Is Preschool Really Worth It?

That's great that he already knows so much, but preschool will allow him to advance even more and get different social interaction which is probably the most important thing. This is my daughters second year of preschool and she won't be four until the fall, but she loves to go and looks forward to it very much. She has known her ABC's since she was two and now she knows how to write her name and half of the alphabet and in the last two weeks has started a reading program. There is always more to be learned. The social part is very important because he will have interaction with other personality types. This will also be a time that you and your daughter can spend quality one on one time together. I think you should truly consider it. They say boys shouldn't start kindergarten until they are six because their maturity levels are so far behind girls, so this could only help.

You may want to think about the social aspects of it. Pre-school helps them begin to develope socialazation skill which are important to be successfull in school and life in general. Not only does the right school help with learning these valuable skills it helps enrich the skills he you have already helped him develop. Not to mention the one on one time it could give you with the younger siblings. Or some (even if short) but time to yourself which moms forget to take. Think about being able to read or take a shower uninterupted or do your nails or whatever you don't have time to do for yourself.
My son also knew ABC's, he could read full length adult novels by the age of 5 so he was very advanced intellectually but pre-school helped him socialize with kids his age and also very important he got to hang out with kids his age and have FUN. Plus it made him feel special when everday I picked him up that time was all about him telling me about what an exciting day he had.
I have 3 kids 17, 13, and 6.

Good afternoon C., (sorry it is kinda long)

I have to say in my personal experience it was definatley worth it. I have an 8 1/2 year old son and I put him in preschool when he was 3. It really helped him socialize with the other kids (that was the main thing because he was pretty smart when I put him in). It also was a nice little break for me to run errands and take time for myself. When my daugher was born it gave me some 1 on 1 time alone with her. My daughter also started preschool when she was 12 months old. I know that seems a little early but it was nice for me to have time again for myself and it was good for her to interact with other kids. There is a 5 year difference between my kiddos so my son didn't always want to play baby with her. It was nice to see the fun things that they get to do in preschool. I like to think I am crafty/creative but I would like someone else to do the clean up and such. Since moving to Colorado I debated on whether to put her back in preschool, money being 1 of the issues, the amount of time at preschool being the other. In Texas the preschools they were in were 5 hours/2 days a week. For a bit less that what it is here. She has been struggling with sharing since we really don't know anyone who has kids that are her age. She is starved for friends that she will talk to anyone who will talk to her. So we finally decided to put her in preschool, I thought we could make the sacrafice to help her find friends, it may be an hour less a week and $50 more that what we were paying but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

I am sorry again that it is so long but some answers are not always Yes & No. Hope that this helps.

A.

If you know the school that he is already going to be attending, you can ask them for the information they need to know to prepare for Kindergarten. They usually have guideline papers. Also, it is a good idea for social skills as well. If he is active and can make friends, follow instructions from other people than it may not be necessary.

Yes, it's worth it. Beyond lots of skills like writing their name, learning story comprehension, order sequencing, etc....the most important thing they learn is socialization with other kids (sharing, working together, working through problems, etc.) and learning to listen to and follow instructions from another adult (the teacher). I think this gives them an advantage in kindergarten because they are more used to the learning environment and what will be expected of them.

My 4 tr old just started pre school. I was hesitant about it at first. But since Kindergarten is generally full days here. Starting in a half day pre school gets him ready. Also having the structure I think is good not to mention the social interaction. He started on Thursday, Today is Saturday and he is very upset he can't go to school. He said "The teacher is making ne learn lots of things I really need to go."

Yes. put him in. It helps him with his social skills and meet new friends. At first it may or may not be difficult for the both of you but later you will see he will share his accomplishments with you. The website is an excellent place to look up school information. I am new in new mexico and had to research that information, unfortinately the cutoff for this state is Aug and my son won't turn 4 until Nov. My son is also advance and I had him in a private school in Calif. since age of 1 1/2. I would also look for acredited schools and or blue ribbons schools for the area and test results.

