What age should my toddler start at a Head Start preschool program?

Question

I am reluctant to let him go just yet. He will be 3 in April and I am a stay at home mom. I am also very worried that him not having any playmates is going to have a negative effect on him. We live 4 hours from our family and close friends. He is very social with anyone and everyone and also we take him to the playland in the mall to hang with others a few times a week. My main question, how long should I wait before putting him in preschool?

Answer 1

4 years old, you want your kids to learn more about you before you send them into the hands of strangers.

Answer 2

If you are that worried you should wait or perhaps have him progress into a program by starting part time.

I was very concerned at the time my daughter started (she started at about two and a half will be four this February) but it helped her tremendously.

I was formerly a stay at home mother myself and my daughter and I had our own way of speaking to one another that I never completely realized until she was in a regular situation with other people. (For example when she wanted a drink she would not often ask, but would use the hand signals that I had devised for drink from before she was talking). After going to preschool/daycare her social skills just flourished.

I was very afraid of preschool and letting go myself, but it turned out to be the best for her. In addition, our time spent together is more meaningful to me.

Answer 3

Your instincts to not want to let him go are on target, I think. Have you done some reading about how children learn?

Under age 5, they learn best in the context of a one on one relationship with mommy. He does not have a social need for a continuing friendship at all at this point, but you might want to start trying to arrange playdates locally once or twice a month or more if he really likes it.

He doesn't need to go to school to do it - school is a rather ineffective way to match him with kids who share his interests and with children from diverse backgrounds.

Sometimes, community rec centers have weekly time available in a big room filled with all kinds of toys and regular attendees. There are also neighborhood associations or homeowners associations that sponsors MOMS clubs. You could start one, getting time in a library room and putting up notices anywhere that makes sense.

If you will continue living where you are now, it will be nice to start building relationships with other children.

But, what he needs most for learning is you. And you're right about the negative impact of playmates. Not that any given child will be 'bad' but the school atmosphere promotes group think, materialism and consumerism, dumbing down, cliques, and conformity.

Dr. Brazelton and Dr. Greenspan wrote The Irreducible Needs of Children and talk about how young children do not benefit from group schooling situations and are, in fact, sometimes hurt by it.

I would say, for the average boy, no group schooling before age 7. For the gifted or spirited boy, no group schooling before college. I wish all kids could learn in a pedagogically sensible environment and time.

Answer 4

I think by August, which is next enrollment would be a good time.
Headstart is good not only for the social interaction with peers but its also good developmental learning.
In kindergarten anymore kids are expected to jump in and start reading short words ect and basically the expectations are alot higher these days.
Headstart would be a good way to get a developmental approach to get these skills blooming and get him more prepared for kindergaten. They use play with games and manipulatives to teach some of the primary skills.
Besides usually its only a few hours a day in most places so it wouldnt be too much for him, but gives you a little time to yourself as well.

Answer 5

Head Start is free, but it's for low income families. Preschool has costs, and they vary. They usually start at age 3.

Answer 6

My son just started a state preschool program recently and he's 3 yrs old and HE LOVES IT! I think its great for him to interact with kids his age on a daily basis especially since peopple have a hard time understanding what he's saying, especially me. But i think it would be good for your son because he will learn so many new skills. My son cannot wait to go to school everyday, he didnt even cry on his first day of school!

Answer 7

my son who is now 8 went to preschool at 3 and 4 because he loved beinga round the other kids and playing, i wish id never sent him. hes soooo bored now in school that he hates going because hesw been going since he was 3 hes burned out and bored. my daughter is 4 and shes not half as into learning things like my son was so i figured it would be good for her but after 2 weeks she cried and didnt wanna go back anymore so i didnt force her to. if your child will sit hoem with u and likes to do little projects with u and u can teach him letters and shapes adn such then theres no need to send him. he will be in school soon enough for kindergarden

Answer 8

both my daughters started at age three. i think it has made a big difference in their education. but if you are reluctant and have the time to jump start your childs education since you are a stay at home mom, go for it. Continue to take him to play with others his age though. good luck on making your decision.

Answer 9

Now. My daughter is 3 1/2 and LOVES it!!

Answer 10

let him be at lest 4 years old