My son is going to be 3 soon, he goes to a daycare. I am being advised that I should start thinking of putting him in a preschool, how different is it than a daycare, how much does it help the kid?
2006-08-28 09:40:42 · 14 answers · asked by chatty 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Most kids who've done preschool perform better in school during the early years, but by the third grade, that better performance is lost, and they're about equal to kids who did not go to preschool. So, if you think it's important for your child to excel in grades K-2 or so, or if you want your child to learn to read or write a certain way your public school does not teach, then preschool may well be important to you and your child. Preschool can also be exceedingly important for special-needs children, including those with autism-spectrum disorders, and there are probably many other situations where preschool would be a wise choice.
However, preschool does have some downsides. Children already spend thirteen years in school, in mostly windowless rooms. There are those who are concerned that added years of school may contribute to kids getting burned out long before they reach college. There are those who feel that kids' health is not benefitted by an extra year or two of staying mostly indoors, avoiding sunlight and exercise in order to get ahead. And some people have concerns about the social environment, where the kids generally pass bad habits around faster than they pass ear infections.
So as you can see, how much it helps the child is really a matter of personal choice. Nobody can really tell you if it's important or not, because the decision has a lot to do with the sorts of preschools available, the quality of K-12 education available and whether preschool will be important to that, and the child's temperament and needs.
If you think it's a good idea, check out some preschools in your area, and consider it. Maybe even try it out for a month and see if it works out for your child. If you don't think it's the right fit for your child, then put on your best "quit butting into my business" smile, and tell people you've made what you feel is the best choice for your son, thanks.
2006-08-28 10:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by Gen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
daycare is very different I AM a mom of 3 sons my oldest went to preschool he did not go to daycare because I was not working at that time. and he was able to be with kids his own age. My 2nd son never went to daycare or preschool and had a very hard time going to school . My youngest son went to preschool and than was able to go to school with no problems what I am saying is its better to have them in prescool if they are old 3 so they can be around the age kids prescool age and they will do much better when they are ready for kindg.
2006-08-28 22:41:28 · answer #2 · answered by lizamay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not worry about finding a place where your three year old can do worksheets. My two didn't go to daycare so I sent them to preschool. After three preschools we found the right fit - one that was totally non-academic and very play oriented. My son, who has always been serious and well-spoken, flourished there. My daughter, who is outgoing and playful, flourished there. The point is, that kids at this age only need to play, have fun and learn some simple interactions with adults and other children. If you feel that your son's daycare is caring, safe and supportive, leave him there.
2006-08-28 18:20:51 · answer #3 · answered by C C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very important, the socialization skills they gain in preschool put them way ahead of the curve. And you want to be sure to put him in a preschool not just a daycare. A preschool is more structured than a daycare.
2006-08-28 16:47:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not much difference between daycare and Preschool. Preschool is usually a shorter day. As long as they are teaching him is numbers, letters, and all the stuff that he needs to know before kindergarten then you are fine.
2006-08-28 20:42:48 · answer #5 · answered by SRH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Studies that I've read have shown that kids that go to preschool have the advantage (however, some daycares do a lot of pre-school type learning, you'd have to observe and see how "school like" your daycare center is)
2006-08-28 17:07:02 · answer #6 · answered by Deanna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kid probably has the socialization aspect they learn in preschool down pretty well thanks to his daycare experience. Preschool is a little more academic, a little less like babysitting. At the preschool our kids use, they do worksheets that teach how to write all of the letters and have pictures to color of things that start with the letter of the day. They combine that with show-and-tell where you bring something that starts with the letter of the day. There are a variety of crafts and projects. They learn about a different theme each year for the spring party. (My kids have learned about Mexico, Hawaii, and Appalachia) There are games that work on counting.
Once my preschoolers hit kindergarten they are well-prepared to start learning phonics and other aspects of "big-kid" curriculum. I think preschool gave them a good jumpstart on their academic careers!
2006-08-28 16:49:58 · answer #7 · answered by Kris 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think preschool is much different than daycare...as long as your daycare does stimulating activities...leave him where he is comfortable
2006-08-28 17:42:37 · answer #8 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some places it actually prepares them a little more for school rather than a free for all like day care. If you are actually teaching him some things like numbers, the alphabet, colors, basic shapes, basic writing skills, he doesn't really need preschool, but it probably wouldn't hurt.
2006-08-28 16:44:08 · answer #9 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the kid learns to read he should be alright in daycare
2006-08-28 16:43:00 · answer #10 · answered by Reggie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