M. L.

Hi C.

Preschool (and school in general) is not just about education in the academic sense. It is, for most children, the first place they will have to interact with other children and adults outside of the familiar family sphere. Your son may be way ahead of the other children in terms of ABCs, numbers etc and this is great: he won't lose this going to preschool. but he could gain a great many interpersonal skills which will serve him well as he goes to school next year.

Perhaps, however, you could just have him go to preschool 3 days a week: this way you get to have him at home but still introduce him to other children and other experiences he won't gain at home.

H.

Hello C.,
I think you should continue and enroll your son in preschool. The reason is because I have a 7 year old step-son that did not go to preschool, he went to his grandparents house instead. Before going to 1st grade, he knew his numbers, alphabet and how to write & spell his name, but he lacked the people/kid interaction. I have quite a few friends that have children that have gone to preschool and they are so advanced when it comes to interacting with others. Granted, my step son didnt have any other little kids to play with growing up other than his cousins, but I see such a difference in others that have gone to daycare or preschool.
Hope this made sense and helps you out a little.
J.

I must say, I feel strongly about preschool. I feel it is important. It isn't just the ABC's 123's and colors. It offers social skills, which any child needs. It also prepares them for real school. In my personal opinion, I feel you will be doing your child a real favor by sending him to preschool. However, the ultimate choice is yours, and no matter how many opinions you get from others, yours is the only one who matters.

I do believe Pre K is worth it if you find the absolute, right one. I taught pre K for 18 yrs and the children I taught knew colors, numbers (recognizing and writing), abc's (recognizing and writing), how to write there name, the letter sounds, all of the calendar such as months, days, dates, holidays,sorting, matching and so much more. It also gets them ready for kinder socially. A lot of parents just did the morning hours such as 8:00 to noon and that is great. Good Luck! :)

There is a preschool in Anthem called Creative Castle. My friend is a pre-K teacher there. I'm sorry I did not ask her where it is located. If interested I could find out more for you.

I FEEL THAT PERSCHOOL IS SO WORTH IT. CHILDREN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER. WHEN YOU PUT YOU CHILD INTO PRESCHOOL HE/SHE WILL LEARN HOW TO PLAY WITH OTHERS, HOW TO USE HIS/HER WORDS AND HOW TO SHARE. HE/SHE WILL GO INTO KINDERGARDEN KNOWING WHAT TO DO HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND HOW TO LESSON TO WHAT THE TEACHER IS SAYING. MOST OF ALL IT LETS THEM SEE THAT MOM AND DAD ALWAYS COME BACK.
WHEN YOU LOOK FOR A PRESCHOOL TAKE YOUR CHILD WITH YOU AND HAVE YOUR CHILD PLAY FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR TO ONE HOUR TO SEE IF IT IS THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD. SEE HOW THE TEACHER(S) ARE WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN AND HOW THE CHILDREN ARE WITH YOUR CHILD. THE BEST TIME TO GO IS WHEN SCHOOL STARTS SO YOU CAN SEE HOW THE OTHER PARENTS ACT WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND THE TEACHERS.YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TALK WITH THE TEACHERS AT THIS TIME BUT IT GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO SEE WHAT GOSE ON .
WHEN THE TEACHERS DO HAVE TIME TO TALK YOU SOULD ASK ABOUT SNACK AND LUNCH, IF THEY HAVE NAP TIME, WHAT THEY THEY DO DURING THE DAY AS FAR AS PLAY AND LEARNING(CRAFS, ABC 123). ASK WHAT THEY DO WHEN A CHILD DOSE SOMETHING HE ISN'T ALOUD TO DO OR FIGHTS WITH OTHER CHILDREN.ALL IN ALL IF YOUR CHILD WANTS TO GO BACK AFTER YOU HAVE LEFT THE SCHOOL THAT MEANS THAT YOUR CHILD FELT GOOD BEING THERE AND THATS A GOOD THING.

