How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I'm looking at school's for DS now and trying to figure out which place will be the best fit for him. There are some price differences (mainly due to the amount of hours at one vs. the other), but how much structure do they need at this age? Do they learn a lot? Is having a set "schedule" important? The one place we visited was cute, but a small space in a basement and it didn't seem very structured. It's 3 days a week for 2.5 hours and 3 and 4 year olds are in the same class. The place we're looking at tomorrow is 4 days for 3 hours and it's a "school" (they have 3 different age groups). I guess I'm just trying to find out if it's worth the extra cost at this age. We can afford it if we stretch a little, but I'm more then happy to spend the extra money if DS is going to get a lot more out of the program.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I personally don't think Nursery school is that important. My dd skipped it due to medical reasons and she was just fine entering Pre-K this September. I have friends that sent their children to Nursery school and I don't think they learned anything other than socializing skills, which you can actually do with your child for free at local library classes.
I took it upon myself to teach dd her alphabet, numbers, etc. so she wouldn't be behind. But to be honest I don't think they learned any of that in nursery school anyway.

Depends on how you feel about the school. If the smaller one is safe and you like it, I don't see any problem with it.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

DH and I disagree on the importance of preschool.

I personally think it would be best to have a good start in preparation for real school. DH thinks spending a lot of money on preschool is a waste and academics only matter in JHS on.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think it's important. Sash just turned 2 last week and she is going 3 days/week in the Fall (9 15 to 11 45). She is also doing camp this summer 2 days/week from 9 to 1.

We are with other kids all the time-- but the independence that "school" will give her, socialization skills, etc. I think are worth it. I am not sure how much academics are a part of things this early, but I think they start building skills and learning how to be in school, as opposed to learning ABCs and 123s, etc.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

For us it's been invaluable. DS went in knowing all of the things they teach them in the 3s but for socialization and independence, I had a different child within only a few months. He was in Gymboree and library programs from 6 mos old but for us it was the separation aspect that was huge for us.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

What are the price difference, TBH I didnt like the church basement types. I wanted a school where the teachers are teachers, fingerprinted and background checked, visible (not in a basement) To me it is worth a little extra if you can swing it.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think the socialization, seperation and independence they learn is what makes nursery school so important to me. My oldest friend is a Kindergarten teacher and she said she can tell the students who went to nursery school. They are not always acedemically ahead but they are typically emotionally maturer, used to following the lead of a teacher and do better with the transition to school.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think preschools are a good prep for pre-K.

I can see DS is sitting in circle time. He has learned about routines in a school environment. And they learn about interactions with other adults and other children.

I am not for all work at that age and I think a good combination of some structure and some play time is really best in most cases.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

My DS is an October baby and did the 3yo & 4yo program ...

I originally was only going to do the 4yo program but I got landed on bedrest w/ DD and thought it would be good to get him out of the house and socializing...

Now that he is in kindergarten, I definately think it gave him an advantage...

DD is a january baby and won't start K until she is 5 (going on 6), so I may not start her until she's 4, but she will still get 2 years worth

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think nursery school was great for my son. The academic curriculum was unimportant to me... honestly I don't think my DS learned much about the alphabet, numbers, etc from school. We had already taught him that stuff at home. However, the non-academic stuff-- listening to a teacher, sitting in circle time, participating in group activities, those first feelings of "independence"... there is just no substitute at home for such experiences, and I felt 3 was the perfect age to expose him to a school environment.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think it's very important. I would say it depends on the parent and child.

ETA: I don't like basements either. I think fresh air and sunlight are really important.

Message edited 2/9/2011 7:03:44 PM.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

For me the important aspect is for DS to be in a school setting, doing what the teacher asks, sitting in circle time, having an authority figure etc!
I know in terms of academics DS knows all that they have told me they teach in the 3 program but I want structure for him!

However I would look into more reasonable options, I dont believe its worth alot of money or being tight for a preschool!

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I don't think it hurts at all...but I chose a different route.

I feel like he has so many years of that setting...so instead he takes art classes, gym classes, cooking classes...
I am not into putting a big emphasis on him knocking the socks off his kindergarten teacher though with his smarts.
He will be 4.5 when he starts preschool.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

Thanks everyone! I'm going to keep looking around and see if we can find a good fit.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I think preschool is very important. It helps develop socialization skills and develops reading and math readiness skills. I am a working mom, so the money I would spend on a nanny can be spent sending my girls to a good preschool.

The preschool near me has a literacy consultant on staff, science lab with a science certified teacher, and a computer lab. I think children at this age are like sponges and if material can be presented in a game like way and a fun and interactive way it will be extremely valuable to jump start their education. The key is to make your children life long learners and to expose them to new things daily. With me working I know that sending my girls to this school will keep them stimulated all day and at the same time still let them be kids.

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?

I personally think nursery school is important for socialization and if they learn there letters and numbers that is a plus...

Chloe is in toddler program this year 3 days a week from 9:15-12:30.

In September, she will be in the 3 program going 4 days a week, 3 days plus 1 enrichment day.. she will be attending from 9-1 all days. The enrichment day is a regular day but they work with themes and they learn how to write their letters, extra stuff that is not in curriculum..

The one daynshe is not in school I will put her in dance and have her do her therapies if she still qualifies...

Re: How important is nursery school (for 3yo's)?