Opinions on Preschool

[Rumrunner6900]

I have a daughter who is almost 4 years old. Recently, my wife has been wanting to get her into preschool.
She goes to a babysitter that we know fairly well, and she used to have 3-5 kids everyday. Now a lot of the older kids have started going to preschool or kindergarten.
I am interested in everyone's opinion on this. Particularly other parents and/or educators. Preschool almost now seems like a "fad". When I was younger, I didn't really know of anyone who went and I don't really see any benefits of it other than possibly the social aspect.
Are there any other pros or cons that I am missing? Opinions welcome!

[Henry]

It gets your kid used to the routine of going to school. Also, it will give her a little more structure than regular daycare. As they get older kids start to need that or they go a little nuts when they get home. :)

[Rumrunner6900]

It gets your kid used to the routine of going to school. Also, it will give her a little more structure than regular daycare. As they get older kids start to need that or they go a little nuts when they get home. :)

Funny you say that, because I have started to notice the tip of that iceberg already!
One of the things I am worried about though is that it seems that kids are doing things earlier and earlier nowadays. Hell, it won't be too long before my daughter will be teaching me things about the computer, for instance.
I am all about children being active, but I want her to enjoy her childhood too.

[HokieJ]

It more closely simulates a school envinronment so when she hits K she is not in shock. Remember most daycares are just babysitting and not teaching, and they have probably have everywhere from 4 year olds to 6 month olds.

My daughter will be 3 next August and I plan to place her in a pre school at that point. She stays at home with my wife now.

[Major Harris]

my son turns 3 in april. my wife stays home with him right now, so i can't tell you about our experience. but we do fully intend to enroll him in preschool. if you're worried about your daughter losing a little bit of her childhood by doing it too early, you may want to consider a part-time preschool. 2 hours a day or so, or a couple of days a week.

[Xameil]

Luckily the daycare I send my daughter to looks and has the feel of school already. She loves it too. She learns ALOT there, and I can see progress everyday with her developement. Now granted, she is only 1 (today :)) but I see what the other "classrooms" do, and what the kids are exposed to, and I have no doubt that this will help her out in the long run.

[Rumrunner6900]

It more closely simulates a school envinronment so when she hits K she is not in shock.


This is something I have read a lot. I am curious though. I went into Kindergarten when I was 4. (Hey, I used to be smart before I discovered beer and women :D ). I don't recall it being a shock, especially being one of the youngest in the class.
I just wonder if that 1 year in preschool really would make that much of a difference?

[WVUforREDSKINS]

I went to day care because my parents worked. I don't remember much except snacks and naps.

Oh yea, they taught me how to tie my shoe and count to 10. I was ahead of the rest when I got to kindergarten.

[Rumrunner6900]

my son turns 3 in april. my wife stays home with him right now, so i can't tell you about our experience. but we do fully intend to enroll him in preschool. if you're worried about your daughter losing a little bit of her childhood by doing it too early, you may want to consider a part-time preschool. 2 hours a day or so, or a couple of days a week.

Well, I believe that is all that it is anyway, so perhaps I am being a little too crazy about this. (I think it is 4 hours on Tues and Thurs). I just want to prolong the real world kicking her ass as long as I can I think. :)
From what I have read, it seems that one of the pros is for children who do get to stay home with their parents, that it is a good thing so the child can make friends and learn how to interact and such.
Unfortunately, my wife and I both have to work, so our daughter has been getting social experience for quite a while now. (If you couldn't tell, I wish my wife coulda stayed home with the kids)


Luckily the daycare I send my daughter to looks and has the feel of school already. She loves it too. She learns ALOT there, and I can see progress everyday with her developement. Now granted, she is only 1 (today :)) but I see what the other "classrooms" do, and what the kids are exposed to, and I have no doubt that this will help her out in the long run.

Happy birthday to your daughter! :party:

It used to be that way more where we send our daughter. Now there are days where she may be the only one there, and that can't be fun for her.

[Major Harris]

I just wonder if that 1 year in preschool really would make that much of a difference?


just remember, people learn the most in their first 4 or 5 years (i used to know a % of learning that occurs in the first X years of one's life, but i forget).

this is a critical stage of learning for your daughter.

[Rumrunner6900]

I went to day care because my parents worked. I don't remember much except snacks and naps.

Oh yea, they taught me how to tie my shoe and count to 10. I was ahead of the rest when I got to kindergarten.

Fortunately, my daughter can count to about 14 now(in English and Spanish...thanks Dora! :laugh: )...still a little tough for her to tie shoes now though.

