So DD just turned three and she was accepted into a great montessori school, however we aren't sure what to do. If we send her, it is going to be tough on our finances. We could make it work, but it will be difficult. So what do we do, send her? Or just wait a year? I have read numerous things that say preschool wouldn't necessarily do anything for her. So what do we do? What did you do? What would you do?
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I was a SAHM with my ds (he's 11 now) and we put him in preschool at 2.5 in the 3's class, then he went again the next year. I loved it, I can't remember exactly but I think it was $80 a month, it wasn't a Montessori school though. I hope to do the same with our DD, it helped his social skills and better prepared him for longer days spent at school the following years.
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Our pre-school is attached to the private school DH & I both went to and it is religious and will teach our child our native language, so I am super excited to get LO in there as soon as they'll take him, which for us is 2.5years old.
we can do full days (5 days a week or 3)
or half days (5 days a week or 3)If I get a job, he will be there full time, if I am not working, I'll only send him 3 days a week & half days.
So basically to answer your question: make sure it has things that you value (for us it is faith based) and then check if LO can go part time?
We won't be able to afford full time pre-school if i'm not working at that point. But, then again, we wouldn't need full time because i'd be home and obviously there is MUCH value in the child being with mom during the day as well.I've worked at a Montessori and I don't believe it encourages social interaction very well because children are encouraged to play alone and be independent. So, if you're going for social..meh maybe pass? But if you're going to teach LO Independence and development skills then it is worth it!
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@stbhismrs This school is $500 a month! If I could find something like this for $80 a month we would do it in a flash! I feel like we are paying for the name "Montessori." I don't know if she needs the social stuff as much as learning to be independent and preparing her for Kindergarten... but that's why I think we could do it next year, the year before kindergarten.
@turtledoves That's a very interesting perspective, that it isn't that social. I can see how that is the case, just in the morning she visited. I think she needs to learn to be independent and develop her skills, but could I do that at home? I wish they had a part time option, but it is still five days a week half day. That is the least amount of time she could go.This is one of the many parenting problems that has no "right" answer, just a better and best option. I just want to do what is best, but I don't know which option is the best one...
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Have you looked into the public school districts in your area? Some have a transition year (like a pre-k type thing) for 4 year olds. If they have that, then I would just skip preschool, wait a year and enroll your LO in that.
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I'm not 100% sure what we will do, but I want her to start part time first. Probably at 3..... But ill just have to see how things go.
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I'm planning to do it for socialization purposes... At two or three.
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@MamaBehr: Is there a contract? Maybe you could a month and see if the difference in her is enough for you to keep her going.
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Every state is different but try looking into a Head Start or State Preschool program. Both programs offer a rich academic and social component that encourages a child's independence while scaffolding their developments in key areas in preparation for Kindergarten. Both programs are also income base so if you make too much, you will not qualify for Head Start but you might qualify for State Preschool. There is a sliding scale for State Preschool, depends on your income. Some families pay as low as two dollars a day or more. They are half day programs, five days a week.
Another alternative, is to look into a small home care as they are less expensive. This will allow your child to develop social skills and independence. A good home care provider can also provide an academic rich program and help with developmental skills.
As mentioned above, you want to find a good fit for your child, not the other way around. Some preschools are more structure and strict whereas others are more laid back. If you don't think Montessori is a good fit, try looking into a Waldorf (nature base) program, emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia approach (self guided program with a strong emphasis on community/responsibility and respect), etc... preschools.
There are many types of preschools with different teaching philosophies and curriculum, plenty to research on.
Good luck on your search!
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We sent DS to preschool at a few months shy of 3.5, it's been so great for him. He almost seems ready for kindergarten and we still have a few months left of the school year. Any sooner though and I don't think it would have been right for him.
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