Do your children get SICK more often being separated into three classes since they're exposed to 3 times as many germs/kids? If they're in one room do you get sick less often? We've had ours split in preschool this year (not by choice- there were not three spots available in the same class). They have been sick almost non-stop since September. In fact, both boys will be getting tubes in January as a result of chronic ear infections. They literally have been in to see the doctor every 2 weeks with ear infections and sinus infections.

School enrollment is in early January. So...

We are trying to decide whether to keep them separated in preschool next year, or put them in one class. As far as behavior/independence, it would be better for them to be separated. One of my sons is especially clingy and dependent, and he has imroved dramatically being by himself. Overall they are doing well apart and have really developed their own personalities. They say they want to be together, but all of their teachers have indicated they would keep them apart again. DH and I are torn as we do see the benefit in our case of having them in different classes.

HOWEVER, DH and I wonder if they would be sick less often if they were all together and exposed to fewer children. It would make life easier for me concerning parties, class programs, teacher gifts, field trips, being room mom, etc. If it comes down to their health improving, I will veto the school and place them in one class.

Triplefigs
Proud mom to 3.5 year old bbg

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Denise
Proud mom to BBG 2000

My kids are in 2 separate classes this year and the amount of illnesses seems no different from when they were in the same class. If one of my kids picks up a bug, they kindly share it with their siblings anyway.

Two classes are hectic in terms of parties etc. (I am sure 3 would be worse) but the teachers and parents here are so understanding of our situation that they try and make it as easy for me as possible. I am the room mom for one of the classes so I do have to spend a bit more time on that class' activities.

Jenni
mom of ABC 11/1/98

Denise,
Mine are in the same class in preschool and they've also been sick practically non-stop. So much for my carefree life hangin out at Starbucks! I doubt it makes much difference and I wouldn't base your decision for next year on this.

Paula
Mom to Ari, Eve and Max
We're 3!!!

I think you might be experiencing what most of us go through the first year of preschool. As healthy as we had to keep our children during those first couple of years seems to backfire on us when they enter preschool for the first time. My kids stayed sick with the flu and bronchitis the first winter of two-day-twos to the point that I was ready to pull them out of school altogether until after Spring Break! Each year, they have been healthier and knock on wood, they have only missed a couple of days of school each so far this year for very minor illnesses. Long explanation to say that I don't believe that you will see any difference in illnesses between keeping them together or splitting them up, but will see overall improvements in the severity and duration of the "preschool-itises" next winter and the winter thereafter.

Robin

Our 3 boys are in seperate first grade classes and have not had to take more than one or two sick days so far this year.

I don't think that keeping them in the same class will make a bit of difference at all. Between recesses, lunchtime, common bathrooms and play equipment, germs will do what germs do best -- spread out and multiply.

Vaughn and the ABC Boys

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
The 14 year olds!