I am looking for some advice. We are looking to send our kids to pre-k next year, they will turn 4 October 4th. For the past 3 years we have had people come into our house to watch the kids, which of course has been the easiest for us. Both me and my husband work full time. We are trying to decide if we should send them for 2 full days (which although is more money would be the easiest because of our work schedule) or to try and find a way to do 2 or 3 half days. When they go to Kindergarten the next year it will be a 1/2 day program. Our concern is if it is too long a day to be there 2 full days they would probably get dropped off around 7 am and picked up about 4:30-5:00 two days a week. My other thought is becuase of who watches them we might only be able to do 2 1/2 days instead of 3 because of capabilities of the sitter being able to pick them up and drop them off. Is two 1/2 days really enough to get them ready for Kindergarten the next year. They do pretty well with counting, they can count to about 20 know all their letters and my daughter (not the boys)can trace her letters pretty good. They are a little anti-social around other kids which is the main reason I want them to go to pre-k.

Any advice would be aprreciated. Thank you

JILL MOM TO
KOURTNEY 3 LBS 1 OZ
KEEGAN 2 LBS 1 OZ
KARVER 1 LB 10 OZ
10/4/08 @ 29 weeks

It sounds like they're pretty well prepared academically (counting, letters, etc) so it would be more about getting them into a routine and accustomed to the classroom setting and "rules." I'm sure whichever way you work it out will be fine. If one way works best for you work-wise, then I'd go that route. Your kids will adjust

Loren
GGG Jan.2005 @ 28wks

Sweetened Taters - http://sweetenedtaters.blogspot.com

Will they really go to kindergarten the next year? An October birthdate where I live would be past our cut-off. In that case, they would be going to 3 year old preschool. I think 2 half days is enough at 3. I would want at least 3 days a week for 4 year old preschool.

Lori

http://yesidohavemyhandsfull.blogspot.com/

Our cutoff date for Kindergarten in CA has always been Dec 1. One of the latest dates of all the states, I think. Next year they are changing it to Nov.1, the following year Oct. 1, and so on. Until it gets down to Sept.1.
MIne are doing Junior Kindergarten which is new for our district. They weren't 4 until Sept 29. So they are still learning everything a Kindergartner would learn but in a more hands on, age appropriate way. It is the most fantastic program and it's public school so it's free!!! If anyone has an option for that I would go for it! Mine will go on to regular Kindergarten next year but there is a chance that some kids will go straight to 1st grade. Each child will be assessed to see where they belong.

Crazy mom to:
DS 10
DS 7
& BBB 5!
9/29/06 born @ 32w2d

Grr...this ate my nice long post about how our trio thought all day was too long at 4 and about the likelyhood that they will be out a lot due to sickness. If your trio have not been exposed through daycare, church nursery, siblings, etc. then they will be sick a lot and miss quite a few days. It is something to think about when you realize you pay for pre-school even if they aren't there...and when trying to figure out child care arrangements.

Susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message

  

Two half days is plenty. The only reason I did 3 was because I wanted more time to myself.

Crazy mom to:
DS 10
DS 7
& BBB 5!
9/29/06 born @ 32w2d

You've gotten some good advice so far. My kids only had one year of 2 day a week preschool (half days). Like your kids, they were academically ready, but needed to be in a school setting and learn how to socialize and follow school rules, etc. They are in first grade now and are doing amazing!

Nik
GBG triplets born 4/2/05
30w5d
www.thebestthingscomein3.blogspot.com