Should I Switch Preschools?

I don't think I'd switch without first speaking with the teacher. It doesn't have to be a confrontational tone. I am thinking something more like, "I know Johnny has had some issues, and I'm sure we'd both like to see some improvement. Could you start sharing with me some of the things that he's been doing well so that we can try to build on those strengths? I think it may help to praise his good behaviors and minimize his misbehaviors. What do you think?"

Sometimes kids outgrow a daycare situation. With the wider age gap that usually exists with them, providers can have a hard time doing the age appropriate activities for BOTH age groups. So usually the age group with the most need infants and young toddlers, get more of the provider's focus.

Does your provider work on any preschool readiness activities with your son? Painting, glueing, cutting with scissors, playdough, tying shoes, numbers, letters, measuring, music, books, puppet shows, dress up etc...? If all he is doing is playing whether inside or out, he's probably bored and that's why you're getting the negative comments from her. At 4 kids need more structure and more stimulation than free play.

I am a big advocate for quality daycare and preschool. I think both are good stepping stones from home to daycare, from daycare to preschool, preschool to kinder. Each have enriching qualities about that that can help kids in each transition.

I would speak to his daycare provider though. Let her know that you're considering placing him in preschool and get her take on it. Chances are she feels he's ready too, and putting him in half days would still keep the familiarity and security of her environment while giving him the stimulation he needs.

Good luck!

Whenever the teacher says today little johnny didnt........ or today johny --____ immediately ask her "and what did you do to deal with the situation when it happened?" It is her job to deal with it then and there. You'll find out if she is dealing with his negative behavior in an age appropriate way and he is not responding or if she just complains or if she doesnt have a "tool box" of ways to deal with preschoolers. Also talk to other parents at your school, is the same thing happening to them? You need to find out for certain if he is a difficult child in school or she is a poor teacher, don't guess after a lot of four minute conversations.

Talk to the teacher first. Don't just pull him out. "Ms. Teacher, I noticed that when we talk about McManly's day and how it went, not a lot of mention is made about the positives. I hear and understand that kids can misbehave, and believe me when I say I'm listening when we discuss problems, but I'd also like to hear about how well he's doing too. I'd like to hear about when his behavior is exceptional as well as when there are problems."

I can put my money where my mouth is on this one because I had the exact same issue with my eldest daughter's first grade teacher. I heard about "negative" behavior which turned out to be nitpicking and personality clashes and when I told the teacher that I needed to hear positive progress in addition to what needed to be improved upon, the reports took a better turn. It also helped the teacher/student relationship. I had to do it again with her 2nd and 3rd grade teacher (it was the same guy).

As for whether or not you should make the switch based on finances... well, honestly it would matter which school is accredited. Which has a better reputation. Which will keep him for more time. Which has a better program. Which is more convenient to get to. Which has a learning style better fitted to my kid. I would interview the other place to see what they have to offer but I wouldn't make any decisions based solely on what you've posted. If it were solely on what you've posted I'd keep him where he is.

Have you been to visit the free pre-school yet with your son to see how he likes it? If he likes it, I think it's fine to switch. It's nice that you'll save $45/ week too. If you are worried about him not being as prepared for kindergarten, IMHO he'll be fine. My children went to pre-school 3 days/week for about 3 hrs/day too. None of them had any problem.
Best wishes!! :)

I work as a preschool teacher, I am a firm believer in telling parents the truth, but also believe there is a fine line between the truth and airing a dirty laundry list of every misbehavior. Kids will be kids, and at this age, it is really not unusual at all for them to be testing boundaries and just being rambunctious...this is when they are "learning" how to behave in a school setting.
I do not always get an opportunity to talk to my parents, I do send home daily notes, I do not send a note home with every daily infraction and I always always always find something positive to say! I have a classroom of 12 when they are all there, and although some are more challenging than others I definitely have not had a child I dislike!
I do think that your concern is valid and I would talk to the teacher privately about your concerns before yanking him from one school...is your child happy? Does he not want to go? That would be a warning sign if he did not seem to ant to go, or was upset when you picked him up.
Good luck!
Be sure and tell us what happens = )

The damage done by a teacher not liking a child is deep. If she truly doesn't like your child, take him out now.

He is going to have a few teachers in his school years that he may not get along with...and you wont be able to switch him out of each school/class when it happens. See this as a learning opportunity; talk with the teacher.
Maybe its just a case of your child being REALLY good 99% of the time but misbehaving 1% of the time and the 1% is weighing on his mind, so this is the first thing he tells you.