We skipped this year (3 yr) because I had the same feelings. It’s been a nightmare. She needed school. I needed her in school. Come hell or high water she’s going to preschool 3 days/wk next year. Masked or not.

(All my friends kept/started their kids in preschool this year and haven’t had any issues. Kids have been happy. Parents still have some grasp on sanity. Very different story here.)

It seems as if it would be difficult for a young child to communicate and connect with others when they're wearing masks all of the time. But I'm glad to hear those in preschool this year aren't seeing any problems.

We are in the process of choosing a nursery school for our 2yo. She’ll turn 3 this fall. Just two mornings a week and she will be with her nanny otherwise. Our eldest is off to full-day pre-K in the fall in person (let’s hope!) and so our little one needs to spend time with other children. I’m hopeful that vaccines will be widely available throughout the summer and things will look more normal by autumn.

We're moving back to VA this summer and I plan to enroll DS4.5 into kindergarten at a Montessori school. DD2 can also go to the same school in their toddler program, but I'm unsure whether we'll do that. I had a virtual tour of the campus last week and all the little ones under 3 did not wear masks, but every one else did. All the kids looked happy. I have to make up my mind in about a week to hold slots for them.

My kid can’t remember not wearing a mask outside the house. It’s like shoes to him.

I find that sad, but in a way it’s great - he has no feelings about a mask, so why should I project my feeling into him and create a problem where none exists?

Wearing a mask is so normalized for kids that I think it bothers you more than them.

It's definitely a weak excuse to keep your kid the priceless benefits of a preschool.

Anonymous wrote:My 4 year old has been going full-time since September and it's wonderful. All of the parents say their kids are so much happier. They do wear masks all day (except for eating and napping), but are totally used to it and it's not a big deal- it's just normal to them. I also felt sad about the masked preschool thing before I sent her, but now we don't think twice about it. Even with masks, you can still see their pure joy in their faces when we get sent pictures of the kids laughing with friends.

Same experience with my 3 and 5 year olds. I think I'm the only one that still feels bad about them wearing masks. They are thrilled every time I drop them off.

We've had my son in private preschool this year and it's been great.

The mask thing seemed weird to me at first, but then it just becomes habit and a normal part of their day.

Their peers are all doing it as well and it's been a total non-issue.

We are planning to send DD in the fall for part time (x3 mornings a week). She will turn 3 right before the school year and it will be her first daycare experience. The students don’t mask but teachers do at the school.

I’m nervous but I think she needs it and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. DH is already vaccinated and I will be soon. We plan to start her and if things are under control and we are ok with how the school manages things we will keep her in. If not I’ll pull her out until there is a pediatric vaccine / dosage solution (hopefully by this time next year).

Thanks for the feedback about your experience this year!

I am worried about this. I'll have a 6 mother old, one in PK3 and one in K.

But I don't think its fair to keep my older two home for another entire school year.

My 4 year old has been going full-time since September and it's wonderful. All of the parents say their kids are so much happier. They do wear masks all day (except for eating and napping), but are totally used to it and it's not a big deal- it's just normal to them. I also felt sad about the masked preschool thing before I sent her, but now we don't think twice about it. Even with masks, you can still see their pure joy in their faces when we get sent pictures of the kids laughing with friends.

My 4 yo has been going since June and it's been fine. We have to answer covid questions at dropoff and they take temps but masks are optional and they don't make the kids socially distance, which bothered me at first but I am ok about that now as he does enjoy playing with his friends there. No covid cases the entire time. I think the biggest thing is the emphasis to the parents on keeping your kid home when sick.

Anyone debating whether or not to send their child to preschool next year? Things will not be back to normal yet. And I just don't like the idea of a masked preschool experience.