[Xameil]

Happy birthday to your daughter! :party:

It used to be that way more where we send our daughter. Now there are days where she may be the only one there, and that can't be fun for her.


:) thanks. I don't think there will ever be a time when she's the only one there. There's a waiting list just to get in. Plus I believe that all the kids she's with are going to be her classmates one day, so she'll already have friends as well when she gets to school.

[Henry]

I just wonder if that 1 year in preschool really would make that much of a difference?

Not really. But if you are sending your kid to daycare anyway, it may as well be an interesting and positive experience for her.

BTW, I started pre-school when I was 3 and I still had an ok childhood, for what it's worth. :)

[Rumrunner6900]

just remember, people learn the most in their first 4 or 5 years (i used to know a % of learning that occurs in the first X years of one's life, but i forget).

this is a critical stage of learning for your daughter.

I agree fully....those little brains are sponges right now. I just think at this point, that my wife and I should be most responsible for that.

I guess that is what it all comes down to. Every parent wants to give their child an advantage in life!

[jrockster21]

Preschool almost now seems like a "fad". When I was younger, I didn't really know of anyone who went and I don't really see any benefits of it other than possibly the social aspect.


I'm about your age, and I went to preschool. I've actually never talked about it with my friends, so I don't really know how many of them went to preschool. I made some friends there, but I don't remember any of them. :laugh: But I was hanging out with kids my age, which is always healthy. :2cents:

[zoony]

I went to pre-school... St. Lukes in Alexandria. Not sure if its still there or not.


Anywho, I was the second worst kid there. First-worst was my best friend. Honestly, the only thing I remember about pre-school is getting my ass beat when my dad got my report card with teacher comments :laugh:

..

[Rumrunner6900]

Not really. But if you are sending your kid to daycare anyway, it may as well be an interesting and positive experience for her.

BTW, I started pre-school when I was 3 and I still had an ok childhood, for what it's worth. :)


I am sure you did...you did turn into a Skins fan! :)

As I said, perhaps I am worrying a little too much about it, but I want to consider everything before I make the decision.

[dchogs]

find a good preschool and send her there. there are some that are glorified day care centers, and you don't want that. it's a great way to introduce your daughter to school in a low key environment where a lot of learning is done while playing. it gives a good first impression of school (i.e. learning is fun) that can have lasting effects throughout her educational career. it also helps with kindergarten success, which helps with 1st grade success, etc.

[Major Harris]

Anywho, I was the second worst kid there. First-worst was my best friend. Honestly, the only thing I remember about pre-school is getting my ass beat when my dad got my report card with teacher comments :laugh:

..


zoony's english report card:

b+

comments: zoony is very intelligent. he uses big words and compound sentences. but he can never remember to only use one period at the end of a sentence.....

[zoony]

zoony's english report card:

b+

comments: zoony is very intelligent. he uses big words and compound sentences. but he can never remember to only use one period at the end of a sentence.....



It was more like... "zoony won't sit down and STFU. Please teach him."

:laugh:

[jrockster21]

The one I went to was on Walter Reed and Columbia Pike - it was right next to the Public Library and part of Patrick Henry elementary school.



zoony's english report card:

b+

comments: zoony is very intelligent. he uses big words and compound sentences. but he can never remember to only use one period at the end of a sentence.....

Fortunately, he does not share Major Harris' problem of never ever ever using capital letters. Thankfully, even at this young age, he can find the 'shift' key on his keyboard. :silly:

[Rumrunner6900]

:) thanks. I don't think there will ever be a time when she's the only one there. There's a waiting list just to get in. Plus I believe that all the kids she's with are going to be her classmates one day, so she'll already have friends as well when she gets to school.




I made some friends there, but I don't remember any of them. :laugh: But I was hanging out with kids my age, which is always healthy. :2cents:

That is the one thing I think could be a good thing. I think I had a huge advantage by growing up in the same place and knowing the same people all through school. I would love for my daughter to make some lifelong friends this early in her life.


I went to pre-school... St. Lukes in Alexandria. Not sure if its still there or not.


Anywho, I was the second worst kid there. First-worst was my best friend. Honestly, the only thing I remember about pre-school is getting my ass beat when my dad got my report card with teacher comments :laugh:

..

Oh how I look forward to that! Although I was a pretty good boy in school so maybe she will follow that!


find a good preschool and send her there. there are some that are glorified day care centers, and you don't want that. it's a great way to introduce your daughter to school in a low key environment where a lot of learning is done while playing. it gives a good first impression of school (i.e. learning is fun) that can have lasting effects throughout her educational career. it also helps with kindergarten success, which helps with 1st grade success, etc.

