My son is a little over 3 years old. He was attending a daycare that also had a preschool which is highly accredited and seems to have a great program. He is very happy there and I really like the teachers and director for the child care center/preschool. However I am wondering if I should switch him to a more formal preschool. One of my friends was preschool supply shopping for her son when he started, etc. I never had to do that. It just seemed like a more formal school atmosphere, with a supply list, book bags, etc.
Not to say that I don't think my son isn't learning at his current preschool he is doing great with with colors, letters, shapes, etc. He is learning to write letters, loves art, music, etc. So, I am not really concerned, but he does catch on quickly. He is in a room with mostly 4 years olds at this point because he can keep up with him. Any thoughts on the Preschool focused places versus the preschool/daycare centers? Thanks.
He sounds like he is in a perfect place. Don't mess with it. As they say, if it's not broken, don't try and fix it.
If you're both happy with where he is, I see no reason to move him.
Funny but we are in the same situation and I have been wondering the same thing. He has been at the same place since he was 8 weeks old and absolutely adores his friends and teachers. I am worried that kindergarden will be the first real change for him, but they have a great pre-school and pre-k program, and I don't have to worry about getting him from place to place on different days, as we both work. To me that is a huge plus!
The 'atmosphere' of any Preschool will vary.
It is either rigid and highly structured, or is not and is a balance between 'academics' and play. Which kids this age also need and is very important.
At either preschool environment, the child is learning. Learning social skills and 'academics'. How a school teaches these things, varies and per their philosophy about children and learning.
Learning can be had, in MANY ways.
It is not about whether the school is 'formal' or more relaxed in atmosphere.
And, your son is in a class that is appropriate for him. And he IS learning a lot. And is happy there.
So that is always very important.
This is not grade school. It is preschool.
Your friend's Preschool choice is not better or worse than where your son attends. It is both a preschool.
Your son likes and does well where he is.
Fine.
That's good.
Don't compare to others and where their kid goes.
"Formal" preschool, does not mean it is 'better.'
Believe me.
It does not matter if a parent has to do preschool 'shopping' for their child or not and that that makes one school better than the other.
My kids, went to a Preschool in which I had to do NO school supplies shopping for them. And it was a HIGHLY good, preschool.
It is ALSO.... about what you as a Mom... teaches your son at home too.
I had my kids in a school based preschool daycare.. the preschool was 3 hours.. but some kids stayed all day.. while parents worked.
I have looked at lots of preschools..private expensive,, church based..school based...
in preschool kids are supposed to learn.. how to behave in a classroom.. independence.. wiping their own nose.. manners.. social skills playing well with others..if they learn some colors and numbers great.. but they do that in kindergarden too. so if he is happy.. all is good..
My daughter starts kinder this year.. the paperwork says they will learn all of their letters this year... they will learn to count.. she can do all of these things but some kids cant.. so they start in kinder from the beginning..
sounds like a good prescool you have.
