What Is the Proper Age to Start Headstart or Kindergarten?

Check with your local school district now. Many such as Los Alamitos and Westminster are offering Developmental Kindergarten programs that may have a lower start age.

Hi D.! My daughter is 2 and whereas she is a little on the young side for preschool, we needed to find a way to take care of her, as I work night shifts anywhere from 3-4 days a week. I researched sittercity.com to find someone in the area but if we paid someone $10/hour for the hours we need, we would end up paying $240 a week! Yikes! We looked at different schools and ended up picking Brea Olinda Friends Christian School. We pay $160/week (that's for non potty trained, though). I found the staff to be very genuine and very caring. They offer a great curriculum but mix in fun as well. They have splash days and teddy bear picnics. (This is for my daughters age, though, I'm not sure about 4 year olds.) They open at 6:30 and the children can be there until 6pm. My daughter is having a little bit of a tough time adjusting but the teachers are so patient and are really looking out for her and helping so much with the transition. I have been so happy with our experience so far and will definitely stick with them. Be careful when researching though. I called a "preschool" in Brea and it was just a mom out of her home with other moms as assistants. She had no formal teaching background. I searched on the web for questions to ask when you call and found it very helpful. Good luck to you! I wish you well :)

headstart usually will take them at 3 (if potty trained) but most go at 4. i now is a good time to transition your little one. my niece went to headstart and loved it.

He will be ready for Kindergarten next year. Check with your school district around February/March to find out when to enroll him. Year-round schools start in July, Modified-traditional schools start in the beginning of August, or end of August for traditional schedules. Right now I'd look into a First Five Preschool. They are generally affiliated with your local school district. Headstart is for low-income families, you will have to apply first (however, if you are already paying for an expensive Academy, I'm guessing you won't qualify.)
This link may help you find preschools in your area.
http://www.first5la.org/Programs/Universal-Preschool

Good luck!
N.

A child should be 5 years old to start kindergarten. In CA, they just need to be 5 by Dec. 1st. But most states require a child to be 5 by Sept. 1st (or before kindergarten starts). Your son is ready for preschool/pre-K.

Headstart would be good, or you could do even do day cares that offer education (I have one at home. I used to teach and it can be done very well with the right environment and care giver) Kindergarten is most commonly started at 5 though. You really don't want to rush certain things such as going to "school" too early. If they are not able to keep up, they will be held back and that can hurt a child more than anything, even at such a young age. So try a head start (pomona has really good programs) or a simple affordable pre school facility. If you arn't to fussy with day cares, check out your local home day cares. We arent all bad like some stories you hear.
Good Luck

I D., as for kindergarten they have to turn 5 with in a certain date to be elgible for kindergarten at 4. For example my son started kindergaerten in September when he was 4 but turnned 5 in October. As far as Head Start it is a free program for those who are elgible, I do believe. What are you paying for daycare? and does your daycare offer you sibbling discounts? I have had a few parents who have brought their children to my daycare, that after paying for daycare and gas, really don't have enough money left over to actually call it a second income, I know for me i charge 110.00 a week, that includes meals and activities, if there is a sibling, then it's 100.00 so it's a 40 dollar a month discount. You are not rushing things wanting your child to have inaction with others kids and the same time to have an education, you are just a mom who wants what id best for your kids, I would say shop around and see if you can't fins something cheeper that will give you the same quality care that you are looking for. J. L.

Hi!
I am a Head Start teacher in Orange County-We start as early as 3 years old, I would prefer potty trained but they dont HAVE to be. But it is for low income families and you have to be eligable based not only on income, but your families needs as well. And as everyone else said, they have to be 5 to start kinder. I pay $165 a week for a family daycare for my 1 year old. I located my daycare through the Childrens Home Society. I would definitely go with a school, or a daycare that prepares them for kinder so he will be ready next year. Call your local school district and ask them about preschools in your area, or one might be located on campus. Let me know if you want head starts phone #, but if you have 2 in an academy already I have a feeling you may not qualify :0) Good luck!
S.

Dear D.,
Your son is at the age for a pre-kindergarten program which would be a head start program for first 5 program. He has to be the age of 5 by Dec. 3 or something like that to be the age for kindergarten. Start looking for pre-schools that have a pre-K program that you like!
Love,
J.