newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

some people say at 3 and some even at 2... what kind of schools are these? nursery or preschool? i feel so clueless

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

Technically, they don't need any school until they enter Kindergarten at age 5. Some school districts have PreK programs, most kids will attend those at age 4. Some people choose to send their child to some sort of daycare/nursery program at an earlier age. It really all depends on your child and what you believe they need.

My DD is 4 and doesn't go to a formal PreK. My district doesn't have it and I felt it was a waste of money to pay for it being that I am a certified PreK through 6 teacher. Instead, I opted to send her to a separation class which is two hrs, twice a weeks and then I work with her on what she needs to know for Kindergarten. I taught Kindergarten my last year teaching so I am familiar with what she will need upon entering in the fall.

For my DD, this was the best arrangement and she is already more than ready to enter Kindergarten in September. Again, it's a personal choice as to what age you send them and for how much time each week. It all depends on the needs of your own child, no two kids are the same.

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

thank you!
bump for day crew

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

It really depends on you and your situation. Will your child be in daycare or will you be a SAHM? If they're in daycare you don't really have to worry because they will do the pre-school type stuff during the day.

If you're a SAHM it kind of depends on what you can afford and what you want for your child. Some people feel that it's good to start a child in a program at a younger age so they can have some social experiences and learn how to be away from Mommy. But if you can't afford it, or don't want to, I don't think it's a big deal.

There's other ways to get those experiences through library classes or a playgroup. Or you might prefer to do something like Gymboree or Music Together instead of pre-school.

I personally feel that pre-K is important and will make sure my kids have that. But again, it just depends on you.

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

I sent my DD to Nursery at 3 (3 days for 2.5 hrs each)

Then I sent her at 4 to Pre-K (3 full days)

Now she is 5 and in 5 full day Kindergarten



I wasn't sure if my DS was ready like his sister so he is 3 and is NOT going to Nursery this year. But hopefully will be going to a Pre-K in the Fall at 4 yrs

but technically Kindergarten at 5 is the first the NEED to go to School - so it is totally optional before that

Message edited 1/7/2013 12:51:01 PM.

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

We started DS #1 in a slow separation preschool program at 2 years. He did a summer 2 year old program two days a week when he was 2.5 and then moved into the 2 day a week 3 year old program this fall. He'll go 3 days a week this fall for 3 hour days.

I haven't totally decided for DS #2, but think I am going to do a mommy and me with him over the summer at the same school, then slow separation in the fall and then 2 year old preschool class in the spring. He's a bit more clingy. We'll see though, I may want until he is 2.5 to do the slow separation.

We do this at Kiddie Junction in Levittown.

Message edited 1/7/2013 1:02:57 PM.

newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

My DS was in mommy and me at 18 months, then we did the slow separation program at 2.5 and a drop-off nursery class by 3.

I plan to start my DD in mommy and me next month when she'll be 18 months.

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

My boys started a 2yo nursery school program. 3 mornings a week. DH drops them off. They LOVE it!

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

Posted by babyberry

some people say at 3 and some even at 2... what kind of schools are these? nursery or preschool? i feel so clueless

newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

I started DS in a 2x a week, 2 hour a day program in September. He turned 2 mid October. Personally I did it for a few reasons. I am a SAHM and wanted him to have more interaction with kids other then library programs once in a while. I am pg with DC#3 (due any day now!!!) and wanted him to start something and be comfortable before the baby came (and to get used to being separated from me) I felt that it could only help his skills (gross motor, fine motor, speech, social)

Places that are run as nursery schools (2-3 hour classes) as opposed to full day daycares do not have to have the same licensing accreditations. I looked for a place that has been operating for over 7-10 years (where DS goes is 15) went in with questions about their routines, how long the teachers have worked in the class and at the school (didn't want high turnover) looked at how the classrooms were set up in terms of cleanliness, organization, decorations etc. I visited 4 places before deciding on where to send DS. I drive about 15-20 minutes to bring him there, but they are worth it IMO.

Next year I hope to have DS in a three year old class 3x a week, 2.5 hours a day, and then.hopefully in the 5x a week program 2.75 hours a day for 4 years old. I feel that if I am able to do it that way it will prepare him to go full day once he starts kindergarten (it is full day in my district) DS has a late birthday (mid October with a cut off in my district of december 1) he was also a preemie with an original due date of December 2, so I want to try to give him all the advantages I possibly can.

Re: newbie mommy ? - when do kids start school of any kind?

My girls started with 2 day 2 hours 2 year program. Most people we know do a short separation 2 year program or mommy and me, or some do a momy and me 1st haf of the year then the program separates. Then for those who didn't do a 2 year definitely start by 3. I don't know anyone who didn't start some program by 3. There are all lengths of programs some are more days or hours, some are shorter. The people we know IRL do some sort of program as well as outside programs as well.

You want to look at nursery and preschool they are the same thing. If your child is 1 already and old enough for a 2 year program you should look asap. I know in my area preschool registration for the next year begins in Nov. Some programs fill immediately. So if you are interested in a popular school you want to be prepared so you don't miss a spot.

BTW I am referring to children not in daycares if that makes a difference in your decision.