Preschool?

[MamatoPeach]

When is a good age to start preschool. ??

[~cassie]

My oldest started at 4 and I liked that. I do kind of wish I had started him in something part time like moms day out or something to socialize b/c he is realy socially immature still after 1 yr of preschool. He goes 5 days a week, 8-215.

My next child will start at 3 b/c he needs the speech services and extra socialization and I'm a little unsure about it b/c he is so little.

[pbjmama]

I started my ds at 3 and chose the school specifically because I thought he would need speech service. He finally qualified and will continue there next year. I may start my dd at 4 because I don't feel she 'needs' preschool but if we have the money I know she would enjoy it and will let her offer input in the decision.

[butterfly_mommy]

DS is starting a co-op preschool two mornings a week in September he will be 2.5 years. Right now we go once a month with the 3 year old I look after and she loves it and so does DS, he keeps asking to go to school.

[mamadelbosque]

DS1 will be starting preschool (through Head Start) this fall (so late august/early sept... don't know when exactly), he'll be 3.5. Its 4 days a week for like 3.5 hours (8-11:30, I think...). I've debated in my head the last week or two whether its too early or not. My plan atm is to send him and see how he likes it. If he doesn't like it, we'll pull him out. Or if he just doesn't want to go some mornings, he just won't :P But, he's already excited and I think he'll have lots of fun - and he'll know at least 1 (his 'best friend' - another boy at playgroup) possibly 2 or 3 kids in his class for sure

[leanbh]

dd will be starting preschool two/three days a week right at her third birthday. but i think it really depends on the kid. i know a 4 year old who is not ready for it yet. and that's fine. i'd say, try to listen to your child's lead on this one.

[RoadBuddy]

Mine's starting in September (he turns 3 in May, so he'll be 3y3m), just two mornings a week. I think 3 or 4 is good, assuming they go to Kindergarten at 5. At least a year of preschool will probably help a kid who's been at home learn some "school stuff" like being in bigger groups, etc. I don't worry about academics for preschoolers, just social and group skills. The preschool we're using is very play based, child centered, etc, which I prefer.

[Alyantavid]

My kids both started at 3. They go to daycare full time as it is and the daycare runs an amazing preschool. It's 2 hours a day, 3 days a week. The first year, for 3 year olds, is very laid back, just introducing them to colors, letters, numbers, etc. The second year, for 4 year olds, isn't quite as laidback, but it's still really fun for them.