Hi C.,

I have the same issues with my turning 4 yr old son. I have decided not to put him in, and here is why... If I were to home school him, a lot of people wouldn't have these issues. I teach my son at home, the same things he would learn in a day care, we play, we learn, but not only that, we also do social activities too. We are involved in mommy groups, we do community events and I get him involved with as many social activities as possible. Pre-k is not an expense I can afford right now. I am a sahm with a 20mnth old daughter. If I put my son in, I have to get a job to pay for it, which means I have to put my daughter in too, because I am no longer able to watch her during the day. There is a great benefit to pre-k, but it is not essential. your child will not be ruined if he doesn't attend, and I wish everyone else could realize that too. It's a lot of social pressure, and I think it's pushed on the children too. I looked into pre-k's exploring options, and there are places where they are learning fractions at ages 3 and 4. That's nuts! They're kids, and they have forever to be in school. When we were children pre-k was quite the luxury, and not at all a necessity. I'm a college grad., my husband's a doctor, and we are perfectly well adjusted adults.
If your child is ready, and its something that you are also ready for, then please do. DO WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT. Because no matter how much advice someone else gives you only you know your child and what he is capable and ready for. But if you choose not to, don't feel guilty. Don't let people make you feel inferior, because only you know how to raise your child.

I hope this helped.

YES! I knew that my first son was a little difficult, but he was my first so I just thought it was becuase I didn't have any experience with children. However, when he turned three I was able to get him into the Head Start pre-school were to my suprise I found out that he was just a difficult child. He had a very hard time dealing with other children and hid under his desk for the first month and a half of pre-school, and it didn't even help to have me in the classroom with him. We spent the next two years getting him adjusted to a classroom setting and teaching him how to socialize with others. I am so glad that we did because when kindergarden came he slipped right in with no trouble. I don't want to know what would have happened if kindergarden was his first time in a classroom. Kids are much more set in thier own ways by kindergarden.

Pre-school was worth it for me.

Hi C.,

I had the same dilema! My son is 4 and will be going to kindergarten next year as well. I have been teaching him at home during the previous years so he too knows his colors, shapes, ABC's, he can write his first name, etc. However since I've been a SAHM all of these years for him I'm sending him to preschool for half days just to get him adjusted to the leaving and coming home to me as well as the getting used to having a teacher other than "mommy".

J.

We are the parents of twin 3 year olds, who left our law practice upon learning that we were expecting twins, and have now opened two academic preschools - Primrose School of Thornton and Primrose School at Stapleton. We'd love to show you our Thornton location, which is only a few minutes from Anthem at 128th and Washington (we have several families from the Erie/North Broomfield area who attend our school). We just started our academic calendar year in our private pre-kindergarten classrooms. We have degreed teachers and very experienced assistant teachers with a low teacher-student ratio and a very strong, academic curriculum that would challenge your son and make him very prepared for elementary school at either a private or public/charter school. We've had several of our students get accepted into private schools and Stargate after attending our program and being assessed at a very high academic level. We have a private, full day kindergarten that is also taught in a small group setting with private music, Spanish and technology teachers who visit the classroom, as well as offer a number of extra-curricular programs like karate, stretch 'n grow (yoga), piano lessons and gymnastics.

We have a very strong academic program that focuses heavily on literacy (beyond ABC's with sight words, writing, advanced proprietary computer "games" that individually challenge children at their level), math, science, social studies and character development.

With respect to your question whether preschool is worth it, I can speak from our experience, as well as the experience of many of our families who had similar questions, that it is a very enriching experience for your child - whether or not you choose an academic preschool/pre-kindergarten program. We've found that the social aspect alone, where children are encouraged to work together as a team toward a common goal, or learn about less fortunate members of our community through our character development and charitable giving programs, helps to expose children to a new realm of learning.

I invite you to look at our website at www.myprimroseschool.com/thornton, or call us to visit us sometime at ###-###-####, and ask for our Director, Carrie Knox, to schedule a tour. She could also provide you with the name of a few families who have attended our school so that you can hear about their experience. I know that we had quite a large returning class at the beginning of the school year on Monday, but there may be a part time spot still available.

