What is the best age to start a child in pre-school?

Question

We are thinking of putting our daughter into pre-school, but I still feel that she is too young. Once school starts it doesnt end for 12-13 years not including college!! Why not give them as many years at home as possible? She will be 4 years old in April. Just want to know what you all think. Thanks!

Answer 1

I put my 2 daughters in pre-school both at the age of 4. My oldest had no problems with it. My youngest cried and cried and it broke my heart.. but it got easier after the first week. I am glad that I chose to put her in pre-school because I didnt want her to feel that way for Kindergarten. I too wanted them to stay home as long as possible because once they start.. its 12 years of school, but my husband really wanted them to go. She still had a hard time the first couple of days of Kindergarten in which she started last year.. but I think pre-school helped with the transition.
I also think I wanted to hold on a little longer because she was my last too :) Whatever choice you make will be fine. Good Luck :)

Answer 2

I am with you that they are in school for the next twelve years not including college. I do not see the need for pre-school. Preschool has become what kindergarten was in the past. Kindergarten used to be a half a day. Now it is a full day. Children adapt well to just going to kindergarten. Unless there is a need I think pre-school is for parents that want to work. Or just need time away from their kids. Kids learn so much being at home. People today don't value that but that is where many of life's lesson can and should be taught. Do what feels right in your heart. Do not let anyone else influence your decision. You will know what is right. Hope I helped.

Answer 3

I put my son in at three for the nursery school program two days a week (9:30 to 12:30) and then the pre school program at the same school for three days a week when he was four. They told me at the school that kindergarten is no longer nap time and play time like when I was in school (20 years ago). They learn counting and letters and even get homework, so it's better to get them prepared for that kind of structure and work and also to be around children their own age so they can adjust a little better. If you'd like your daughter to be near you, you can look into a parent co-op like where my son went. Each parent goes in as a helper one day a week, so they can see their child in a school setting (and also lowers the cost of the school because they don't need to hire another aide). In the end, it's really how you feel, but I would recommend sending her.

Answer 4

Start now. She is going to be 4 and most 4 year olds go to pre-school. Put her in part-time. She needs to be socialized, learn to share, take turns, co-operate and most of all have fun with others. It is important to be home with them but you have to realize that if you don't prepare her, she will have a tough time separating and won't enjoy it. Kindergarten might come as a shock and be overwhelming to her. Kids need practice socializing and the earlier you do this, the better for them.

Answer 5

Absolutely not :) A three year old is ready for preschool when he or she displays these readiness signs: Independence: ability to do things such as get dressed/undressed, potty trained, pour water from small pitcher Ability to Separate: can easily separate from Mom/Dad for a few hours at a time Ability to sit and participate in group activities for 20-30 min at a time There are other signs of readiness that you can look for however these tend to be the most important. My son is starting preschool in a couple weeks along with two of his friends, they are ages 3 and 4 1/2. You can start whenever you feel comfortable with it. Good luck!!

Answer 6

The best time to start a child in pre-school is when they are about 3 or 4. Cause you r best bet is that you want havre to come to school the whole week for them too teel you about the wetting the pants and the whole baby mess. So therfore the child will be well on its way to taking care of there self and being able to ask for what they need.

Answer 7

today's world moves so much faster than it did for us... it moves faster everyday! I have three older children (three younger) five total in school... and I look over their work... my pre-k kids? they get homework! my second grader had homework four days a week in kindergrten! and some was foreign language... they have computers from pre-k up... it is stress! it is a competitive world we will be releasing them into though.... and every advantage, right?

personally though, I think it is a matter of if the child... if the child is ready? then yes... if not... no...

my parents started me in kindergarten when I was four.. I was always the smallest, shyest.. I remember one teacher did a standing ovation half way thru the year... while telling the class.... wow.. she isn't a mute after all.... humiliating.. but, he was right.. I had not even said the pledge of alliegence at all in class.. no hi to another student.. nothing! another time in first grade my parents were called.. I do not remember anything except I was under the teachers desk.... crying.. my mother had to get me out... for years they fought the schools, every year trying to have me kept back... but? my grades were too good... I tested well... I was always a grade higher than my age group... but I was so obviously NOT ready... on the other hand? my son just turned three... he started school at two.... he gets up everyday looking forward to going to school! he LOVES it! he might be with kids older, but he fits right in... I put him in only because he begged me!?! lol.. how often do we get that?

so... I say instead of asking us... or even instead of listening to anyone else? first talk to the child... and then? ask yourself... are you ready to let go a little more? or do you and your four year old need one more year of no school? whatever is right for you and your child? that is the right answer....
good luck!

Answer 8

4 years old is a perfect age for pre school. Once she gets used to it, she will love it. The interaction with the other children will also be a benefit for her to learn social skills.

Answer 9

Kids who go to preschool have a definite advantage in kindergarden over those who don't. They're already adjusted to school and don't have the anxiety and separation issues of kids who've never been away from Mommy. Also, she'd be behind academically unless you're teaching her at home - letters, numbers, shapes, colors, etc. I would definitely suggest you look into preschool for this next year, even if it's just a twice-a-week "mother's day out" kind of program. Both my kids started preschool at age two and did really well in it.

Answer 10

3-4 years old is the standard age. It will help prepare them for kindergarten when they are 5 and helps them learn A LOT of life skills.