I guess that is one more concern. The preschool we are thinking about seems to have their **** together, alas, I don't want her to get a bad impression of school either!

[rictus58]

We have been sending my niece to daycare at the YMCA for the past year (since she was 2). There was a dramatic change in her development once she started going to "school." While it is still a daycare, they have a structured environment and they teach the children.

[Rumrunner6900]

Sure, we did not go to pre-school, but back then, there was no math and reading in Kindergarten. There is now.

That is interesting b/c there was both in my kindergarten. My parents always stressed reading as early as they could with my siblings and I. (And I do the same with my children) I distinctly remember reading and simple math (along with naptime and coloring :) ) in my kindergarten.
Then again, I know all school systems are different so maybe that is why.

Perhaps fad was the wrong word to use. It just appears to me that a lot of parents send their children to preschool b/c other parents do it. I want to do it for the right reasons.

Thanks for everyone's replies so far!

[dfitzo53]

Rumrunner, I don't have kids. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I have a few memories of preschool (not many obviously) and they're all positive. Do some research in your area, because some preschools are better than others, but there are a lot of benefits. As far as your daughter missing out on her childhood, far from it. I made two friends in preschool who stayed with me through elementary school, and there's all kinds of fun stuff kids do, from silly dancing games to finger painting.

It's not like she's going to be sitting at a desk memorizing times tables. But like I said, make sure you get a preschool that offers what you're looking for.

I think it's pretty telling that no one in this thread has recommended that you don't send your daughter.

[Folami69]

Preschool almost now seems like a "fad". When I was younger, I didn't really know of anyone who went and I don't really see any benefits of it other than possibly the social aspect.
Are there any other pros or cons that I am missing? Opinions welcome!


I agree with what you've said about preschool being almost a "fad." As a matter of fact, these days it seems that sending children to preschool prematurely is a way in which parents compete with each other.

Like you, I believe in allowing children to enjoy their childhood. My thought is once they start school, they will be there for many years. So, you may as well let them enjoy themselves for as long as possible.

That said, my son is about the same age as your daughter (he'll be 4 in March). I will be putting him in preschool in the fall. Like Henry said, it teaches them structure and routine that they don't necessarily get in day care. And, while we have learning aids and toys at home, I'd really like to get him into an environment where there is a strong concentration on learning the things he should know prior to starting kindergarten. Because children are starting preschool earlier than ever these days, it raises the bar in terms of what kids should know before beginning school and not lag behind their peers from the start.

[Rumrunner6900]

Rumrunner, I don't have kids. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I have a few memories of preschool (not many obviously) and they're all positive. Do some research in your area, because some preschools are better than others, but there are a lot of benefits. As far as your daughter missing out on her childhood, far from it. I made two friends in preschool who stayed with me through elementary school, and there's all kinds of fun stuff kids do, from silly dancing games to finger painting.

It's not like she's going to be sitting at a desk memorizing times tables. But like I said, make sure you get a preschool that offers what you're looking for.

I think it's pretty telling that no one in this thread has recommended that you don't send your daughter.

I agree, and the preschool we are looking at seems pretty good.
I have a co-worker with and 8YO stepson. His stepson has an I-Pod and a cell phone. This is probably where my worries come from about enjoying childhood, b/c NO 8 year old should have either of those IMHO.

And Im sure someone will be here shortly to recommend against it. :laugh:



I agree with what you've said about preschool being almost a "fad." As a matter of fact, these days it seems that sending children to preschool prematurely is a way in which parents compete with each other.

Like you, I believe in allowing children to enjoy their childhood. My thought is once they start school, they will be there for many years. So, you may as well let them enjoy themselves for as long as possible.

That said, my son is about the same age as your daughter (he'll be 4 in March). I will be putting him in preschool in the fall. Like Henry said, it teaches them structure and routine that they don't necessarily get in day care. And, while we have learning aids and toys at home, I'd really like to get him into an environment where there is a strong concentration on learning the things he should know prior to starting kindergarten. Because children are starting preschool earlier than ever these days, it raises the bar in terms of what kids should know before beginning school and not lag behind their peers from the start.

Good points all...thanks.

[dfitzo53]

I agree with what you've said about preschool being almost a "fad." As a matter of fact, these days it seems that sending children to preschool prematurely is a way in which parents compete with each other.
I understand what you're saying about pushy parents, but considering that preschools have been popular for over 20 years, I don't see how you can label them a fad.

