How Important Is Pre-school

Having been a preschool teacher for 12 years, before having my own children, I can say I am not an advocate for preschool. I think we are introducing our little ones earlier and earlier into the world of academia. Before you make your decision, thoroughly evaluate the preschool you are considering. In KY, there are no real guidelines for a daycare program calling themselves a "preschool." I cannot vouch for all programs, but there are a lot out there that are nothing more than glorified babysitting services under the name of "preschool." If you want to prepare your son for public school, here's my advice. Children are born curious and ready to absorb everything. When they are little, they are always ready to learn, they don't "need" formal education in their early years. Take him outside and let him explore his world. Read to him a lot. Take him on field trips to museums, the library, music concerts. Give him jobs around the house and let him help you cook. Let him play with playdough, color and draw. Basically, just expose him to lots of experiences. If you do send him to kindergarten, he will be more than ready. And if you decide to homeschool (because after all, you already have been for four years!), you will be the best teacher for him!!

It's important before Kindergarten that he developes the skills he'll learn in preschool, but you can teach him his letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc. You might want to consider a three day a week morning or afternoon preschool program, though, because YOU'RE GONNA WANT THE BREAK! Our school does a two day program for three year olds and a three day program for four year olds, half a day, and it's just a nice break for a mom with a new baby. If the baby sleeps, you can nap.

pre-school is sooooo important, but that does not mean he has to go to a pre-school center. he can get all of the lessons he needs at home with you. even if you have no intention of homeschooling latter, you can homeschool pre-school. you should contact the school that your son will attend for kindergarten, and get a list from them of what your son will be expected to be able to do before he enters kindergarten. then you can decide if you can teach him these things, or if you need to find a pre-school center that can prepare him for kindergarten. i know in Lexington, the public schools require so much to enter kindergarten, that i had to send my daughter to pre-school, or i worried she would be way behind next year. either way, as long as your son is ready for kindergarten, make the choice that is right for your family.

PreSchool has been fabulous for my daughter (just turned 4). She's a well behaved child but we wanted to make sure that she would listen to other adults(she wasn't in daycare), play well with children, and respond in a structured environment. She had really blossomed and I can't say enough good things about the experience. Of course she has picked up some behavior that I'm not fond of from other kids, but that likely would have happened any way in kindergarden (can't keep her in a bubble forever :-)

I have 2 children who are in elementary school and a 3 year old that stays home with me. Neither of my boys attended preschool and it didn't harm them at all. At the time I was worried that if I didn't place them in preschool they would be behind in Kindergarten so I worked with them on their letters and writing their name and other basics but when they began kindergarten they started completely from scratch. There was nothing they didn't teach them. Every single letter and number and everything. At the time I felt like if they would have attended preschool they would have been bored with the first few months of kindergarten. Both of my boys are very intelligent and have always gotten almost perfect grades in school so I don't think they were at a disadvantage at all by not attending preschool. They both are above their grade level in most subjects. Whatever you choose to do with your child will be the right choice!!! Good luck to you!

Hey S.,

Some pre-schools will do part time, like 2 or 3 days per week, or just morning hours. It may not be financially possible for you to pay for full-time preschool, but would you guys be able to financially sacrific for part time. Just a thought.

I will be in the same boat with my second child. We want to have the 2nd be born around the time my son turns 4. I didn't stay home with him for financial reasons, but I want to with baby #2. There are some preschools or CDCs in Fort Mill that allow part timers. Thats what we plan on doing.

If you can stay at home with your children DO IT Pre School is great but you can teach them te same at home colors ,numbers,ABC, I have a four year old has been in Pre School at the age of two after he was potty traind i am a single mom so it was pre school or daycare its just wanted, i want to call a better daycare they learn a little more lol

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