When is the most appropriate age to send a toddler to school? Is 18 months too early?

Question

I'm thinking of sending my 18 month old to a Montessori kindergarten next month. Some friends have commented that he is too young for school. Some have said starting earlier is better than later. Fellow parents/grandparents: What do you think? Your experience? Opinions? (Thanks in advance from a new mom!)

Montessori Method might be defined as "education by means of liberty in a prepared environment". So although there is a loose schedule, the child chooses what he wants to learn, unlike traditional pre-schools.

School isn't for the entire day. It's 8.30am to 2.30pm Mondays to Fridays. According to the school, the activities are focused on self-directed play, group activities and outdoor play.

Answer 1

Sending a child to a kindergarten or head start (which is the same thing) is very good for the child in the long run. My daughter started my grandson in headstart at 18months old. The child benefits from pre schooling before he or she goes to regular preschool. In fact the child developes much healthier and happier because of a pre education. Also toilet trainning and the fact that there would be interaction with other children makes it twice as easier for the child and yourself. My grandson is now 4 and a half years and enjoys regular pre-school with a passion, he is smart as a whip. Therefore, don't even think about sending you child to school just do it, the child will be much happier and so will you.

Good Luck
Ronnie C

Answer 2

I think three is a more appropiate age, but a montessori school would not be a school of choice for me. Don't they have the child most of the time? You will have to enlighten me on this one. I never thought it good for a child to be raised in a school twenty four seven. The best teacher for a child is the parent and the child needs to bond with that parent. This is only an opinion please don't take this as me being appauled at your decission. I am not, I just think you child is to young at the moment.

Answer 3

18 months is too young for anything other that day care. My 19 month old is in a day care center half day, and its good for her to play with other children. It develops their social skills, sme of these centers do teach the children thinks too. I would do preschool at 3 yrs old and kindergarten at 5 yrs old.

Answer 4

My daughters started preschool when they were 2 1/2 and they were the oldest in their class, the youngest had just turned 2 when they started. It depends on the schools starting age and if you feel he is ready enough. My opinion is it is too young but you know your child more than any one.

Answer 5

I know in my area, they do not start preschool until 3 years, and kidergarten when they are 5. I think 18 months is just a little too young.

Answer 6

most Montessori's reccomend not too start a child until they are 2.5 but each school is different. I would have them observe your child and test them to see if the child is ready first.

Answer 7

I think that is too young. Children at this age learn through play, not instruction.

Answer 8

kindergarten is age 4 hes way too young

Answer 9

I think that's WAY too early. YOU are what he needs right now. I haven't sent any of my kids to school until they were three turning four. They are still BABIES at his age! They should be home with mommy.

Answer 10

i think the earlier the better.but i didn't know that it could be that ealry.mine both started at 3 years old.its ur choice whatever u feel is right.ur the mother and mothers know whats best.