Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. For those who are saying “send” do you think a half-day program (8-12) will be sufficient or is a full-day program (8-3) needed to acclimate them for K? I was thinking half-day because DD will (hopefully!) have a sibling at home to play with by then.

Op, a half day program is fine. You don’t “have” to send your kid to preschool. Not everyone does. I would pick a play based, half day program, so you’ll have time to spend with your kid b/f kindergarten which usually is full time these days.

Half day is more than fine. My kids each started preschool at age 4, half day. And as middle schoolers now, and all along, they have been very socially and academically prepared and adjusted. Do what feels right to you.

Thanks all. For those who are saying “send” do you think a half-day program (8-12) will be sufficient or is a full-day program (8-3) needed to acclimate them for K? I was thinking half-day because DD will (hopefully!) have a sibling at home to play with by then.

Hi OP. Our 3.5 year old is currently home with his 2 year old sister and we are trying to decide the same thing. He has allergies and asthma and basically needs breathing treatments with any respiratory illness so we are probably more cautious than most.

It totally depends on the kid. I am committed to sending DD to PK4 next year because while she will be very prepared for K academically and developmentally, she is naturally shy and struggles a bit with confidence in a group setting. I think even just part-time PK will provide enough exposure to a group learning environment for K not to be totally overwhelming.

A more relaxed kid who easily socializes with siblings, cousins, or kids on the playground might not need this. It just depends.

I'm also sending my 4.5 yo currently. He's been so happy to have his own little activity with peers.

I’m sending my 4 yo to preschool right now! I considered keeping him home, but I think he really needs to adjust to the classroom and full day schedule prior to kindergarten next year. Going from nothing to five full days a week just seemed like throwing him in the deep end. I know plenty of kids would adjust easily, but my kid isn’t one of them.

Next fall? Why wouldn’t you send your kid? Covid?? Who knows what the world will look like in a year. This is a silly post.

Anonymous wrote:I assume you are concerned about COVID? It could be very different a year from now.

If it has nothing to do with COVID, while preschool is great prep for K, I personally don't think is necessary. Your kid might behind other kids in K and get tired at the beginning because he/she isn't used to that much school, but my kid went to preschool and is bored in K so I'm not sure one is better than the other.

My kid goes to preschool, and they teach kindergarten curriculum. He may be bored in k next year, but he can work on to adjust to public school environment if it is open I’m person. If DL, I don’t have to worry much for him not to learn anything virtually.

Children need to learn how to successfully function in a group before they go to kindergarten. Assuming the pandemic is over (fingers crossed), definitely send your 4 year old to preschool.

I assume you are concerned about COVID? It could be very different a year from now.

If it has nothing to do with COVID, while preschool is great prep for K, I personally don't think is necessary. Your kid might behind other kids in K and get tired at the beginning because he/she isn't used to that much school, but my kid went to preschool and is bored in K so I'm not sure one is better than the other.

Yes. We sent our 4 year old this year. DC loves it...and so far...no issues.

Yes of course! Don’t keep your kid home until kindergarten. Jeez.

Yes. I think it makes a big difference to get a group
experience for PK.

We are keeping my 3yo home this year with a nanny. I could do the same next fall, but should I seriously consider applying for private preschool?