send the 3 1/2 year old to preschool or not?

Answer 1

I sent my autistic son to preschool at 3 1/2 and it was the best thing I could have done for him. He desperately needed those social skills, and the structured environment. I doubt very much that he would be where he is today without it.
Of course it is different for every child. Some don't cope with the separation or the environment is too overwhelming for them. Maybe try putting him in a daycare for an hour or two this summer and see how he copes with it. If he is comfortable being away from you and can acclimate to the other kids and adults I think he is ready.

Answer 2

I totally agree you don't need to send him at 3, but just consider that if you miss sign ups when they happen, you may not have the option of sending him half a year later (you may have to wait a full year till the next sign ups). Not that that would be a bad thing, necessarily ... just something to consider when planning. I'm sure it depends where you live, but in my town signups are in the fall for the next fall, and the good preschools fill up immediately. There are generally a couple spots available during the year, but generally not at a preschool that most people would consider the best choice for their child (and not always on a schedule that may be your first choice). There are also generally far fewer spots available at the "good" preschools for the 4-year-olds, since priority goes to kids who were there the previous year. You may want to talk to other parents in your community about how hard it will be to find a spot where and when you want it if you don't sign up at the "usual" time.

Answer 3

In my opinion, the 3 1/2 yo should go to preschool. It helps them learn to listen to adults other than family, and learn socialization with their peers. I have 1 child that was in daycare from 4mo, another who started at 2 1/2 yo. The 2 1/2 yo learned so much and matured incredibly in just the first 6 months. While I know part of it is growing up, I feel the school setting helped.

Answer 4

It is so beneficial for children to go to Preschool. What's the harm in giving him a kick start in education? He will only benefit from school. Preschool also better prepares children for Kindergarten and essentially the rest of his life. It's better for him to get accustom to school now then later on in Kindergarten when his success matters more.

Answer 5

No wait until their are 4 and are able to tell you what's going on. Preschool and daycares are great. But you have to be picky. Don't just go by a one time visit stop in when their not expecting you and see if you like it or not.

Answer 6

He is ready to develop new social skills, as well as basic academic knowledge like cut and paste, letter identification, colors, etc. My kids all started at two and it was the best thing for everyone. Yes its hard leaving them but the longer they are at home the harder it will be for them to separate from you and to get used to an academic environment. Two of my kids go from 7:50 am to 12:30 pm and the oldest who is in kindergarten until 2:30 pm. They love their teachers, they get along great with their classmates and they have time to do other stuff. Besides, it gives them a better mom because I have time to do all the other things that need to be done. Its so worth it.

Answer 7

I think it depends on the child. My first child was not around children very often so I enrolled her in tap and gymnastics classes at the age of three. She went to pre-k at 4. Both of these programs helped tremendously with her social skills. My second child (son) is now three and is around kids all the time. His sister has taught him many things (colors, letters, etc...). We have a wonderful babysitter so I am seriously considering not sending him to pre-K for another year.

Answer 8

yes you should send your child to preschool so they can interact with other kids and also learn different things it would be good before they start actually going to school kindergarten then 1st grade and so on it would be in the best interest of your child

Answer 9

Yes they really begin to develope social skill at that age. Plus they learn amazing things. My daughter has learned all of her shapes. She can now count in English, Spanish and French. She can write her name, say the alphabet and recognize each letter, etc. It is so cute to have her come home and tell me all about her morning. She only goes for a few hours three days a week, but she loves it.

Answer 10

I think it is important for socialization skills for your child to go to pre-school/day care or whatever you call it, even for 1/2 day or a few hours per week. By the time they're five and going to 'regular' school, being away from you, learning things from others, knowing how to behave with strangers, groups and making friends are skills they will already have....it really is beneficial.