I'm stuck making a decision on which preschool I should send my daughter to. My son attended a very wonderful preschool (Preschool A) for two years and we just adored the teachers and the program and became really good friends with them. Obviously I'm very familiar with the way they teach, the circulum, etc. They do all sorts of fun activities and field trips. However, my son's kindergarten schedule changed which would not allow me to send my daughter to Preschool A, so just this morning I registered at Preschool B. This preschool is nice, too, but I'm not familiar with how they teach, what activities they do and they do not do any field trips (I was referred to this school by a friend). Then today Preschool A called saying they really wanted my daughter to attend and they didn't care if I was 20 minutes late picking her up, that they'd just keep her busy until I got there (and it's not because they want to keep a client, because they have a waiting list, they just really want her to go to their school). Now, to add to my dilemia, my sister-in-law wanted my our girls to go to preschool together but she can't afford the tuition at Preschool A (and it's full) so she is going to preschool B. I know my sister-in-law will be hurt if I pull my daughter from the preschool her daughter is attending knowing that she can't get into nor afford Preschool A.
What do I do?
After talking with my husband, we decided to enroll our daughter in the school we had always intended to enroll her at (school A) and we were able to switch classes so I'd only be a little late one day. However, we also decided to keep her enrolled in the school B for a while (it's hours are shorter and it's not expensive at all) to see if she can handle a little extra time away from me and she'll get to spend time with her cousin. Thanks for your advice.
K.- What a pickle. Although you're familiar with Preschool A -You may like Preschool B. A preschool is only as good as the parents. Spend time in the classroom, ask questions, get involved. Although Preschool A said they are willing to stay late...what if they change their minds (winter, schedules, staff changes, etc)then you're really up a creek!
And with your sister-in -law there too you'll have double the eyes and input.
Good luck-H.
You do what you feel is best for YOUR child. If you know, deep down, that Preschool A is the best place for her, that's where you send her. Your sister- in-law will understand that you have your daughter's best interest at heart. However, if you feel there is significant value to having your daughter attend the same school as her cousin (carpooling, emotional support, etc), that may overshadow the fact that you're not as familiar with it and might feel Preschool B is the best choice. Unfortunately nobody but you can make this decision. Follow your heart, it's usually right.
I agree with choosing the best fit for your child's needs. But, if your child is happy at BOTH places I would consider keeping her with her cousin if it will put any strain on your relationship with your sister-in-law. Family realtionships are delicate matters and important to you and your child for ears to come. Preschool is really a place to have fun, learn more fine motor skills, learn how to play and get along with others and follow rules. If both preschools provide all those things in positive, loving environments, I would leave her with her cousin. (If you are a religious person, try prayer before making a decision too.)Hope that helps!
You should put her in whatever one you WANT her to be in. No matter if sis in law is hurt or not. Your daughter's development and happiness is more important than hers. Now, with that said, it is ONLY preschool. It's not like you're changing her gradeschool or junior high or something that really is important to get the right curriculum and education. If she goes to a different preschool for the year and starts in her more permanent school in Kindegarten, she's going to be just fine. Some kids don't go to preschool at all. Some parents don't consider it necessary for the educational advancement. I've just done the preschool research to try and figure out which one would be best for my pre-K daughter, and really found that most of them are so similar in what they teach and the structure of the classes. I chose the one I felt she would be happiest with and that had the right schedule for me and for her. So... really, you should put her in whichever one you're most comfortable with. You can always tell the sis-in-law that you picked the one that's easiest for you to get her to or pick her up, etc... Good luck.
