Morning Pre-School -- worth it?

[Anonymous]

The other thread got me thinking. When our son turns 2, does morning preschool 2x week make sense? We'd keep our FT nanny. He's an only child. Would be interested from nanny and MB feedback from their experiences. He'd go to PK3 regardless.

[Anonymous]

Will prek3 be half or full day? if half, no. If full, yes.

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about private preschool when he's 2 for two mornings a week for socialization.

[Anonymous]

My DD's birthday is in October. She started preschool the January after turning 4. She goes for three hours a day, three times a week. They'll spend so MUCH of their childhood in school so I feel like there's no reason to cram it all in.

[Anonymous]

I've had two children both started a PT preschool program when they were 3, 3 mornings a week. I'm in Loudoun County and even Kindergarten is half day. I think it has been great. I think 2yrs old is too young and its completely unecessary. Once they are out of diapers, I feel that's a good time to start basic preschool.

[Anonymous]

The little girl I nanny full-time started preschool 2 mornings a week when her twin siblings were born a few months after her second birthday. It was wonderful for her. she went from a very shy little girl to a little social butterfly!

[Anonymous]

It depends on your child, OP. It's best the most children closer to age three.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I think it's perfectly fine for your son to be around other children his age in a "school environment", but at the age of 2, not necessarily in a program where he will be without his caregiver, which I am assuming you are thinking about. At that age, separation is not important or even desirable for better socialization. Many parents assume that earlier socialization = better socialized, but that's not the case. There are no studies that support this and in fact, there are studies that indicate the opposite. If you have no independent reason for putting your child in a separation program, such as the nanny wanting to reduce her hours, then enroll him in a program where caregivers are present. Or save money and have the nanny schedule playdates if your only goal is socialization.

[Anonymous]

He gets more out of it from around 2.5 or 3 but if cost is not an issue why not.

[Anonymous]

I think 3 is better, If the Nanny takes him out to playgroups, story times, maybe a music or gym type class once a week that is plenty for a 2yo.