2 year old - pre school or another year in nanny share? WWYD?

[Anonymous]

[img]we found out our son got into a 2 year old class at a preschool we really like. He's been in a share since he was 6 months. We love the other family and our nanny who started in August (first nanny moved). As long as we dont have any nanny issues (like our nanny quits or moves) we like our situation but do 2 year olds need more socialization, stimulation, structure etc... than a nanny can provide?The kids do 1-2 classes a week but they are short (45 mins). Both babies still take 1 long nap (2 hours). We are very torn. Is preschool too much at age 2? Will our son be bored in a nanny share next year (he was born end of Sept.)? Are we babying him by keeping him in the share? We fully expect to do preschool when he is 3. Thanks for sharing your experience, thoughts, perspective, opinions.

[Anonymous]

All day preschool?

[Anonymous]

Yes all day. Cite day is from 9-4:15 but due to work we are looking at 8:30 am drop off and 6 pm pick up. Nominal fee for aftercare which is open play.

[Anonymous]

5 days of all day preschool would be a lot for a 2 year old who has been in a nanny share to this point.

[Anonymous]

This is PP - I just saw your response. If I was you I'd keep your child in the share for one more year or do a morning/part time preschool. My son just turned 3 and is in a morning preschool. I'm debating whether to send him to full day or keep morning only this Sept when he'll be 3 yrs, 8 months. Two is young. Any playgroups the nanny can attend with him? Classes are good too.

[Anonymous]

Appreciate your perspective and lean towards "2 is too young." We do a couple of classes and may add more. As A FTM it's hard to gauge where LO will be in 6 months. They develop so quickly! But that said I feel like LO will be I. Pre school by age 3 so let LO be a baby for now. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Slightly different situation but we chose to keep DD in her in home daycare for an extra year, she'll be starting preschool at age 3. I don't think they need tons of social interaction at that young of an age as long as there's at least one other child to interact with. I would keep there longer but her similarly aged buddy is starting preschool in September, too.

[Anonymous]

Is he 2 turning 3 in Sept. Or 1 turning 2 in Sept? Also when do you anticipate that he will start school. Will he got to a DCPS at PK3 or Kindy at 4 turning 5 or at 5 turning 6?

I think kids do fine either way. Probably whichever choice you make you will feel like it was definitely the right one.

[Anonymous]

Wait another year. Halfday preschool a few times a week is fine, but if you can manage the nanny share, I think keep that.

[Anonymous]

We didn't do full day until three (and even then it was 9:00-2:45). A full day is a really long time and if you have a share you like I would stick with it.

[Anonymous]

5 days of all day preschool for a 2 year old is daycare. Just sayin'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:5 days of all day preschool for a 2 year old is daycare. Just sayin'.

This. I would wait till three. I did a preschool at 2 and it was a waste of time. Its day care. In less its a money issue, wait another year. There are usually openings as the kids get older.

[Anonymous]

How committed is the other family to this relationship for the next year?

I have seen situations that everyone was committed to the nanny share ...... until they got into the daycare they put their name on 3 years earlier - and since they were pregnant with #2 they needed to leave.

If you like the preschool / daycare - go for it.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. If the nanny is able to take the kids out to things like library story time, playdates at the park, meetups at local play areas or toy stores or an occasional music or kiddie gym class, then that is plenty of socialization for a 2 yo, assuming your nanny is overall an engaged and active caregiver. Does she give them a chance to write, play with play dough, fingerpaint, build block towers, etc.? Does she read with them and sing with them? Does she manage their behavior well and have them practice sharing, turntaking and social problem solving skills? If so, then I would stay where you are as 8:30-6 is a really long day for a 2yo.

If your nanny doesn't meet the above description, then you might want a different nanny, or you need to talk with her about creating some lesson plans or edicational goals. If she's not able to get the kids to parks libraries or other spaces where they can practice interaction, then I'd advise looking for ways to address that.

[Anonymous]

Im a preschool teacher.

That's too long for a 2 year old.

look into part time programs. I recommend half day ( 3 hrs) either 2 or 3 times a week.. it will be good for our child... but I discourage a longer day.