What to do with extra year before K redshirting: Silver Spring edition
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Anonymous
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We have an October 14 birthday kiddo and though he is very bright and very mature socially and probably *could* go to kindergarten next year, we are unlikely to have him tested because absolutely everyone I have spoken to and everything I have read suggests that an extra year of preschool is just the better bet. Currently he is in a fantastic daycare, but I don't know that they can really support him past age 5. He will be the oldest kid in the class, and he has always thrived as the youngest. And, I think he is just going to need new and different challenges next year (especially when all of his friends go off to kindergarten).
We are in Silver Spring, and really want something in SS or TP inside the beltway if possible. Would consider just about any program that would be stimulating, challenging, and would have some other late 4/early 5's. We'd also really love him to be learning Spanish, if possible, but that is not a deal breaker. Really needs to be a full-day program, year-round. Anyone have a similarly situated kiddo and find something that fits this description? TIA! |
Anonymous
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Wait, he misses the cutoff by a month and a half. So you are saying you could petition to have him go early? Why would you do this? Lots of bright 4-5 year olds in prek.
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Anonymous
| OP here, I am saying exactly the opposite. I am NOT going to try to have him go to kindergarten early. I am looking for a good pre-K program. The curriculum at his daycare really is only designed for kids up to 5, and he is going to be 5 almost the entire school year, so I need something that will work for an older pre-K kid. Sorry if that wasn't clear! |
Anonymous
Well you can't petition b/c there's a cut off to do this too. So you're not redshirting. I don't understand why parents on dcum don't understand this concept. Search the forum for junior kindergarten programs if you don't want to keep him at the current daycare. |
Anonymous
| Winchester - he can do the 4 class or K. and they have daily spanish. Lots of young 5's go and all I saw, including mine thrived. |
Anonymous
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I would look for a pre-school with a language component. Or maybe a Montessori pre-school, but most won't take a 4yo without prior Montessori experience.
Definitely do not send them early. There are huge social and maturity components that make a difference. |
Anonymous
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Not sure if a church-affiliated school is a deal-breaker, but I know St. John the Evangelist school (off Georgia, near Dennis Ave in Silver Spring) has a Junior K program.
I don't know anything about other than two neighbors sent their kids there and were happy with it. |
Anonymous
Then you’re not redshirting. Following the cutoff dates is sending your kid to K when he’s supposed to go! |
Anonymous
Are you always this pedantic!? OP is in the same situation as a lot of "officially" reshirted kids. OP I'd definitely look for a jr K or more stimulating environment. My DS was in a PK4 class in a daycare and the biggest girl looked bored to tears especially because they all have to nap. OTOH if he just plays and is a little bored for a year, nothing horrible will happen. |
Anonymous
DS is late October so we were in the same boat. He was the oldest but I kept him in his same pre-K program. He was able to read short books to the other kids and he loved all the great crafts they did. It was Reggio so he liked that he talked about monster trucks once and that kicked off a whole unit on transportation. It was a great last year of relaxation before "real" school started. He continues to be in the top reading and math groups in 3rd grade. I don't think he missed out on anything by not being in a more rigorous academic program the year before K. But I do know what he really enjoyed it. The only issue was nap time b/c he wasn't a napper. He was right across the street from my office so sometimes I would grab him at nap time and take him to my office for lunch but most of the time, he played quietly or used his kindle. He is a slow eater so they just let him nibble and keep to himself. Occasionally they would give him some work to help around the class. Honestly that was the only downside. He liked being the oldest. |
Anonymous
| I’m confused- aren’t u sending him to K when he is supposed to go to k? |
Anonymous
No, she's like 6 months off them. PK4 classes are made for this age group of 4-5 year olds. Where it becomes a problem is when the PK4 kid turns 6 in the spring, or whatever. OP, why do you think your child's school is not advanced enough for 4-5 year olds? |
Anonymous
Yes, but she think's he's too smart for his current school so she's looking for another one, I guess. |
Anonymous
| Takoma Children's School. Located in Takoma Park, so close to you. Great program, call them to do a tour and see if it's right for you. |
Anonymous
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OP here. Wow, I had no idea people would be so mean in response to a pretty straightforward question. Guess I shouldn't underestimate the cattiness of anonymous parents on the internet. Tearing down strangers asking for help on the internet seems an odd pastime, but do whatever makes you happy, I guess.
Semantics aside, he is getting almost a full extra year before starting K, despite the fact that he will be pretty close to ready next September. So, I am just trying to make the best of that extra year. His daycare director told us she believes he would thrive in a more challenging environment with older kids, and that their curriculum is not meant for kids to essentially repeat. He has been in this same pre-K class since before he was 4, so he would end up spending 2+ years in the same classroom with the same curriculum (and yes, with naps, which he won't need) and with much younger kids. If the person with a master's in early childhood education wants to turn away our money because she believes our kid will be under-stimulated at her school, I am inclined to take her word for it. I don't just "think he's too smart for his current school." Good lord. Thanks for those of you who have actually taken the time to answer the question! |