Need the order of schooling?

Question

My husband and I are trying to plan in advance for our daughters educational needs, and we got sorta confused last night as to the order of schooling. I thought it went like this:

1. Daycare
2. Preschool
3. Pre-K
4. Kindergarten

My husband disagrees, and says it goes straight from preschool to Kindergarten. We're trying to work out what we're going to need to pay for, and what we won't. From my understanding you have to pay for preschool and Pre-K, but of course not Kindergarten. Does anyone know the proper order, and which ones have to be paid for?? THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Answer 1

The order you have listed is the correct order, but not every family and child requires each step. Legally, at least in our state of Michigan, a child does not have to go to school until age 7 and does not have to attend Kindergarten, but can go straight into first grade. This can be waived if you choose to home-school. If your family requires it, then daycare expenses will be something you pay for. Preschool is a personal option. Many families do not feel this is necessary for their child, or they can not afford the expense, or there is not a good preschool in their area. If you do decide preschool is right for your family and your child, then that is something you will pay for as well. Pre-K is only offered in some areas by some daycare centers and by some school districts. Generally this is a class for children who are old enough, but may just not be ready for a traditional K class yet. If your child goes to a pre-K offered by your public school district then you will not pay for it. If your daycare center offers a pre-K then, yes, you will have to pay. Kindergarten is sometimes offered by daycare centers as well and you will have to pay. If you choose to send your daughter to a public school kindergarten, then you will not pay. There are numerous educational options. You can choose your local public school system beginning with kindergarten (and possibly pre-K). You may also have charter schools available to you (which in Michigan are public schools, too) or private schools may be an option, but you will pay tuition at a private school for all grade levels. When thinking about the future educational needs of your daughter, don't forget to start saving for college expenses as well.

Answer 2

The order you have listed is generally the way it goes, however it depends on where you live as to what it is called at each stage. Some areas have "daycare" and "preschool" as synonymous terms, used interchangably. Other places have "daycare" for children under 2 1/2 years, with "preschool" taking place from 2 1/2 years to around 4 years. Then, "pre-K" starts around 4 years- about 5 years when children are eligible for kindergarten. So, depending on where you live, your hubby could be right as well- if there are no distinctions between "daycare" and "preschool" and "pre-k" levels. Many centers combine their "preschool" programs with "daycare" ones, so that children can come and receive "pre-k"-type education, but stay the whole day if they need to. "Daycare", "preschool" and "pre-k" are still optional, so parents are still responsible for payments (unless you qualify by income for special programs such as Head Start) and are considered to be private schools for the most part. Kindergarten is still not mandatory in many states, which makes it optional for children to attend. Overall, the more experiences in quality "daycare", "preschool" or "pre-k" programs your child has, the better prepared for formal school they will be. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Preschool and Pre K (Pre Kindergarten) are really the same thing. Some states (my state, Georgia is one of them) have state sponsored Pre-K funded by the state Lottery. It is a 6 hour day and all I will pay for is a weekly food amount. So sometimes you hear Pre-K and Preschool as separate terms. I think their meanings are starting to veer away from each other, with Preschool meaning one that has to be paid for in full. (non state sponsored)

Daycare is not a necessary step in schooling. You are your child's first teacher. :)

You might want to call a few daycare centers in your area, to find out the details for your state. Churches often offer Preschool programs and mother's morning out programs.

Answer 4

At the school I used to work for that was the correct order.....Preschool (3yr olds), then Pre-K (4's) and then Kindergarten. But, in some places the term "preschool" is used for all classes before Kindergarten.

Answer 5

Preschool and pre-k are the same thing, just different terms.

It used to be that some kids did preschool the year before kindergarten. Now parents are starting thier kids as young as 3.

Its really up to you how many years (if any at all) of preschool you want to do.

And daycare isnt school, its daycare.

Answer 6

Preschool and Pre-K are the same thing where I live. Both are before Kindergarten. Preschool/Pre-K are tuition based.

Preschool is NOT a waste of money. Kids learn important social skills they cant learn at home with a parent.

Answer 7

1. Daycare- you dont have to send your child to daycare unless you need someone to watch you young child while you are at work or if you just want your young child to be use to being seperated from you and your husband.
2. Nursery School/ Pre-k ~ This is two year that prepare your child for elementry school. Although you way not HAVE to send your child to this, I would suggest it. They also have nursery school in some Daycares, however the days are longer for that-which means it is more Expensive.
3. Kindgergarten/ Elementry School- If you go to a public school then, yes, it is free however if you choice to send your child to a private school it costs money. Most public Elementry schools are K-5 however some are just Kindergarten and then 1-6 or some are k-8.

i hope this helps you and good luck with your baby. Also, i dont think there is really a way to pay in advance

Answer 8

Your right, but most times the preschool provides the Pre-K curriculum. Sometimes children can be admitted to Pre-K at the public schools depending on district policies. If it's a private school, perhaps you should ask them because the rules change with every school.

Answer 9

the order of schooling is

1.Daycare (optional)
2.Preschool
3.Pre-K (optional)
4.Kindergarten

and so on and so forth, but you will not need to pay for preschool all the way to high school if your child goes to a public school but if he/she goes to a privet school then the price would vary from place to place.

Answer 10

it all depends on your preference for your child. in some daycares they have better learning then in preschool. but then you have to run the course of a sick child alot of times and also daycare can be expensive. and i personally work in a daycare and i would have a hard time putting my child in one.you see to much when you work in a daycare.