Regardless of your decision, you've offered your son a tremendous foundation of love and consistency by spending so much time with him during those critical years.

I wish you the best!

Regards,

B. Letzsch
Owner
Primrose School of Thornton
12899 Grant Drive
Thornton, CO 80241
###-###-####

I have signed our soon to be four year old up for preschool starting in September. He is going to attend Stepping Stones Preschool on 39th Ave and Happy Valley. I'm sorry I don't know any where in Anthem, but it wouldn't be to far from there, right up the 17. I really think our son needs it for the socialization. That is mainly why we are sending him. Hope this helps.

Dear C.,

I have worked with children and their families for over 20 years in public and private schools as well as community centers and hospital settings. Last year, I worked with the Head Start program and I can tell you that preschool isn't just the basics of the ABC's or numbers, although this is very important. Preschool is also about children learning how to get along well with others; socialization skills. I have met many children who were very bright, but they lacked social skills. Preschool gives them time to learn to work well with others before they attend elementary school (private or public). It also gives you time to adjust as well. There are many different preschool programs which your family can choose. Some offer two day; three day; or five day classes. Some are half day and others full day. If you have a shy child, I recommend that you introduce him to school slowly. Find a two or three half-day program. The next year you can work up your child's time to five days a week, half or full day program. It is ultimately your decision, but I do think it is a much easier adjustment on the child to enter school slowly. Good luck!

A. D.

Yes, yes, yes! We just recently went through an early enrollment process for our daughter who will be 5 in October. Although we decided to wait one more year, we quickly learned that Kindergarten has now become first grade. Kids are expected to be able to write their names and a good portion of their letters. They keep journals, use scissors and computers, it's amazing. Our daughter just started a Pre-K program and loves it and we're happy since they are preparing her with what she'll need in Kindergarten.

Yes, in fact I highly suggest it. Your son should have the opportunity to socialize in a structured environment. (Socialization and structure being very key together). This is what he will be familiar with for the majority of the school years, right? He might in fact perform even better in kindergarten with the expereince from a preschool environment. School, in any form is a big step for little ones, not to mention ourselves. Why not get this terrifying, first major step out of the way before it really counts for something.

Preschool would provide him time to play with other kids his own age, learn how to listen to others, have new experiences such as art, field trips, etc. (some of us don't have the time!) It would also give you the opportunity for quality time with just your 2 yr old. I'm a mother of an almost 3 yr old & a 6 month old. I just started my daughter in preschool (to give me time to spend with my son, run errands, etc. - she's a handful). My friend just put her 3 yr old son (who's also a handful) in preschool & she loves the time with just her 2 yr old daughter. We both just have them in 2 mornings a week, so it's not taking anything away. I also have a cousin that fought family members about NOT putting her 4 yr old in preschool & she finally gave in & put her in a community center-type setting where they just did art-type stuff & she met some kids she'd be going to kindergarten with. She REALLY liked it, so her mom is now glad she did it. I'm not for or against preschool, as I understand this is a very personal decision. Do what's right for YOU, your child & your family!

Coming from someone who has been on both sides (a parent and a preschool instructor), I would say that it depends on the kid. If your child is happy at home, by all means keep them there as long as possible. It is difficult enough to be sepperated from a parent in kindergarden, which is now manditory, but, other than the social aspects and the play equipment, there is no real reason for preschool (I know they claim to teach the children, but you can teach a child much better in a comfortable home invironment). If you DO decide to, perhaps start off at one day a week or so to see how your child reacts, then gradually grow from there.
As per anthem, there is a preschool up by the Anthem Safeway (there is a complex with Quiznos, and some kids toystore) that I've seen. If you're actually IN Anthem, there is also the Anthem community center (by the park) that offers little "classes" in physical fitness ect. which might be good "starters". (And, if so, maybe you can write me back since I'm just outside their "member limits" and can't join without a member friend. *L*).

