is looking forward to Big N Band and maybe in the Drama Club. I am glad we made the decision that we did to have her join dance and not preschool.

D.

HOW WONDERFUL that you have been working on such concepts with your daughter!! As a 14 yr veteran teacher, I can tell you that will be such a tremendous help when she gets into school. Personally, I work with my own daughter above and beyond what her daycare does because she is three and knows colors in English, Spanish and Sign Language, as well as the alphabet and shapes, she can also tell me the sounds of all the letters. She can rhyme words and She can also count to 40. Her vocabulary is also extensive. I could go on and on but the one thing I could not give her was playing with children her own age.
She will benefit socially even if you put her in a daycare for a few hours a day for two or three days a week. I do recommend that you continue to work with her on your own at home as well though. I have found that the class is still counting to 10 and some children can not make a complete sentence whereas Sophie can hold an entire conversation with anyone who talks to her.
Good Luck.

D.

M.

I thought the same way and what I did was put my daughter at 2 and 1/2 in dance class it was $50.00/mo and it was once a week just to start out so that way she was introduced to interaction and structure and I was there while she took class. My idea was for her to have fun and meet others her own age and get familiar with a class structure.

Now she is 3 and I have to returned back to work full time and I put her in school/daycare it was hard at first (real hard) but after the first week I noticed she listened better and she played well by herself and her social and communication skills improved. Just after the first week!

I now belive it was the right thing to do and they will have seperation anxiety at first but the over all changes are more than what I could have accomplished being at home with her. She seems much better off for it.

Hope that helps...good luck...I know how hard the decision can be!

S.

Hi M.,

This is just MY OPINION what you do is going to be totally up to you. Any decision you make will be the right decision for you and your daughter.

I am a work from home Mom and I homeschool Our youngest 2 children ages 4 and 5. My son is in Kindergarten this year. He does baseball and will be doing soccer and football when the seasons come. We teach his academics at home and he has his social life with his sports. He also wants to do martial arts.

My personal opinion is that tumbling class sounds GREAT at this age.

I hope this helps?

A little about me: I'm a Mom of 4 ages 25,20,5,4 Grandma of 1 (age 2)

I. B.

Hi M., You'll get tons of advice, but the bottom line is what makes you & your daughter happy & comfortable is what counts. Personally I would go for tumbling and/or a dance class. I did the preschool thing with my oldest, nothing with my middle one and dance with my youngest. The oldest has a 3.0 adverage in her junior year of high school, the middle one is a straight A student (and has been since her first day of school) and my youngest is carrying a 3.50 in middle school. To tell you the truth I think their success all boils down to rules at home and the friends they have...as well as the excellent music programs in our school district. All three of my girls are in orchestra, chorus and band in some way...as are all their friends. Between concerts, the musical and all the rehersals etc they spend tons of time with their friends doing what they love (making music) and keeping out of trouble without a whole lot of nagging from us! Best wishes.

M., I commend you for wanting to spend more time with your daughter.

There are many Mother's Clubs that you can contact and join, they have playgroups that meet regularly, which would help your daughter get her much-need social interaction with her peers. Not sure where you are, but here in South Jersey there are lots, and they are very active, not only with playgroups, but with scheduled activities, like picnics, trips to the zoo, etc.

How about a music program? I was a director for Music Together for many years and can highly recommend it. The classes are so much fun for the kids. A great feature of this program is that you can take your baby and your three yr old to the same class, as the classes are mixed age group. (http://www.musictogether.com)

If your little girls love music, as I am sure they do, my website specializes in all things musical for kids. Lots of other good activity things on there, too, like books and blocks, and gear. http://www.littlelovees.com

Hope this helps!
B.

Every child is different. I put my youngest child in pre-school two days a week when she was 2 1/2 and took her out after two weeks. She would cry and carry on and cry for 45 min when they are only there for 2 hours. Now she is 4 and she LOVES pre-school. I run a daycare/pre-school out of my house so she was social just too young for it.
take care and good luck
T.

I would say in my opinion stay home and have fun with your baby. There is plenty of time for socialization as shes only small. She will learn the rules of socialization from you and your family. Home is the most important thing a young child needs and unfortunately not every child gets it. I promise you that as your children get older you will be so grateful for that time you spent with them building your relationship.

The tumble class will give her an opportunity to experience some socialization and structure. Preschool really isn't necessary, although there seems to be a lot of social pressure to have your child in preschool these days. If you want to wait a year - wait. You won't hurt your child.

