Starting preschool at 3.5 vs 2.5

[Anonymous]

How much do you enjoy spending time with your kid? If My DD had gone 5x a week at age 2 we could never have done fun stuff as she still napped fo2 2 hours at that age.
If it was 2 days a week I would say go for it. But if its 5 days I would wait until 3 or even 4. They have the rest of their childhoods to be in school 5 days a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much do you enjoy spending time with your kid? If My DD had gone 5x a week at age 2 we could never have done fun stuff as she still napped fo2 2 hours at that age.
If it was 2 days a week I would say go for it. But if its 5 days I would wait until 3 or even 4. They have the rest of their childhoods to be in school 5 days a week.

OP here. Thanks for all the responses. I really enjoy being with my kid and agree with the sentiment that they have their whole lives ahead of them to be in school, so will likely wait until 3.5.

[Anonymous]

All four of mine started 3-day morning programs at 3.25/3.5. At 2.5, we had classes here and there (Music Together, Little Gym, story times) and lots of playground time.

[Anonymous]

I’m a preschool teacher with 3’s and 4’s. 3.5 is not too late to start! Half my class is new to school and they do just fine. So much is temperament and how the kids are raised at home. The best things that you can do between now and when he starts is to help him become independent. Take the extra time to have him put his own shoes on, get his own water or snack, and clean up his own toys. Work on potty skills including wiping #2 (he does it then you do a “check wipe”) and pulling his pants up and down. Make sure he can wash his hands properly (not just running one hand under water). And sometimes make him wait to talk if he wants your attention. So many parents break any conversation to let their preschooler interrupt/talk and it is a real hindrance to their patience and ability to succeed in a classroom where the teacher can’t stop reading to discuss their every observation of a book or their every thought/idea.

[Anonymous]

2 or 3 days would have been ideal. I think 5 is a lot for a two year old. I would probably wait.

[Anonymous]

We started at 3.5 and have been just fine. They will not be behind if you wait to start.

Unless of course, there is some sort of special needs situation and they have a delay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 or 3 days would have been ideal. I think 5 is a lot for a two year old. I would probably wait.

My 2 year old kid had a problem with the 2 day a week class. It wasn't enough time to get settled into a routine. Five days a week was much smoother.

[Anonymous]

Mine both did 3 mornings a week at age 4. Nothing earlier. Once they start K you can’t do day trips, visit museums, the zoo, hiyes, etc nearly as often or easily. It stinks. Enjoy the time together while the kids are young.

[Anonymous]

I had a late talker, who we thought needed speech therapy. However, after putting her in preschool at 3, it dramatically improved and by age 4, she was on level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd enroll at 2.5. I'm assuming this is a 2 or 3 day a week morning program? It can't be that huge a commitment.

OP here. The options we’re considering are all 5 days a week.

OP I am having the same dilemma. In an ideal world I would start my DC in a 2 or 3 day program at 2.5, but the school I like moved to a 5 day program.

sorry this is so old, but is there a reason one would prefer 2 or 3 day program? What do you do for care in-between? Just curious as I am trying to maneuver all of this! Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started mine 5 days a week full day at 2.5, and it has been awesome, no drama & smooth transition. I wish I would have started him earlier like at 2 year old.

Sorry this is old - did you keep your kid in preschool full time through K ?