Pre-school Delimma?

Question

I went to open house for my daughter's pre-school today and was apalled. My older son skipped pre-K because he was very advanced (could read at age 3) and began Kindergarten at a Christian school and continues to go there now (he's in 3rd grade). My school experiences with him were all wonderful.

This program that I've signed my daughter up for is state-funded. (My parents struggle to pay my son's tuition, and there is no more $ to send my daughter to private pre-K.) Anyway, there are 2 classes with 20 kids in each class, the vast majority of which do not speak English. The rooms were filthy, and the toys were so old and dirty looking that I wouldn't want my daughter to touch them. Also they still take naps on mats on the floor and cannot bring their own mat from home, so who knows what she will be sleeping in. The other thing that freaked me out was a dress-up area with hats. (Head lice?)

My daughter is excited about school, or I would just keep her home. What to do?

Just a few more notes on the situation: we live in rural Georgia, where the public school system is horrible and over-crowded. The YMCA is over-crowded and filthy as well. The two types of pre-K offered here are state-funded and private, and people line up for all of the good state-funded programs at 2 or 3 am in the spring just to get their child on the waiting lists. The private programs usually run around $100-150 a week, which we don't have. Is it really that important for a child to go to pre-K? She knows all of her letters, numbers, colors, etc. it's the social aspect that I think she would benefit from, but how many social skills can a child learn from a room full of other kids who don't speak her language?

Answer 1

I teach pre-school agers 3-5 year old combined class. If your kid knows the basics, skip this nasty preschool. There is plenty of research to prove your child doesn't need preschool since the benefits usually disappear by 4th grade. and on the flip side, a US government agency has shown that bad preschools have a LONG-lasting NEGATIVE affect on kids. in fact, 25% of preschools are determental to a child's development. 75% of all 0-3 yr programs are minimal to harmful in their care! child care has its little dirty secrets, and what happens when the parents are gone can be sad. I have been centers that treated the kids like dirt. Parents came, then the happy faces went on the staff. I'm fortunate to find a clean, accredited quality center that cares about the kids.

Answer 2

I understand how tough it would be...but go with your kid. Consider which is more important? Her temporary disappointment (which you could probably alleviate with some special activities and attention) until you find another arrangement, or bad teaching in a dangerous environment?

I'm not sure how it works with a pre-K program, but my sister (3rd grade) goes to a private Christian school and gets some funding help from NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools). It may be too late to fill out an application for this coming school year, though, I don't know. It's on a first come first serve basis. The website is in the sources below.

Also, you didn't mention how old she was, but if she is 3 also, it's not like it's a mandatory thing to send her to pre-K yet, you could put her in a mother's day out program, which will help her learn some things as well as help her learn socialization skills.

I don't know if this is an option or not, but remember that a child's first and most influential teacher is...her parent. Consider teaching her those pre-K skills yourself. I don't know what it's like in other locations, but where I live there is a program where someone will come once a week and show the parent some things to teach and how to teach them. Check with your local library or SRS.

Answer 3

If she already knows her basics(ABC's, #'s, colors, shapes etc) then you should put her in a daycare a couple times a week just for social status. That's what I did with my 4 year old. Her birthday came to late in the year for her to go to pre-k last year and she also knew all of her basics, but i wanted her to be comfortable around other kids and to become sociable so i sent her to a daycare for a few hours a day and a couple of times a week. Now that she can go to school she is excited and asks me every day ''is it time for school yet''. So try that and see if it works any better, because I feel the same way as you do I don't want my child to be in that kind of environment. Also if the other children don't speak English, how is she going to make friends with any of them? GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

Definitly find a different preschool!! That cant possibly be the only preschool in your town that is available?? If it is...I still wouldnt send her there....if you dont feel good about it then you probably have good reason! Remember, "a mothers intuition!" Find a different school or sign her up for a program for her to participate in (through the YMCA possibly)

Answer 5

Don't send her! Find a dance class or class at the Y. or something that you can take her to instead. And ask the Christian school if they have scholarships available for preschools they recommend. Most (my daughters, included) have money set aside to help people in your position, and they will help you find something for her. Ask around, and skip the other place.

Answer 6

Don't send her.

Either keep her at home - it sounds like you are already doing a wonderful job there.

But keep looking for other schools. There has to be other options available. Don't some of the private schools offer sponsorship? or grants or something. There has to be a way for you to get her into a better school.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

FIND ANOTHER SCHOOL!!! THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS! DON'T PUT YOUR CHILD IN DANGER!!! THAT IS A MADHOUSE FOR SICKNESS!!!