I was struggling with the decision too - not only because of that but also because the cost would really be a stretch for my hubby and I at this time. We decided to do a program offered in our school district which is more or less run by high school students, supervised by a high school teacher and only costs $25 a semester for supplies (because the school district funds it). It is 2 days a week in the fall and 3 days a week in the spring. When I went to observe, they were talking about the differences between gases, liquids and solids and reading a book on ice cream melting (changing from a solid to a liquid).

I have a younger son who is sick a lot and didn't want my older son to miss out if he didn't go. I also didn't want us to feel like we were wasting money if he had to miss a day or two. Plus we figure if we hate it, then we can switch him to a "regular" preschool program and he can enjoy it then. We are planning on him attending a local preschool at 4, but this is a good in-between for us where he gets a taste of it at a rate we are happy with. In the end, I think while it is important for their development, it also depends on the kid and their individual circumstances.

So feel free to read our advice:), but in the end you know your daughter the best and do what you think will be best in her case and her development.

Best of luck!

Hi, M. it sounds like you are a great stay at home mom and an educator. I say put her in tumble class. Allow her to have fun because once she starts school her activities will mainly be scheduled on the weekends.

If money is an issue, have you considered taking advantage of some free or low budget options? For example, most of the public libraries hold at least one preschool storytime each week. My son (now 3 1/2) and I attend preschool storytimes at two different libraries each week. I decided it was a good way to get him out and socializing. He is learning to follow rules, share, and take turns, but without the cost associated with a preschool class. Also, I am with him the whole time to help with any social interactions that require a little guidance.

My older son attended preschool from the age of 3. We had lots of colds and other germs make their way home that first year, but beyond that, my son enjoyed it immensely and still has friends he made during that first year of "schooling".

It's great that you are doing what you can to teach your daughter at home! It is incredible what they teach in K and 1st these days! When I went to K, I think we only played and started learning the alphabet. As someone else mentioned, now a kindergartener is expected to be able to read by December. By the end of K, they are working on reading complex sentences, soving addition and subtraction problems, and so much more. My older son is almost done with first grade and has learned just this year to tell time and be able to solve basic word problems regarding time; have spelling tests for words like "Twelve", "child", and "those"; learned to accurately draw faces and bodies in proper proportion; do timed addition and subtraction tests; and much more.

Any work you do outside of school will only help your child in the long run. Know that any leg up you can give your child before they start in the public school system will serve them (and you) well! Also, be prepared for lots of homework, if your school district is anything like ours. In K, we had homework at least once a week. In 1st, we have homework every night (including Fridays) except for holiday breaks.

The MOST important thing is that YOU feel comfortable about what you are giving (or not giving) your child. If your decision makes you happy, your child will sense this and know that all is well in their world.

Good luck!

Hi M.

My son already had all the skills and more than he needs for kindergarten when he was 3 but I put him in preschool anyway. He is getting used to a more structured environment, being away from Mommy and learning to listen to the teacher. He loves every minute of it even though he knows all of it already. It also gives me a couple of hours with one less person to keep track of and get things done around the house or at the grocery store. I say if you can afford it, then send her. I don't think you will regret it.

I totally didn't bother with preschool. My daughter is 3 and a half. I might not even bother with pre K-we're thinking of moving and doing a private kindergarten, so we're not sure which end is up around here! Meanwhile, I stay at home and teach my daughter too. I make it a priority to get her out often around other kids to parks and friends houses, and she takes gymnastics. She's extremely outgoing so I'm not worried about her social skills, and like yours, she already knows the material.

I did notice that the gymnastics was a challenge at first, because she didn't know how to focus on one teacher in a crowd who wasn't me! So in that way, preschool could be good practice-but she'll catch on whenever she starts. I think you should do whatever you feel. If your daughter is shy and needs socializing, or you could use a little time to yourself, preschool could be good for everyone. If you don't think you need it, I wouldn't sweat it.

-wait-I just read a lot of these other ones-and I think I'm going to get her into school asap! I didnt' realize all the perks! What great answers!

