Do preschools allow kids to start in the middle of the year?

Question

I know it also depends on if there is space available but if so, do they typically let you start in the middle of the year? My son will be 3 at the end of June and in case he just isn't ready to start in September, I would like to know I could possibly try again when he is 3 1/2 and not have to wait until the entire next year. I know kids change a lot in a short amount of time but so far, my son really doesn't like groups (he's better one-on-one) and I just worry (I'm a worrywart which doesn't help!). Thanks.

Kids here (Northern VA) start preschool at 3 (some younger - 2 1/2). My son is only 2 (he'll be 2 1/2 in December) and I just like to plan ahead with any "what if's".

I belong to a playgroup and my son did fine for awhile but then just didn't like it. I think the bigger group was too much for him. He can do alright for awhile but then needs his time away and lately just gets so annoyed when a kid comes near a toy he is playing with. He doesn't want to share at all BUT we have had playdates with older kids and kids his age who are gentle and share with him, and he does great. I know some toddlers go through this but combined with everything, and being very attached to me (I'm a SAHM), I just don't want his early school experiences to be negative, especially since my husband is a teacher and I'm a school counselor and know how important a child's outlook on school is. (I'm not saying other people don't b/c all parents do but especially for us working in the schools, we just want his early experiences to be good).

Answer 1

I believe pre-schools have an enrollment through out the year, but most are set to the maximum of children allowed, so it than creates the waiting list. So when you are really sure that your child meets all requirements to attend, start getting information on the ones you are interested in. Make an appiontment to have a tour or stop in unexspectedly to see what questions you may be able to have answered just by that first instint. Always ask about the others who would come in contact with your child. Do they have a daily program. Just check each out until you have found one who fits not only your needs/trust but your childs needs.
Being informed and prepared helps to lessen your worries.

Answer 2

If you are talking about a private preschool, then it really just depends on the individual school policy and a lot of it is on supply and demand. Most schools that operate for profit want their classes full, and they would most likely be willing to work with you to enroll your child mid-year if they had an opening. You may or may not catch some attitude from the teacher(s) in that class if they are really rigid about routines and all and feel hassled by having to train a new kid to adjust to everything (for instance if they have the rest of the class all sleeping good at naptime and yours is restless, it could cause a problem).

Speaking as a former preschool teacher, it would probably be better for you to try it out in September and by that I mean really give it a good fair try and don't just pull him out the first time he cries. Many preschools divide their students by age if they have more than one class, so he would possibly be in a class with younger 3's.

Now, if you are talking public Pre-K, I didn't know they offered it for age 3. (Maybe Headstart?) There are usually way more kids on the list than they have slots and they rank them by need, etc., so if you miss your chance at the age he is eligible, you will have a very hard time getting him in mid-year.

The best thing to do is to discuss this with the director at the school you plan to have him attend before enrollment. Shop several schools and observe the environment and teachers and compare class size, teacher-to-student ratio, daily schedule, etc. to try to determine which one would be the best fit for him. Many preschool programs offer 2 days or 3 days per week options, which might be a good first step to ease him into the school routine.

In the meantime, you might also look for some other social opportunities for him to get him used to group settings. Plan some playdates with friends' children; take him to the park or playground; try a preschool class through the rec center or Y; do the children's story time at the library; put him in the nursery or Bible study class at church, etc.

Being a "worrywart" is pretty much part of the job description of a mom--it's ok and very normal. A good preschool teacher and director will be able to answer your questions and allay your fears, as well as help your son with the transition from home to school!

Answer 3

Most 3 yr old programs are generally geared towards sociality and getting along with each other. My son's HeadStart program actually held a spot for him for a month and a half so he could go once he turned three. My educated guess is that yes, they would allow him if they had room.

I think the best way to allow your child to experience the room is to put aside your fears and take him. Chances are he'll really like it! My son had a week where he wasn't so sure, but now he's so excited when we go! If you do choose to take your child, don't base your choices after just one week... give him some time! I bet he does just great. If not, then you know and you can pull him out of the program for a while. In the meantime, I'd suggest you socialize your child as much as possible! If you don't have neices and nephews, then try to find a playgroup. It'll do his social skills wonders.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

i have never heard of preschools taking 3 year olds, everywhere i have lived they have to be 4.

unless you are talking private and then you probably can go in the middle of the year.

but it sounds like he isn't ready, why not wait until he is 4?

EDIT: huh that's odd. i live in virginia and where i live they cannot start public pre k until 4 (by the 30 of sept)

it would surprise me if it was different in different parts of the state because the schools are run by the state.

odd.

although they can start headstart at 2 1/2 and 3, but only if there is a reason IE medical or behavioral.

Answer 5

yes they do my daughter turned 3 in august but was not potty trained yet and now that she is she will be starting after thanksgiving

call your district and find out when the next preschool screening is and set him up for that
i've heard that if they pass the screening sometimes they enroll them that day and put them in class right there

also my daughter has a speech delay and we were told it doesnt matter how many kids are in school they always accept kids with delays

personally to get my daughter used to a setting with less kids than playgroup but more than home i put her in a small in home daycare and it's worked wonders it even helped alot with her potty training

Answer 6

It sounds to me like all different infants have been jointly longer and characteristic already shaped a team. For some reason, they're feeling threatened via inclusive of your daughter. And, for some reason, childrens (particularly women) at this age are extremely nasty to a minimum of one yet another. And this is notably much consistently insufferable for the discern to video reveal. i might communicate on your daughter, and tell her in no thank you to pass out of the positioning of a instructor. despite the fact that if the different women do. And to in basic terms stay type to people. additionally, tell her that this is greater appropriate to be great, despite the fact that if it potential now and lower back you may play on my own. perhaps you are able to ask the instructor if she ought to convey a manage to share and tell them approximately herself (particularly if she is new and the others are no longer.) i might provide her sufficient time on the college to get comfortable (like, 4 greater situations) and spot if issues advance. check together with her instructors, and in basic terms tell them which you're slightly worried, and in the event that they might please make it easier to recognize if something occurs. Then, you and your companion could reevaluate the area after the set quantity of time. Then, you would be coaching your daughter to handle issues, yet that insufferable issues can be replaced different the time. (Which extremely is the way it extremely is in existence) good success!

Answer 7

I don't think they do - and if they did maybe that would be a little more intimidating to him? All the other kids would have friends and know one another already. I think it's important to get your child to be as social as possible as soon as possible.

Answer 8

Not likely, but a daycare that stresses preschool skills would probably be beneficial for him. You wouldn't have to send him every day.
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Answer 9

None that I know of.