My little girl is 3 and I just started her in preschool. My husband thought it was too early but I didn't. The reason why is because preschool is more about socialization, i.e. kids learning how to play together, to share, to think about others, and to get used to the school environment. She goes two days a week for 4 hours a day and loves it. The children learn new songs and games they make their own placemats to eat lunch on and have different environments within the classroom - it is a very envigorating and stimulating setup. I am not so concerned with her learning the basics that I can teach her as I am with her learning how to cooperate with children other than her little sister. Plus, the time she is at school gives my two year old and myself some much needed bonding time. I truly believe all children can benefit from a preschhol environment, just make sure to check the school out and be positive that the policies and activities are ones you agree with.
Good Luck!

Hi C., my name is A., I live in NM and I hope I can help a little with your question. My kids are 3 and 4 and this is the second year my 4 yr old son goes to pre school. I think the main reason for sending him is not to learn but also to get along with other kids so he can be ready for kindergarden. If your boy wants to go send him, but if you know all he is going to do is cry, I think your better off just waiting for him to go to kinder. I put mine in school because he asked to go with his cousins. It was harder for me than for him. Also try to look for YDI they offer good preschools. Hope this could be of some help to you.

I believe that no matter if you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, that preschool offers many advantages, especially in the area of socialization. Depending on your school district, some offer Pre-K programs right at the school. Otherwise, there are private preschools. In either case, I would encourage you to check it out. My kids attended preschool since age 3. My daughter is in 3rd grade now and my son just started Kindergarten. He was very confident and ready and loves it.

L. Kandell, MS, RD, IBCLC
Registered Dietitian/Pediatric Specialist
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
AFFILIATED NUTRITION CONSULTANTS, LLC

Mom to Danielle, 8 yrs and Brett, 5 1/2 yrs.

I highly recomend going to preschool. My son loves it and its a great way for him to be prepared for kindergarten. It's not just the basics, but, I would really regret not takeing him. He's 4 this year and went last year. So this will be his second year and he's begging to go and can't wait. I don't know where Anthem is but I would look really look into it. I can't beleive how much they teach him and it's a great way to prepare him so he doesn't get so nervous his first year. Good luck

Well I am not sure about other preschools, but I do know that the one I sent my three year old twins to will be learning how to spell their name and a lot of different social skills. It is an independant private preschool though and this is my first go around with preschool also. I do believe it helps them to be prepared for a full day or even a half day of kindergarten. Just a thought. - K.

Hello C.,
Well, as a Day Care teacher and a Mom of a child in Day Care I can tell you that the benefits are much more than just learning his ABC's and 123's. The social benenfits are great, not only the interaction with other children, but other adults, as well. This opportunity could allow you to ease him into being in a school like environment, but maybe only on a part time basis for now, so it's not such a shock to him when he goes to Kindergarten 5 days a week. Plus, as much as preschool is an "academic" prep for Kindergarten in so far as what they will teach him, it is still a little more laid back than actual school- ie. no homework, more playing. I will caution you, that he may get every little bug that goes around at first, but that can happen in school as well. I say go for it, even if it's just a few days a week, or half days. Good luck!!!

C.,
I was wondering the same for my daughter who will start kindergarden next year. I was told by a school teacher in our district that as long as she could identify all the lower case letters and know half of the upper case (and numbers) she would be set. I have decided NOT to send my daughter to pre-K. I have a good home day care twice a week and I really don't want the extra expense and extra time running her around town. I would really appreciate any advice you have for how you taught your son to identify his ABC's. Thanks.

My twin girls were in K last year & I could tell a huge difference between the kids that had preschool & the ones that didn't. The ones w/preschool were much more ready to start reading & writing full names & home addresses while the ones w/o any previous schooling were still working on coloring in the lines & writing their name in all caps while the teacher was teaching how to do 1st letter in caps & all rest in lower case etc.
Aside from academics, if your child is doing that well w/academics, could preschool be helpful w/socializing, solving problems between playmates, getting used to a structured classroom where you are suppose to pay attention to the teacher etc?

