Preschool for 3 year old?

Question

My son is a little late in speech development he goes to a speech therapist. The therapist suggested that I put him in preschool Im relucant to put in preschool because I feel that he is to young and if he starts school now that he will be sick of school by the time he gets to middle school and a part of me isn't ready to let go but has anyone been through this?

Answer 1

Yes! I agree with the speech therapist... and I'll tell you why! :) My daughter had significant speech delays as well! She was our only child at the time and she started seeing a speech therapist around age 20 months or so because at that time she still didn't really speak at all. Well, within a few sessions with the therapist she started saying more and more words. A couple months later she started going to a Toddler Playgroup only ONCE a week and she LOVED it! Parents stayed there with their child and it was only for 1.5 hours once a week. It was through the school districts Birth to Three program. When she turned three this past December she wasn't able to attend the playgroup any longer. However... She qualified for Preschool with the district and now goes 4 days a week from 8:15am to 11am. She absolutely loves it. She has taken off socially, her speech is outstanding and she is learning new things (things I would never think to teach her) every single day! She is even bringing things home to teach ME (new songs, sign language, etc.). Preschool has been a WONDERFUL experience for us. I completely understand your hesitation but I think it will really do your son a world of good! Is he your only child? At this age they really need to start learning that they are seperate beings and how to interact with their peers.

Preschool isn't about drilling things into their heads. It really is just a time to play with others their own age and learn that they can be independent away from their parents. My daughter comes home with crafts all the time and she is so proud of what she's done each day. She tells me what they had for snack and who she played with... it really is a great opportunity for kids this age to start exploring the world around them, without holding mommy's hand. :)

I say give it a shot... It doesn't have to be a permanent decision! If you don't like it you can always take him back out, you know? And also, with our daughter the teacher let my husband and I come and sit-in on a class her first day so we got to see what a typical day was like. We were really impressed. :) Also, her preschool has what they call an "open-door policy" meaning that at ANY time a parent can come to the class and join-in. So I feel really comfortable knowing that I can just drop-by unannounced any time I want to and see what's going on!

Try to be strong mom... Seperation anxiety can be difficult for kids... and sometimes for mom's too! :) Good luck!

Answer 2

Preschool for a 3 year old isn't like a Preschool for a 4 year old. My experience it was in a daycare because where I live you can't go to offical preschool until 4. At the daycare preschool they taught my daughters by playing more, when they got to preschool at a "big" school it was more sittng down. I can see your therapist wantng your child to interact with other children he may pick up better speech by being around his own peers. he won't get tired of school until he is a teenager, so they say. Just try it, that's all you can do. :-) Good Luck!

Answer 3

This is not unusual behaviour even for children who haven't had a long break. we often have children that come in for a few months and then start having trouble. First of all you need to stop talking about pre-school at home do not mention it at all especially if it is going to be a few days before he goes in again. The reason is, it is a bit like Christmas, the more you talk about it the more it gets built up into a great big thing and then instead of being exciting it becomes anxious. On the day you are going to pre-school over breakfast say we are going to school today and don't mention it again even on the walk / drive there. Secondly when you drop him off pass him to his keyworker and get straight out the longer you hang around the longer he will want you to stay. It sounds really harsh and I know it is terrible leaving your child when he is upset but it doens't make any difference whether you stay for a minute or an hour he will still have the same reaction when you leave. I always call the parents about 10 mins after they have gone, this is usually how long it takes for them to settle or be distracted and you can always call yourself if the staff haven't had a chance. He may have just got himself into a habit of crying when he comes in. I am quite surprised he was sat by himself at the end, if a child is the last on the table then we always move them on with others - perhaps you could ask staff to do this. Please don't be woorried too much though this is not unusual and he will get over it, he just has to get out of the habit. Good luck

Answer 4

I started preschool when I was 3 yrs old and I didn't get tired of school. Whether your son likes school or not isn't going to be so much about how long he is in school as the teachers that he has. Right now I am an education major taking a course on language development and it would be good for your son to be in school and around other children his age to help his development. From different children that we have read about and research it will actually greatly help him and you should see an improvement.

Answer 5

My daughter had 3 years of preschool because I started her at 3 and her birthday is in October so she missed the cut off date for K the third year. She still absolutely LOVES school and because of the head start she is at the top of her class. I believe she likes school so much because she is having a positive experience due to her good grades. So yes, I certainly recommend it. Of course, this also depends on wether you feel that your child is socially ready to be a part of a class. You may also want to consider a daycare where a large portion of the day is spent playing with only partial structured preschool classes. Or a half day preschool to ease him in. After all, it doesn't hurt to try. You can always take him out if he doesn't enjoy it.

Answer 6

I used to be a preschool teacher and 3 years old is a good time to put him in. You could put him in a program that is 3 days a week - from 9-12. It's not really like school to them - it's more like play dates. It's good for them to learn social skills and being around the other children will help his speech.

Answer 7

I'm a stay at home mom of an almost 1 year old, and I plan on putting him in a "Mommy's day out" program at a church when he's about 3 to interact with other kids. Most programs (here in Georgia) are 9am-1pm 2 or 3 days a week. I think all day in a preschool is too long for a 3 year old.

Answer 8

Putting him in preschool will help him alot. I wish I had my kids in at 3yrs verses at 4 yrs of age. I was reluctant to let go of my baby too but most pre-schools will let you stay until he is adjusted. My daughters preschool teacher sent home with all us parents on the first day of school a little baggy filled with travel size tissues and hershey hugs and kisses. I have seen such a growth in my daughters speech pronunciation since she has started preschool and wow the things she has learned is out of this world. She loves going to school and the social aspects of it are tremendous too.

Answer 9

I'm a traditionalist and feel that kids need to be kids.
There will be plenty of school later.

I myself turned out fine with out even ever going to
kindergarten.

However, you may want to consider a preschool or other
activity if your son has a speech problem. It will put him in
situations where he will need to talk more, and be confortable
talking, and this is under the advise of your therapist.

So I say yes, get him involved in something, but don't over
do it. Take it slow and remember, hes just 3.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

The therapist probably feels that your son needs to interact socially, in order to hone his speech skills. I know my daughter had a problem with her "r's" until she was in the 4th grade. We could understand her when she was very young, but her grandparents were constantly asking what she was saying.

Find a ½ day preschool, preferrably one with high teacher/aid to student ratio. Meet with his teacher to let her know about his situation, so he doesn't become self-conscious about it - which would defeat the whole purpose.

If you find a really good preschool, he will love school. Make sure YOU are enthusiastic about it - he'll pick up your attitude and make it his own!

Good Luck!