What age do children start preschool and is it really necessary?

Answer 1

Most children these days start some form of preschool at around 3 or 4 years old. It is "necessary" in the sense that your kid is not missing all the much. The purpose of preschool at such as young age is more to help them adjust when they enter school fulltime and to socialize them.

Many children entering kindergarten or pre-k have spent every minute of their day at home, only with their mommies. Going from mommy all day, to being in a completely strange environment for 5-6 hours a day can be very traumatic for young children, who have had no exposure to the outside world and no experience in dealing with other children. Socialization is very important in a child's development - and preschool helps them to deal with other adults and children around them.

Answer 2

Ages can vary, as Pre-K's and Preschools differ quite a bit. I've heard of some starting at 2 or 3, but the distinction between Preschool and Day-care that focused on educational activities were kinda vague.

It's not absolutely necessary, and none of my three ever went. In some areas, Kindergarten is also optional, and some parents don't think it is necessary. It really depends on how early and how you want to socialize your children. If you approve of the job that the preschool is doing and your child is ready for it, then maybe it's the right decision. If not on either account, then it is most definitely the wrong decision.

Answer 3

Children can start preschool as early as the age of 3. It is not really necessary(alot of people never have attended) but it is a very good idea.....it sets the foundation for Kindergarten(they are expected to know a whole lot more in Kindergarten than we ever did) and allows them the interaction with other children.

Answer 4

My daughter never went to preschool, just stayed home with either me or my husband (whoever had the day off that day), and is now at the top of her Kindergarten class for both reading and math. Nothing wrong with putting a kid in preschool, but we figured if we were home anyway, why not keep her with us? We read to her and did crafts and stuff, so she got her education. For interaction with other kids, we have family and took her to the park and to Sunday school at our church.

Answer 5

My son went to preschool at age 4. Some people may think that it's not necessary but let me tell you it really gets them ready for kindergarten. There was such an improvement. Plus it gets you and him both ready from being away from eachother.

Answer 6

Usually after they are potty trained - 24 - 30 months old. It's NOT necessary, but it is a good idea to give your child a chance to develop motor skills, and playing & sharing with other children, etc. In most cases they learn there ABC's, and counting. This gives them a 'heads up' when they start kindergarden around 5 years old.

Answer 7

They can attend between 3 and 4. I think it is very important for small kids to start learning through play at that age and be with other kids that age. It also really prepares them for Kindergarten.

Answer 8

3 or 4 years old. i don't think it's really necessary. i think we should give children more time to stay at home and play and do whatever they want. think of how children nowadays get bored with going to school year after year after year. some doesn't even want to go to college and just want to find a job. my siblings and i didn't go to preschool. yet, we were at the top of our classes. or maybe my mom just makes great children. hehe.

Answer 9

I agree with duoak