https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 20:33:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704544 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:08:56 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2704544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We tried at 18 months and ds freaked and we took him out. </p> <p>Tried again at just over 2.5. He absolutely loves it and we are going to send him an extra day (currently just goes one day). It's from 9-1130 and my only complaint is that it's not a longer day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704520 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:49:09 +0000 winniebee 2704520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We enrolled both of our boys in "school" by age 2. DS1 it was a Reggio Emilio school that had a toddler program (18-26 months) and was part of a school that went up to 8th grade. It was a wonderful experience and he did preschool there too at age 3, but we moved at age 3.5. He had been used to going to some form of child care (part time) his whole life. DS2 we enrolled at 21 months at Montessori school in a toddler program that goes from 18-36 months (and the school goes up to K-- his brother goes there). It was an extremely rough transition - even though he is a social child, he was used to being with either me or a nanny. I will say that I am very glad we started him in the program and that it has been a positive experience for everyone, despite the tough transition period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704519 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:48:25 +0000 Littlebit7 2704519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: this is nice to hear. Our LO was just accepted into a 2.5s program for september. I'm worried about drop off. We have done some daycares on vacations which were about 90% disasters.<br /> The program also lets you add on summer camp if you want this summer on a daily basis, I might try that a couple of time just to introduce her to it. thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704508 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:43:20 +0000 chibee 2704508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Jack turned 2 at the end of August of 2016 and he started going to a part time program in September. He goes twice a week, 2 hours a day, and absolutely thrives in it! This is the best decision I ever made, he loves going to school and I think it is doing wonders for his development! His school really is amazing, next year he is enrolled for 3 days a week/3 hours a day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704338 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:45:46 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2704338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: If you don't mind sharing, what did your oldest do for preschool? We had similar issues with our first starting and our second being born but at this point I figure if we have a third, our first is already going but it's always in the back of my mind that the younger they start maybe the worse the germs (or maybe that's all in my head!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704273 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:59:40 +0000 twodoghouse 2704273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: My 2 year old twins just started preschool in January (they were 2 yr 8 mo) and are not potty trained. They are some of the youngest in their class so I thought everyone else would be potty trained, but it looks like almost all of the other kids are in diapers. They will have to be potty trained for their 3 yr old class in the fall, though. Their current class is 2.5 hrs and there is not a designated time where all the kids get a diaper change. Instead they do changes or potty time as needed. So far my kids have only needed to be changed once each at school (for poop, although the teachers will change if a kids' diaper is super wet, too). We found the school by asking moms with older kids at story time and gymnastics. It's a church preschool and we are atheists, but there are very limited options for part time preschool in my area. Almost everything was full day and since I'm a SAHM, I didn't want them to go the whole day. So they go 2 days a week for 2.5 hrs now. In the fall when they join the 3s class, it will be 4 days a week for 2.5 hrs each day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704233 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:16:26 +0000 looch 2704233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't, but when I was researching what was available, all the programming for ones and twos was with a parent. It was 2 times a week for 2 hours max. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704212 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:28:49 +0000 jape14 2704212@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: our preschool is at a local church - most of the churches in our area have them. Sometimes they are called Mothers' Day Out (MDO) or Mothers' Morning Out (MMO) programs. Ours doesn't have a potty training requirement until the older classes (3+, and they are flexible for the 3s class). We don't attend this (or any) church so that's not a requirement either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704209 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:18:04 +0000 KayKay 2704209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@indsaylou: DD1 went to daycare FT starting at 12w, but then when I started SAH, she still went to preschool 3 days/week from 830-330 when she was 2.5. DD2 started doing a 2-3 day/week, 3h per day program when she was 9m (more free play/socialization...not really preschool) and then started preschool 5 day/week this fall at 22m. I love it for them -- I think it gives them great experience with other kids and other adults, following rules/listening, and gives me a good break! Especially now that I have DS, so I can do some things just with him and/or just attend to his needs &amp; schedule instead of dragging him to things with the older 2.