High-need child starting preschool?

[HappyMomma2008]

I would like to enroll my 3 year old daughter in a 3 morning a week preschool next fall as we are having baby#2 in June and think that it would be good for her and for us if she had that time to grow and learn away from me. Here's the catch though. She is a very high-need child and has not developed the independence that most children her age have. She doesn't like to be with anyone other than me or her father. We have recently made tremendous progress with her sleeping in that she can be put to bed by my husband OR me and she almost sleeps through the night. 

Anyway, I don't know if I'm doing the right thing to enroll her. I know the transition will be tough (especially 2 months after a new sibling is born), but I think it could be good in the long run. However, even writing the words "it could be good" reminds me that she is a unique child and this may not be her time to start school. I can keep her at home, but I worry that she'll get bored and I'll go crazy. 

Any advice from moms who have been here before is most appreciated. Most people I know would just tell me to enroll her, let her cry, and move on. That's not how I work.

[srs]

I opted to keep my three year old home after her brother was born, and she hasn't seemed to be bored, and I've found that this age is actually nicer to have them home as opposed to the toddler years (they're more independent, helpful, not so needy). And it was nice not to have to put the newborn in the car for preschool drop off and pick up 3x a week.

But it probably depends mostly on your DD and how you think she'll be. I'm sure if you choose to keep her home at this time that you can always change your mind and enroll her a semester later, or if she does go to preschool and it doesn't work you could pull her out.

[OTMomma]

I think if your mommy instincts are telling you this isn't really a good idea for your dd at this time, you should listen to that.  There are a lot of activities you can do with both children- library story time, a Kindermusik class,  a dance class, trips to the park, playdates with friends- can all be done with the little one in a sling.  My oldest was a high needs highly sensitve 3 year old, so I kept her home with me, but once she got a bit older,she was able to seperate no problem to attend things.  

[D_McG]

I would try it.  Kids are often different with different caregivers.  Plus maybe a trained eye can pick up some things to help her.  Sometimes 'high needs' can be an unmet need for help of some description.  I know my friend put her 'high needs' child in preschool and wound up with a lot of help (OT, speech etc) that has truly changed the dynamic of the home for the better.

[K1329]

I would try it, too. Preschool has been a wonderful thing for both of my kids. They absolutely love going, and, have a great time singing songs, doing arts/crafts, playing on the playground, etc. However, that said, if it doesn't work out, I wouldn't hesitate to pull her out and try at a later time. If either of my kids didn't enjoy preschool, or, want to go, I would have pulled them out. But, for us, preschool has been a totally positive experience - for them and for me.