BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

I have 19 month old twins. They socialize great with each other, love to play, etc.. We do different activities together on a scheduled basis at home so they know what to expect throughout the day pretty much in terms of routine.... They don't go to daycare. My dad watches them. They are around other kids often.

Someone just said to me that I need to research and register them for nursery school NOW and I was taken aback. I really don't know a) what age should kids start? b) is it more for socialization or for actual schooling in preparation for Kindergarten?


In my mind I thought nursery school was maybe 2 hours a day when they turned 3.

Thoughts? Guidance? help? Any recommendations for good ones in the Massapequa-Merrick area?

TIA! :0)

Re: BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

My DS is 22 months. He is starting a program for 2 1/2 year olds -3 1/2 year olds in January. It is two days a week for 3 hours. For me this kid is more than social (haha) and I work so is already used to separation. But I want him to also have a "school" experience. He's currently not in daycare, but with an amazing babysitter. He's done lots of mommy and me, but while he loves the other kids, he barely acknowledges the teacher, so I'm hoping this will help. I purposely chose a school that is non-academic. I am not looking for that.

Re: BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

With my oldest, I didn't do preschool until she was 3 going on 4 that spring.

But with DD2, we knew she would miss her older sister so much, & it gives her "her own school", so this fall she's doing a 2-3yo preschool.

Re: BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

preschool is really up to you,
it can be 2 or 3 days a week for 2-3 hrs, or it can be full 5 days a week
some kids start 2 1/2 others at 3

I also have twins, daughters, and they were home with me or my parents when I went back to work part time, we did kindermusik, Gymboree, and would still be shy around other kids, they just kept to each other so I wanted them to go to preschool, I am going back to work full time this year so I am sending them 5 days a week full time at my local catholic school. they are 3 yrs old

you do what works best for you at the age that works best, some kids don't even start school till 4 or 5

Message edited 8/30/2013 11:22:11 PM.

BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

We usually begin our registration starting in October/November for the following September. If you know you want a certain time (am or pm), you should start researching early. The morning classes usually book up fast. As far as what age you should start your child, that is a personal decision. Traditionally, children started around three, however more and more parents are enrolling their child at two. A good two year old program will help your child socialize and learn a little structure of a classroom setting (circle time, clean up time, story time, etc.)

Message edited 8/31/2013 7:57:13 AM.

Re: BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

I think its never too early to just start looking around and see what programs are out there. Like others said, some schools are more academic, others look more at socialization and just getting used to a school setting. Some are all day, every day- some are just a couple days a week for a few hours. It can't hurt to call and talk to some of the places and get a feel for whats out there and what you're looking for.
For us, DS will be 3 in November. I'm a SAHM. we do other classes and hes around other kids a decent amount- but I think he needs to get a little more used to separation and "ok, theres other people besides mommy who can take care of me". So I have him signed up for a nursery school 2 mornings a week. They do academic stuff, but they said for this age, a lot of it is just socialization and fun activities with other kids. I signed him up back in February- but I don't think I HAD to do it that early. I just wanted to make sure he got in the AM class, because he still takes a nap in the afternoons.

Re: BTDT - Nursery/preschool registration -- when??

We did registration at 3.
We didn't look until he was 2.5 and I thought he was ready.
I'm doing preschool because I'm at work and we will have a part time nanny. DS will get more out of the"school experience"