</p> <p>I would just caution that sometimes a 1 day/week thing can be tough on ones with more separation anxiety because it takes a long time to become their "normal" since it's so infrequent. But some, like my DD2, can just roll with it :)</p> <p>In any event, I think it's a great idea for both her and you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704187 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 02:03:35 +0000 LindsayLou 2704187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: The program that we're considering doesn't require kiddos to be potty trained. I first found the preschool just by walking by, since it's in our neighborhood. Once we decided that we wanted to look into a program for this fall, I just googled preschools in our town and researched all of them. The co op we're considering was the only preschool, not daycare, in our town to offer a 2s program. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704186 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:51:35 +0000 Boogs 2704186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious how you all found your programs? And do they take kids that aren't potty trained yet? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704179 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:56:18 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2704179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayLou: I started my son in September. He was 22 months at the time. It's been INCREDIBLE. He goes all 5 days a week, but for only half-day. The 3 hours he is there each day do wonders for both of us. His speech has progressed incredibly, his social skills are blossoming, and his knowledge of academic-type things (color names, rote counting, etc.) are improving every day. I am a former kindergarten teacher, so always planned to start my kids in school on the early side (vs daycare), and I have zero regrets. I'll even add that I was apprehensive about him going all 5 days (the program dictated that, not me!), but when the director of our school explained why she wanted it done that way (continuity, kids adapting more easily to school, the curriculum), I gave it a chance. She was totally right-he is not only able to handle this schedule, but thrives in it. In short: early school is a total win for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704175 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:34:16 +0000 LindsayLou 2704175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@808love: Thanks for sharing! Interesting article. I've worked in childcare centers as well as being a nanny. And my mom has a career in early childhood education. She taught preschool for years, and now works for a state funded program that evaluates childcare centers, home daycares, and early education facilities. So I find it all fascinating. There are so many fantastic programs and dedicated, knowledgeable providers out there. I think there's often a large overlap between traditional childcare and preschool, which is awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704173 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:25:20 +0000 youboots 2704173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@808love: good info! T will go to preschool at 3 when it's offered. This article it sounds more like a preschool than daycare where she goes. There are so many great options out there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704171 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:19:39 +0000 808love 2704171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just found this on daycare vs. preschool.<br /> <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/starting-school/daycare-vs-preschool.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/starting-school/daycare-vs-preschool.aspx</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704169 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:14:31 +0000 youboots 2704169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not exactly what you are asking but T who will be 2 this week goes 8 hours a week to a daycare in a private pre k-8th school. I'm not sure what the major differences between daycare for 2 year olds and preschool for 2 year olds- but they do lots of crafts and reading and dress up. She's been going for over a year- it's been awesome. Whenever we get to the door she yells friends! She loves going- she's pretty social but daycare has helped her get to be that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704159 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:36:15 +0000 LindsayLou 2704159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: That sounds so stressful! I'm sorry that you guys had such a negative experience. Sounds like you made the right move in pulling him out of the program. Yeah, I'm definitely concerned about her bringing germs and illness home to the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704158 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:32:41 +0000 LindsayLou 2704158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! It sounds like most of you have had very positive experiences. I'm definitely feeling like it's the right choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704146 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 22:57:43 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2704146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Planning on it! He'll start at his second birthday which is just after the start of the school year. If not then a mom's day out or something like that hopefully, or he will start when he is about to turn three. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704121 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:56:04 +0000 808love 2704121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started LO in full time preschool the day she turned 2. It was a positive experience and she was already potty trained. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704114 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:39:10 +0000 birdofafeather 2704114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did a Mom's Day out starting at 20 months once a week for a few hours and then switched to 2 full days at 2y2m so I could get my work done (own my own photography business.) it was weird to think of beforehand but totally a positive experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704110 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:33:29 +0000 skipra 2704110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We enrolled LO2 in PT preschool 6 hours per weeks at 2 years 4 months because LO3 was due to arrive shortly after. I would not do it again! He is pretty clingy with me and had a tough few weeks transitioning there. He cried A LOT ( it's a co-op program so this was confirmed by other moms) and begged not to go. By the time he adjusted and was OK going (not happy about it but accepted it) he started getting sick and passing it around our house. We have all been healthy for about 1 week since before Christmas. The last straw for me was when he was super sick with double ear and eye infection and cold that he passed on to the baby. Turns out it was RSV and the antibiotics made the baby so sick he was nearly hospitalized. So I pulled him out of school. We put him in to make life with a new baby easier. Haha that backfired! I hope you have a better experience butbe prepared for the baby to get sick a lot early on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704105 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:26:10 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2704105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son started at 2.5. His birthday is in December and I didn't want to wait a whole year to start him at the beginning of the school year when he'd be 3. It has been so positive for him, I'm so happy that we did it. He's gained confidence and awareness of other kids. He loves his teachers. Hes an only child so I think it's really good for him to be part of a group of kids. His teacher and the director have stated that all the kids on the class are on a similar level so I think that's been really good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704104 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:25:57 +0000 Trailmix 2704104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup! Mine started at 2y3m for two days a week from 9-11:30am. Was a great first step towards school and made the transition to a 5-day-a-week 3s program easier! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704095 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:56:31 +0000 SweetiePie 2704095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. My son's bday is early September, so similar age when he started 2s. He does 2 mornings a week for 2 hours. He absolutely loves it. BUT he's always been pretty outgoing and not very shy.<br /> He spent every day with me because I SAH. So I was a little nervous but he didn't skip a beat.<br /> Even the kids who did have a hard time separating were fine after a couple of weeks. They're all so happy at Pickup and he loves showing me what they did that day. They learn so much more than I could ever handle on my own at home. Even ways to teach equality and how germs are spread. I would never think of the things they did.<br /> It's been amazing all around. </p> <p>Because that went so well and he does well with routine, I added a drop off class at the same facility with some of his same classmates for 2 other days. So he is away from me for 4 mornings each week. </p> <p>This summer his school offers a summer camp that you can sign up for week by week. We're doing the month of June for sure. That is 3 days a week 9-12. Depending on summer plans we'll sign him up for more. </p> <p>He's doing 3s this fall which will be 4 days a week. 3 days will be 9-12 and 1 day will be 9-1:30 or 2.</p> <p>ETA: I think another thing that helped him start the preschool/separation was Sunday school at church. I started taking him around 18 months when he dropped to one nap and I felt he could handle it. It really helped him get used to me leaving him somewhere foreign with "teachers", in my opinion. And since it was church and I was right there if he needed me, I felt really comfortable with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704092 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:48:23 +0000 Anya 2704092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 2yo will be starting a preschool program one morning a week next month. Since 18 months we've been attending a transition class at the same school where the parent/caregiver stays, which has been a positive experience. In the future I can add more mornings per week but I'm going to start with one for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704090 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:44:08 +0000 JCCovi 2704090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter started 2 mornings/week at a language immersion school right at her 2nd birthday. At 18 months my son joined her 2 mornings/week (my daughter was doing 4 days/week at that point). They were with a nanny the rest of the day.</p> <p>We've moved and I've become a SAHM but they are both in a 3day/week Spanish immersion preschool. We are committed because of the language component, but I probably wouldn't spend the money if it weren't for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704089 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:41:06 +0000 bushelandapeck 2704089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both of mine started at age 2 and it was a great experience for them (they are 4.5 &amp; 2.5). We have a nanny for when I'm at work 2x/week. I feel like the program they've gone to had increase social skills, language development, and just makes them happier! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704088 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:40:21 +0000 jape14 2704088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS started 3 day/week half-day preschool at 2 this year (he has an early September birthday so he started a few days after his birthday) and we've had a great experience. He is on the introverted side, has been in a nanny share with one other girl his age since 4 months, and is the youngest kid in his class -- and he absolutely loves it! He is constantly talking about his friends at school, his teachers, what they do, etc. He was tentative at drop-off for the first couple of weeks (cried maybe 2-3 times?) but other than that, no issues whatsoever. We have enrolled him in 5 day/week half-days for next year and 2 weeks of their "summer camp" this summer because he loves it so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-enroll-their-2-year-old-in-part-time-preschool#post-2704085 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:33:52 +0000 PinkElephant 2704085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely! DD2 started her 2days/week, 3 hr a day program at 2 yrs, 4 months, and loved it! Zero tears at drop off until after her new little sister was born, and she came home chattering about her teachers and the kids in class. She even found some new interests (dinosaurs!) </p>