I think that it is your decision. My daughter started at 3 and she knew her letters, shapes, colors, numbers and new how to write her name. I sent her to let her make friends. To my surprise where she goes they teach them sign language and Spanish. She only went two days a week and loved it. It was only a couple of hours 8 to 11:30am but what she learned was amazing. She is now in 4 year old preschool 3 days a week. And they teach them to write and more Spanish and sign language. She knows more Spanish and sign language than i ever learned. All her colors, and letters and songs she learned in sign language, and in Spanish the colors and some other things. I feel that it was beneficial for her, but now sending her into kindergarten in this upcoming fall, i am afraid she might lose what she has learned. but good luck and whatever you decide!!

I am a mom of a 8, 6 & 4 year olds..

They all went to pre-school. My pre-school was only 2 hours 3 day s a week. Actually they went to Nursery too which is 2 days a week.

Being in a classroom I think is different then being in a fun class. My kids also all play sports. Its what your comfortable with. To be honest with you.. I hope I dont sound like a horrible mom, but I enjoyed them going to school. They had mom & child tea parties, little concerts when they sang nursery rhymes and had class trips. It was cute,and personal :) and I had a few hours to focus on me when they were in school. I know it sounds horrible, but I needed that break and it felt GREAT to have them back home...

Good luck in what you do and I hope you keep us updated.

K.

Can you put her in part time, a few days a week? It wont hurt her to go over what she already knows so if you want her in to make friends I say go part time now and go full time next year.

Honestly they learn all that in Kindergarten and my 5 year old who is starting Kindergarten this Sept already knows most of what she needs, she read welcome a few days ago. I asked the school principal where she will be going what they would do for a child who is ahead in Kindergarten and she said they would spend some time in the 1st grade classroom.

I don't think pre K puts them ahead at all. I am at home with my daughter haven't worked with her to much and she is already ahead. She learned a lot from waiting me work with my older 2. Good luck in whatever you decide! :)

I am responding as the grandmother of a 4 1/2 year old, and friend of a kindergarten teacher. My daughter is a teacher and she sent "K" to a sitter until she was 3 and that worked out well, but we could see she needed more organized stimulation as a 3 year old.

During her first year in preschool she grew so much, more than just being with us at home. She learned how to wait patiently for food at the table, raise her hand and wait for attention, say the Pledge of Allegience, and celebrate multicultural holidays. She learned many more songs than we would have taught her and makes at least one craft a day. etc. She has learned how to sit in a circle to hear stories, to share daily chores, as well as just socializing with other children. She was given much affection by both the teachers and other students.

Our main problem was how she seemed to be sick with colds for the entire year, but then she was fine as a four year old. Kids who haven't been exposed to a lot of other kids often spend most of their first year of school sick with colds.

As a four year old, she has learned a letter a week, with its sound, to share items beginning with the letter, to sight read words, and to check out library books. She loves participating in projects like a group quilt,and being a member of performances, dress up days, pep rallies, etc. She has homework once a week which she loves. They have field trips and visits from a veterinarian, dentist, etc. It's not just the information she learns, but the broad experiences from the teachers and other students that she is exposed to. She is more than prepared for kindergarten and learning in a group situation. She is really outgoing and also well disciplined, in all social situations

My friend, the kindergarten teacher, said she has to cover so much during her year, definitely not just letters, numbers, colors and shapes. They need to read and write sentences by the end of the year and do mathematical problems. With kids at such greatly differing levels of preparation, the kids who come in without knowing dynamics of being a member of a group and not being the center of attention like they are at home, are at an initial disadvantage.

If you can afford it, and the experiences at the preschool are more than you could or would provide at home (not just a play school) I believe it really enriches the lives of the toddler as well as prepares them for school. As an alternative, explore the awesome programs sponsored for free at local libraries.

preschool is not about learning abc's colors etc,

It is about learning to be away from mom and learning how to interact with other kids.

It is a great way to start making friends for her as well as for yourself and also little alone time for you and the baby.

Dear M.,
Your daughter is very lucky! Not only does she have a new baby sister, she also has a mom who engages with her, teaches her things, and as if that is not enough, wants to give her tumbling classes and social interaction. You are an awsome Mom! The environment you are offering at home can never be duplicated by an institution -- not by a long shot! I would not rush into socialization -- she is already a caring human being. She will grow up learning to be thoughtful, considerate (with good table manners) at home, playing with her little sister in a loving caring environment, where she will gain self esteem and self assurance that will serve her in relating with other children. Not to mention, this is where she will imprint with your value system! In preschool, at this age, she will pick up little else but flue germs -- and lots of them!
Good luck!
N