Preschool Year Schedule

There are some pretty neat preschool programs in daycares, I really liked the ones my DD attended and they did have part time kids just coming a few days a week in the morning. Since they are year-round there is no particular start time.

If that isn't an option where you live also look into preschool summer camps. DD attended a few weeklong summer camps last year (usually one week long, just mornings from about 9AM - 1PM) as an alternative to her year-round daycare and had a blast.

Good luck.

when did he turn 3? in most states kids "must be 3 by september 1" school starts in september.. everyone is 3 and they all start together.

around here (michigan) preschool runs mid september through mid may. I think it is about 30 weeks. most folks start in the sept, I guess if you moved into the area you might be able to start later.. but this is pretty late in the year to start.

you could certainly send him to a commercial day care for the same program. preschool is really about social skills.

The park districts here in the suburbs usually offer PreK3 2 or 3 mornings a week. There are usually summer classes available too, which aren't exactly preschool, but teach some of the same things. Really, at the age of 3 it is mostly about socialization to the school setting.

The Daycares & home day care that my kids have been to, accept kids anytime ( as long as they have an opening), but suspend the formal learning during the sumer months.

I'd avoid the Park District if you are looking for a true preschool experience. We did that, and it was a far cry from actual preschool, including the "teachers".

Our school is on a regular school year (St. Ben's Prep). You could join in January...but not now.
You might consider camps for the summer. We're at St. Ben's, and so it's for the school kids, mostly. But there are other programs that offer weekly camps. It's basically what we do with the kids when school is out and we still need to send them somewhere...

Our kids go to a faith based pre-k and started mid year you could try that ave

Our local elementary school just started offering preschool in their building, which I LOVE because the curriculum ties right into what they will be doing in K. I'd see about that. Also, there are privately run preschools (not Montessori) that you must have in your area. I can think of about 3 off the top of my head - try your park district also. Usually, if there is space, they will allow mid-year registration.

Why do you want him in preschool? I would find a MOPS in your area or a Mothers' Day Out if you want him to interact with other kids once in a while. I would stay away from daycares. Three is pretty young to have to be forced to follow someone else's schedule. They seem to do better if you can cater to their needs and "teach" them while doing everyday things. Just a thought...

My grandson went to in home day care. The woman running it also provided a preschool program. We found her thru a list provided by the State Department of Human Resources.

My granddaughter attended preschool held in a church. There was no beginning or start time. Kids could start in the classroom at any time. Same for their kindergarten program. They were state certified.

Some preschools have openings mid year, so it's worth looking into. It just depends on whether or not the classes are full.

As for Montessori, it's a whole different style of learning and has nothing to do with when in the school year you start. personally, the style doesn't work for M.. I'd suggest touring the school and seeing it it's the right fit for you and your child.

It really depends on your area. All you can do is call around and ask. I was lucky to find a high quality, affordable preschool which offered both full and part time care (I did part time but wanted the option of full time if I ever needed or wanted to return to work.) They also took kids mid year if space was available, but spots didn't usually open up until fall. Most places I looked at were strictly part time (like the church nurseries) or only full time (the larger daycare type centers were all like this.)
If you can't get into a program until September you can always do other activities like M. and M. classes, kindergym, swim lessons, that kind of thing. That's a great way for him to meet and play with other kids and for you to meet some other moms too :-)

Like you, I wanted to enroll my 3-year-old before September. We found a center that had rolling enrollment, and also follows the township school system.

She attends two days a week from 9-12.

Many preschools also offer summer programs which we are exploring as well.

My 3-year-old is thriving so good luck to you and yours.

(Try and ignore the criticism to the tune of 'why would you want to send him to school!!)

In our area, most preschools run the same schedule as the district, so Sept. to May or June. If they have rolling enrollment, you can enroll your child later in the year (had they had an opening, DD would have started last winter). I do not think a daycare preschool is your only option, but you should ask around. I think a lot of preschools are hurting for enrollment so start calling and see if they could fit him in. And if not, see if they have any summer camps. Ours has a 2 week program in June that children can attend before they go regularly in the fall. If you are looking for full day + aftercare down the road, you'll likely need to check out daycare programs.

My daughter's preschool is flexible so it would offer you the hours you need. If there is room in the class you could sign up right now and put your child in (and there is room). She goes MWF in the mornings. The other choice is to go T/Th mornings. Her room is a parent helper room so I bring snack and go with her one day a month. It's not much and it's a lot of fun. She has two teachers so being there isn't really needed...I guess they like having the extra help. In the summer they are more like a daycare but you pay for the number of hours you need...they are still flexible and I could still put her in those same hours if I wanted to. Maybe look around to see if there are any co-op or parent helper preschools near you.