Just some thoughts....

I have been a preschool teacher for the past 5 years or so, and I really do beleive that preschool is worth it. It teachers the children to work with eachother. A lot of the children that just stay at home with mom do not have the same social skills as children in preschool and daycares. In preschool they learn how to interact and become friends with eachother. It always depends on which kind of preschool that your child attends on what educational needs he will receive. I live in Albuquerque New Mexico and at the school I taught at my children learned above and beyond the kindgergarten level. They knew how to write there first and last name, all there abc's upper and lower case, all their colors in english and spanish, how to write the days of the week, the months, I taught them songs to go along with all these activities, they learned the proper way to hold a pencil. They learned alot of other things but this is a general idea. With all these skills going into kindergarten they are more confident about attending school and always have that drive to gain a better education for themselves. So in my opinion it is very valuable for children to attend a preschool. As for knowing a preschool in Anthem, I don't know where that is out, but La Petite Academy has a really good preschool program starting at the age of 3. Good Luck in making your decision! I hope I have helped.
<3 T. G.

My 4-year old goes to pre-school mainly to get used to classroom setting, listening, paying attention, etc. He knew all his letters, colors, and most numbers before he went to pre-school but my teaching skills are no match for a professional early education teacher. Jakie developed language skills, met new friends, learned a ton of things that I would not even think about telling him. There is no pressure on him, he loves going to pre-school; besides young kids do not treat school as a nuissance like older kids do - for little ones it is still fun! Yes, it is expensive but manageable because he goes to a private, home pre-school which are less expensive than the big names.
So if you can afford it, try it. If your son does not like it, you can always pull him out and wait for kindergarden.:)

I would check out the Tutor Time in Anthem. Personally pre-school worked really well for my son. He is now 6 and in 1st grade and loving it. It is great that your child has some learning tools under his/her belt, but there are other things to consider that are positive benefits to pre-school: Your child has interaction with a variety of other children from various backgrounds and this will aid in the socialization process. Another benefit of pre-school is that indirectly the children also learn positive behaviors ie: sharing, raising hands, being respectful of other's space and property~as well as they gain positive reinforcement from someone other than their parents. Best of luck to you!

Hi C.,

One thing preschool can provide would be social interaction and preparedness for the routine of school. It would be less formal a setting than kindergarten but he would get the idea of following the teacher's direction, getting along with others, etc. Sorry I can't give any input on schools though!

Good luck!

T.

I had my daughter in preschool for three years before K and I think it's great for them. She learned what sounds letters make and began learning to read. They also have interation with other children and learn to follow directions. I think your child would benifet from preschool

Hello- My opinion is if he knows all of the things you mentioned, then the only reason would be just to be around other kids, which he would get next year. Unless you qualify for free Pre- K it's an added expense and he would probably benefit from the extra year at home with you. Hope this helps and take care- L.

Hi C.,

In my opinion YES if you can find the right program. You will have to search & interview to find out exactly what you can expect from the preschool/teachers/cirriculm.

Last year, my daughter just turned 3 when we put her into preschool. When she entered she was at the same level as your son.

We just re-enrolled her, just turned 4 (she started August 15th) she is going back into the pre-k program knowing how to count to 20+ in english, 10+ in spanish, knows all the sounds of her ABC's, she can write all of her ABC's, she can write words, her name, friends names, family member's names .... all without ANY help or asking how to spell them. She is learning to read and can read at a very low level. I was feeling like, well she is already so advanced for just turning 4 years old. But her preschool takes each child from where they are at and brings them forward.

At the very least your child would be prepared for kindergarten. He would be learning the routines of being a student and going to school. It would be good for him socially & academically. When you look for the schools be selective & don't be afraid to ask questions. After interviewing some schools look at what you have and then make a decision on what you think is best.

Go to www.ittakesavillagepreschool.com for some good information and some guidelines on what to look for. This is the preschool my child goes too.

T.
Castle Rock, CO