Preschool or Kindergarten?

So much of preschool is social development and handling oneself in that environment in preparation for Kindergarten - detaching from parents, listening to unrelated adults for several hours at a time, sitting in circle time, lining up, taking turns, eating with others, sitting at a table for short periods of time, ignoring distractions from other kids, etc. If you plan to place her in public or private kindergarten, then I strongly suggest placing her in at least a 4 year old/preK preschool program so she has these social skills strongly under her belt by kindergarten - especially if she is smart & strong-willed. Kids tend to have issues in kindergarten much more because of their 'rule following' than for lack of intelligence.

Best wishes,
N.
mommy to ds8, dd5, dd3

Hi W.,
I put my daughter into pre-school at the age of 2. She is an only child so she really needed the interaction with other children of her own age. She is now 4 and looking forward to starting Pre-K 3 half days a week at Acworth Methodist Church in August. It costs $140.00 a month. She has also been going to the summer camp there and she cannot wait to go again in a week!!! plus it gives you a little time for yourself. Happy Child, Happy Mum!!

I put mine into preschool -- but not the GA funded all day one. I went ahead and paid for a private one that was 9-12. For three-years-old, it was three days a week. For four-years-old, it was five. I thought that was a good transition to Kindergarten.

I strongly recommend Pre-K. If only for the socialization and routine, you will be doing your daughter well in preparing her for Kindergarten. I have two boys, ages 5 and 3. My oldest just graduated from a Ga Pre-K program. The level of his knowledge from when he started to where he is now is unbelievable. Not to mention he has greatly improved in paying attention and following instructions - a monumental step, especially for boys! Little brother is already enrolled in the 3yr old Pre-K so that he will be guaranteed a place in the GA Pre-K program.
I own a business in Cherokee County and being close to three schools brings many teachers in to shop. I have asked if they can tell the difference between kids that were in a GA Pre-K vs a private Pre-K and many said that it all depends on the facility but for the most part they are the same. All did agree however, that children in a Pre-K program, whether state sponsored or private, were more than likely ahead of the kids who's first introduction to formal education was Kidergarten.
Interview, research and visit with prospects until you feel comfortable about the setting. If you are reluctant to give up your baby girl for the day, you may want to try a half day program.
Good luck!

Well, I have put all my children in a program like mothers morning out where the kids goes at ages 2or 3 for either 2 or 3 days (mornings ) a week. I liked it myself because it gave my kids a chance to be with kids their own age. They got to become more social with other children and learn to follow directions from a different adult as well. The big thing is they also got to learn to say good bye to mom and learn that I was really coming back in a few short hours which to them seemed like forever. I have volunteered at my children's schools and found that some of the kids that had not been to prek while in kindergarten had some issues with the transition of mommy or daddy leaving since they had not experienced it before, they however where smart children in class but they teachers had to work alot more with them on some social issues as well. I've volunteered in classes other then my children's classes nonetheless my kids are happy to see me but never go into tears since they have experienced prek had know what to expect. While volunteering I have noticed some children don't transition into changing activities this is many times kids that's have never experienced prek so they again didn't know what to expect from not having the practice. Now in observation in the pre school in a different class I noticed that the school needs the smart kids to to help with the children that don't get things as fast you would be surprised at how kids help each other, I've noticed the kids that really got the alphabet and counting to say 50 are a big help to the other kids in small groups showing them what they know. Well, those are my observations and not in my kids classes while volunteering and my experience I hope you consider having her experience prek she may be a great help to another child and she may also bring home some surprise to mom as well and I can say when they put on little programs for their parents there's nothing like looking up on stage and having you child wave back at you and of course say "hi mom" these are memorizes to savor of you and her being proud of her. Blessings to you and what you decide.