[endzone_dave]

My son is four and has been in pre-school this year. He definitely has learned a lot and with both me and my wife working, he's learned more than my wife and I have time to teach him. The downside is there is no way a teacher can possibly control 18 4 year olds and my son has picked up some bad behaviors from kids whose parents don't try as hard as we do teaching our son good behavior. I believe the learning outweighs the behavior issues though.

[DjTj]

I don't remember much from preschool, but my parents didn't really speak English at home, so they sent me to preschool in Aspen Hill when I was 3. I went in not speaking a word of English and came out two years later knowing how to read, so I think it worked out pretty well.

If you can find a good one and money isn't an issue, I can't really think of any reasons against it.

[Olky]

My son is 3 and in preschool now. He is there 3 days a week for about 4 hours a day. He is much better at playing with other children now. It has also helped with his speech development, among other things. We can see big changes in him since he started.

[PugSkin]

I am a licensed daycare provider and the mother of a 5 year old son. I do incorporate a preschool program into the daily routine for the 3, 4 and 5 year olds in my care. I strive to teach the children as much as I can on a daily basis and the program (Fireflies) is actually quite good. However, it in no way compares to the education my son recieves in his preschool class. We put him in preschool this year. He goes everyday from 1:00-3:30. My husband was against it in the beginning claiming he didn't see a need for preschool or any advantage it might offer a child, etc. He is now VERY happy that we chose to enroll our son. We are amazed at how much he learns everyday. It's quite fantastic. He is very definitely lightyears ahead (both socially and academically)of other 4 years olds I know who are not enrolled in preschool. We see the benefis as this: routine, socialization, exposure to academic subject matter, etc. Of course, everyone is going to have a different experince with preschool, but we HIGHLY recommend it!

[redskinsfanatical]

I have a daughter who is almost 4 years old. Recently, my wife has been wanting to get her into preschool.
She goes to a babysitter that we know fairly well, and she used to have 3-5 kids everyday. Now a lot of the older kids have started going to preschool or kindergarten.
I am interested in everyone's opinion on this. Particularly other parents and/or educators. Preschool almost now seems like a "fad". When I was younger, I didn't really know of anyone who went and I don't really see any benefits of it other than possibly the social aspect.
Are there any other pros or cons that I am missing? Opinions welcome!


Routine
Socialization
Getting used to school atmosphere
Learning to share with others (esp if no other siblings at home)

My daugther will be going at 3 and a half for PART time. Most offer part time programs.

M

[TMK9973]

I understand your wish to keep the real world out of your kids life as long as possible, but despite the extreme cases you see on TV, that's not most pre-schools.

I went to pre-school. My son (now 5) started going at age 3 and my daughter (Now 2) started a 2 day a week preschool. They aren't having them sit and desks reading. They are playing, making friends, singing songs (Helps memory), Arts and Crafts (Fine motor skills), coloring (Learn colors), and getting stories read to them. It's great socialization, is only 2 or 3 days a week for a few hours, and gets them use to going to school so when they start going 5 days a week and listen to a teacher, they have some experience with it.

[frommd]

Oh yea, they taught me how to tie my shoe and count to 10. I was ahead of the rest when I got to kindergarten.

You'd be ahead of most of the people I work with now. ;)

[Xameil]

I understand your wish to keep the real world out of your kids life as long as possible, but despite the extreme cases you see on TV, that's not most pre-schools.

I went to pre-school. My son (now 5) started going at age 3 and my daughter (Now 2) started a 2 day a week preschool. They aren't having them sit and desks reading. They are playing, making friends, singing songs (Helps memory), Arts and Crafts (Fine motor skills), coloring (Learn colors), and getting stories read to them. It's great socialization, is only 2 or 3 days a week for a few hours, and gets them use to going to school so when they start going 5 days a week and listen to a teacher, they have some experience with it.


:laugh: funny you say that about the singing songs helping memory. Just a couple days ago, my gf and I were sitting watching our daughter play, and our daughter just started "singing" a song (she's can't really talk yet...just the normal words a kid her age would know), we couldn't figure out what it was until we found out it was a song they sing at daycare with the kids.

[Predicto]

A little bit of preschool also takes away the separation anxiety that many children feel about going to kindergarten. Kind of like baby steps before you can run.

I was on the board of directors of a preschool for several years, and strongly recommend them.

[Rumrunner6900]

Bumpy bump for the afternoon.

Thanks for all the opinions so far....I'm leaning heavily towards a "yes" about preschool, but more opinions are welcome!