A few months ago it was potty training.
And you pulled through for me.
So lets talk again.
And this time...
Lets talk preschool.
Brookie-bear (can we still call her that when she's 16?) is turning the big 3 this summer, and even she is already talking about getting to go to school.
So, we have some options:
Option 1): Ward or community c0-op Preschool
OR
Option 2): Paid Preschool through some type of organization
Now there are pros and cons to both and I happen to know that many of you who read this blog actually feel strongly on doing preschool and some don't.
Well, I'd love to hear your opinion, what has worked for your kids, what you think is most important and most valuable, and your overall feelings on the whole subject.
Here are some of my thoughts...
Brooke would know and be familiar with the kids that we would do the co-op with. I might feel better about not sending her out into "the world" at such an early age. She will be a young 3 year old preschooler since she turns 3 in July. It would be a lot of fun for me to get to teach every 5 or 6 weeks. But would it be better for her to be socially exposed with lots of different children and get used to a more structured class setting and will it prepare her better for kindergarten? If I did the co-op this year and the other kind of preschool next year would she have a harder time adjusting? The co-op is obviously free and one day a week and the other preschool is 2 days a week from 9-12 or 9-2:30 (rest time included). After visiting this particular pre-school, I feel like Brooke would absolutely thrive in that kind of setting, and I got so excited for her! Because after all, this is for HER.
BUT, more questions... should I feel guilty about sending her off letting someone else teaching her things that maybe I should be teaching her at home?
I also should mention that if we do the co-op, we would also start either dance or gymnastic lessons, whereas with the paid preschool, it would be too expensive to do both. Does that matter or should it have any baring on my decision? Am I getting in way over my head about my little soon-to-be three year old?
So, what'll it be?
Get on your soapboxes.
Ready, set... go.
6 comments:
My first thought was, you can't go wrong with either.
Option 1 is good/fun because you still get to be with her and you know the ladies/kids she would be with. We did a co-op with the village friends last year for Max. I loved it. We made it very structured and had a blast. And right now while you don't have another little one, this co-op would be easy. But you MAY be getting preggers soon and might be sick, which then it might not be fun.
I wouldn't worry too much about 'exposing' her to other kinds of kids (personalities and such) yet. If she's comfortable and in a safe environment that's all that matters.
And taking a class too would be awesome for her as well.
Option 2 is a good choice too. It would be good for her socially to learn to make new friends and listen to new teachers. If you chose this, I'm sure you will be pleased. Ava will be 4 in Oct and is going to a pre-school 3 times a week (I'm sad to see her go...but she's super excited!).
For ME...I would choose the co-op this year (and take a dance class) and a pre-school next year. It was so fun for me to have that experience with Max.
But again, I don't think you could go wrong.
Beth- it was great to chat the other day! I say do the co-op! It is perfect. Chances are Brooke would thrive in any setting, but I love the having it at home and passing around the kids to familiar faces and friends. It is safer, less expensive and you have a whole year until she is four to decide it you want her to do more. PLUS it is super hard to go from "real" preschool to a co-op but it is easy to go from a co-op to a real preschool. Plus dance or gymnastics is so fun. You don't want to miss out seeing her in little leotards.
I think you can't go wrong with either, Bethany! But here is my personal opinion:
Mike just turned 4 and he's never been to preschool. I do a "home preschool" with him and he used to be in a playgroup (it kinda had a preschool structure, and it was great socially for him). I plan on putting him in real preschool in the fall. I've found that as long as he had a little social time, he's done great. It's been fun to be his teacher and see his eagerness to learn. I think he will thrive in the fall, but it sure has been nice not letting him grow up too fast, if you get my drift. So I would vote for the co-op this year and real preschool next year. But again, either would be great for Brooke!
I'm with everyone else! I had the same dilemma with Maddie this year. I battled with myself, back and forth back and forth. I drove Mike crazy. I even signed her up for an official preschool fun by a cute girl in my ward, and felt super good about it... until I talked to a mom doing joy school. She raved about it. I grew up on joy school. I love the idea of seeing Maddie in a learning environment with the other kids, and being her 'teacher'. My friend said it helped her son respect her as a 'teacher' even more. I also like the idea of using a faith based curriculum (valuesparenting.com). On a selfish note, I thought it would be a great way to become closer friends with the moms. I prayed about it and got the distinct feeling that both are good, like your friend said!
I had a hard time telling the pre-school girl I was pulling her, but I did. It's tons cheaper and I look forward to being involved. We went to a day last week and Maddie completely loved it. I am also going to put her in a dance class--so excited! And next year I think we will do a pre-school through the school district, to get her ready for kindergarten.
So that's my opinion--keep her under your wing for another year! :)
I vote the co-op and dance. Next year go for the preschool. And as far as "being prepared" for school, Brooke is so smart she'll be ready. Enjoy your time with her, soon she'll be at school all day and you'll wonder where the time went.
Pre-School is a must for kids. In studies I've read, kids who go to pre-school are far less likely to be at risk later meaning they are less likely to develop other behavioral or developmental problems as they grow up. The studies weren't too specific on the type of pre-school. I just thought I would mention that and I hope its somewhat helpful. Good luck! I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you and Brooke.
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