to preschool or not to preschool (xposted)

[lactivistmama]

this is xposted in Learning at school

Ok I really need some opinions on this one
DS is 4 and I am a WOHM. DS has been going to a in home daycare for the past year ( I was able to stay at home with him before that) I really love our daycare lady and she is super sweet and I am comfortable with him there. It is about 2 minutes down the road from us. DS does fairly well there but I think there is a little too much tv watching (we are about 90% tv free at home so that does bother me) and to much "rough fighting" but back to my issue of me being comfortable with the daycare lady.. I am also concerned that he does need some type of preschool before kindergarten. I found a reggio preschool that we went and visited today, and I do really like it.. they have a horse, ducks, chickens, a garden, and art center, etc. No aggressive play.. and the owner was very nice as was her workers..but I am nervous about moving him. he does need to be somewhere 4-5 days a week all day.. That in itself upsets me, but I have no other choice right now.. I don't know what to do..

[moroccojade]

I would definitely move him to the school if I were you. We were just amidst the same decision the last few days. But out daughter is only 2! Our caregiver is *excellent* in so many ways. But I do have 1 or 2 minor concerns.

But DD and I interviewed at an incredible RE school a couple of weeks ago. I just wanted to know what my options were for when she's 3 or 4... We both fell in love with this school. DD looked like she'd just entered the crunchy Disneyland of her dreams. She's done nothing but ask about school since our visit.

Anyway, I asked if we could be put on the waiting list (it's 100 miles long). Not thinking we'd get a spot even though we applied a couple of years in advance. (Many women apply as soon as they get pregnant for this place.)

But, the directress has the right to waive any child through that had an excellent interview and bypass the waiting list. And? We were offered a spot for this September. Nothing short of a miracle.

After much thought, we're taking it. I asked DD if she wants to go to her caregiver's or to school. The answer is school school school.

I started school when I was 2.... I guess DD will do the same. It was better than fighting with my cousins and being plopped in front of the tv at my aunt's or grandma's houses. (Even though the school was nothing fancy!)

Have you asked your child? Has he toured the school? What does he think? Ask him if he'd miss his sitter... I'd be very curious to hear what he had to say!

GL with your decision.

[racheleuphoria]

A TV-free environment is a huge plus. Take that seriously. He doesn't "need" preschool, but he does need somewhere where he is free to grow and won't be hemmed in by social pressure (fighting) or brain-numbing TV. A preschool can be good or bad, obviously, but if you're feeling like it's a safer, healthier place, go for it.

[Redheaded_Momma]

In the same boat here. Love!!!! our current care provider but wonder if ds isn't being challenged enough. He's very bright and I know he would flourish at ps but he seems to want to stay with care provider.

We have tons of great ps in Columbus and he'll not be going to K until 2012 so we have at least 2.5years to send to ps.