Reply to What does PreK Look Like in DCPS?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Look, you can't come in to DPCS expecting they'll do the "best practices" of the moment or be entirely research-based. They have a LOT of other factors, such as federal mandates, city laws and regs, budget limitations, physical space limitations, etc. You need to manage your expectations and remember that you get what you pay for (if you're lucky-- sometimes you don't even get that).

There are plenty of examples of school systems doing something they think is research-based and it ends up being a disaster and not having the expected result. (The math fiasco in San Francisco is a recent example.) DCPS isn't that quick to move with the ever-changing research and ebb and flow of trends. That can have very real pros and cons. [/quote]

Budget limitations is an interesting statement, considering how much they spent on this math curriculum. I’m also not sure how allowing for play without a ton of small group and whole group all day doesn’t align with mandates.

But I do understand what you’re saying. I am not expecting magic here, I just want my child to mostly be happy first and foremost. I also don’t want my kid to be a statistic. [/quote]

It's very unclear to me how a typical DCPS preschool would cause your child to "be a statistic". Lots of kids have a not-totally-play-based preschool experience and are just fine in preschool and in the future. Lots of parents prefer it that way. Is there a specific reason you're concerned your child would not thrive? [/quote]

I’m just worried. I have other POC friends with children a bit older and have heard some stories, such as teachers taking 5-25 minutes of recess away from their 3 year old child…
It seems there may be some high expectations at some schools.

And again, I am not looking for totally play based. Just not primarily academic-teacher led. For example 70/30 or 60/40 for play vs. the opposite.[/quote]

Teachers are not supposed to do that, again because kids have a certain amount of minutes of recess and physically activity mandated. Definitely ask at the open house whether your school allows this as a policy. Some schools (charters) may have a longer recess and allow for 5 minutes to be taken away but still meet the mandates, for example.

Remember, however old your child is now, they will be quite a bit older and more mature in August 2025. It's really normal for the parents of two-year-olds to feel some apprehension at the prospect of formal schooling. But PK3 is designed for the age, and most kids are just fine.

Perhaps you've got too binary a distinction in your mind of "play" vs. "the opposite". Ideally, the kid is having a play-ish experience even if they're limited to a certain toy or activity, and the teacher is supporting them by offering particular activities that are most needed for the particular kid's growth, and by participating with them in a way that directs their attention to needed things. Without it feeling like a lecture or chore. [/quote]

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