Education / School Advice for 3 Year Old

I think it is a good idea. My daughter benefitted from the interaction with other kids. we looked for a parochial school that had a 3 year old and a 4 year old program... She is now starting first grade and has been at the same school the whole time. The first week was a tough adjustment... but it has been good since then.

I would recommend it, especially with the new baby coming. I am just ending my 3 month materniity leave with my second child and belive me... it was such a help to send her to school during the day and give me some time alone with the new baby.

Most schools hold open houses a couple of times a year. They can be expensive though.

good luck

My DS is 2 and we're looking into this as well. At 3, all they're going to "learn" is colors, shapes and social play. There's not much education involved. So in my opinion, paying for any kind of actual "school" is simply throwing your money away.
Our DS will go to a day program 2-3 days/week, for 2hrs day (just depends on what program is being offered). Our park district offers one, as does the local catholic church (I'm not catholic, btw).

If you look into schools, there are usually preschool options available. But if it's anything like Chicago, they're expensive and hard to get into.

I would look into things like daycare centers - Bright Horizons, Kindercare, Gymboree, etc...for a program that is flexible based on your child's needs and your schedule.

I think its a good idea. The earlier he learns to interact with other children the easier transitioning to school will be.

If you only speak Spanish to him at home, do you speak English fluently? When looking for a pre-school or a teaching daycare, look for one that teaches Spanish and English. It will help him fit in and be more comfortable.

If no one in the house is really fluent, there are basic DVDs that you can get to help. Little Einstiens, Sesame Street, etc.

There is also a group called English and Spanish Foundation that has created a group of billingual English/Spanish books for all ages. There seem to be 20 all together.

Here is the first one.
The Alphabet / El alfabeto (English and Spanish Foundations Series) (Book #1) (Bilingual) (Board Book) (English and Spanish Edition) (Board book)
http://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-alfabeto-English-Foundatio...

Good luck
M.

I have three children, and my youngest will be starting pre-school this fall (she will be 3 1/2). All I can say is how much I think my older children benefitted from the pre-school experience. For me, the social interaction was very important -- it is a skill they need to develop early and they will use for the rest of their lives. And they were so ahead of the curve when they hit kindergarten compared to the kids who didn't go to preschool (although that usually balances out by the time they hit 3rd grade).

As for how to find a school, talk to people you know who either have children of the same age or even a couple of years older who sent their kids to preschool. They can tell you what they liked/didn't like.