Preschool quandry for my 4 yr old - Need advice

jem0622 wrote: Gabe is one of the oldest kids in his preschool classroom. He doesn't meet the cutoff for kindy this Fall, so he has one more year of preschool. Signups are on the 16th, and I don't know if we should sign him up for 3 days or 5 days. He will go 5 days (full day...no am/pm stuff here) once he starts kindy. Should we get him ready for that, or should he just go 3 days? My oldest DS went from 3 days to 5 days (full day) and did fine.

Some of his mates in his current class will do 5 days, and some won't. I'm so torn!

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: Logan will also miss the cutoff and be one of the older kids in his grade. If I had the option, I'd probably sign up for the 5 days. What's the harm?

Kaitlin'smom replied: Kaitlin currently goes 5 1/2 days, she is the youngest in her class and wont met th dead line for K next year so she will have another year of pre K. can he go 5 days 1/2 days? thats what I would do if she was not there already, it works for us.

lisar replied: I say 5 days. It wont be bad for him to be there and have more time to learn things.

amynicole21 replied: Sophia's been doing full days forever and does just fine. She'll have another year in preschool, too. I think putting him in full time would be fine if YOU are up to it

sparkys2boys replied: yep, 5 days would really prepare him for what is to come. Good luck making a decision!

jem0622 replied: Thanks for your feedback. I do think that he would have something to look forward to...other than being around his twin sisters all day. It would only be half days in the pre-k program.

It is more costly (and doesn't help that we'll also have the girls in pre-k too), so that is part of the quandry.

MommyToAshley replied: If you can swing it, I would do the 5 days. But, if it would put a strain on the budget, I don't think he'd suffer by going just 3 days. There's positives to both sides. If he goes only three days, that will give you more time with him. Have you asked about scholarships? I know some preschools offer scholarships (or at the very least discounts) for those that have more than one goign to preschool at the same time. Oye... I couldn't imagine having three in preschool at the same time.

boyohboyohboy replied: I probably am one of the few that say three days. My son is the oldest in his class right now, and he missed the cut off this last yr. so we opted to start him in preschool, but I figure he will be starting school soon enough, and will be busy with all that comes with school and extra activities, so I want to enjoy the time I have left with my little preschooler before he prefers to be in school then with me..
thats just my view, and he is learning at home as well as school, so he isnt behind in his education at all. he hasnt suffered by only going the 3 days.

jmo

C&K*s Mommie replied: I agree with Dee Dee.

blue72 replied: If money will be tight, I would vote for 3 days. Don't cause financial stress over giving your child 2 more days in school. He won't benefit that much from 2 more days of school.

Jamison'smama replied: I would go for the three days and let him enjoy the freedom for one more year

jem0622 replied: Thanks all!

Just so you know the associated costs...we'd be paying $188/mo for all three to go to preschool (if he went three days). If he went five days, then we'd be paying $219/mo. DH is a SAHD who also works 2 PT jobs (I WOH full time, M-F). So while we are not scraping...if we were having tight times then we could use that extra money!

MommyToAshley replied: Sorry to be off topic, but I was just watching your siggy and I just love the photos of your family. It gave me warm fuzzies... you look like such a happy and wonderful family. And, btw, you are beautiful!

jem0622 replied:

Awww...you are so sweet to say that! We had a professional photographer come to our home. It took so much to get the pictures! The girls did not want to cooperate! That is why you see so many at the park. LOL. But all in all, we were very pleased. Very pricey, but nice memories!

MommyToAshley replied:
I thought the pictures looked professional, but yet so natural. They are great pics, I'd say they are worth every penny.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
I agree. Maybe I'm the minority (but I'm also a preschool teacher who has seen first hand;) ), but I think when you are talking preschool, as long as he isn't behind socially or needs extra academic help he can't get at home, 3 days is plenty. There is plenty of time for transition when K does arrive. If you find he is bored with only 3 days, then see about switching to 5 if that option is still available down the road. IMHO, kids don't need a another year to transition like how you are describing. Once K does arrive, the transition wont be hard on him unless he has separation issues. The reason kids go to K is for the reasons you describe, so no need in putting them in another year of school every day of the week unless they show they truly need it during that time. Good luck with your decision.