Tough decision... need some suggestions

MommyToAshley wrote: I have been looking into pre-schools for Ashley.

I received recommendations from a few parents, and talked to the directors, and I have narrowed it down to two choices:

The first one is a co-op. I really like the idea of volunteering so that I can see for myself what is going on. There is always a teacher, an assistant and at least one parent volunteer in the class. The director suggested that Ashley go in the older class based on where she is academically. I am not sure I want to do that... she's already growing up too fast and I think it might be good for her to stay with kids her own age. (But, then again, I don't want her to be bored either). If I choose this program, not sure which class I will put her in.

The second one is not a co-op, and only has a teacher and assistant. The class sizes are limited though. She would go in the 3 year old class, but the teacher does some unique things like teach Spanish and they go on a few more field trips than the other class. So, I don't think she will be bored with the curriculum. I just wish this one was a co-op. Call me paranoid, but I think 3 years old is too young for me to send her off to someone I don't know and trust them with my baby. You just hear all these stories about stuff that happens... and at reputable places too. I have only heard good things about this pre-school, but it's hard to trust someone completely that I don't know.

I like the openness of the first pre-school and the curriculum of the second one. What do you think? Anyone have any suggestions/advice?

coasterqueen replied: I'd go with the first one. And only because I agree I think 3 years is pretty young to send them to preschool trusting someone else to your child. But everyone has to do what they think is right for them.

There's one thing to consider about sending kids to preschool. If they are very advanced are learn so much that kindergarten is boring to them, then what? They'll have to sit in there bored or skip a grade. This happened to me and I was sooo bored throughout grade school and was given option to skip grades, luckily my parents didn't do that.

We are sending Kylie to preschool probably just one year before she goes to kindergarten and she doesn't go to age 6 because of when her birthday falls.

gr33n3y3z replied: I would just pick the one that best for Ashley .... the one she would get more from in learning and being with other children.
Do they offer a open house so Ashley can decide or at least tell you which she likes best?

Good Luck

amynicole21 replied: I'd be pretty freaked about field trips at 3 years old... I think the first one sounds great.

Boys r us replied: Well, it seems like you've answered your own question Dee Dee. You have to do what you feel most comfortable with when it comes to your babies..ya know!!

I agree with Lisa though if there is any question still in your mind about what to do, go with Ashley and let her stay half a day with you observing to each!

jcc64 replied: I think you already answered your own question, Dee Dee. You seem much more comfortable with the co-op. I think curriculum in pre-K is completely secondary to the acquisition of social skills. She has plenty of time to learn Spanish, trust me.
I sent my oldest (now almost 13) to a Montessori pre-K at 3 bc he was extremely shy and inhibited and we felt he needed the socialization. He flourished and had a great experience.
I would look for a program that offers a lot of flexibility and unstructured time so that Ashley has the opportunity to pursue what interests her at her own pace (in Alec's case- it was blocks and legos with the boys).

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Maddie went to one that sounds a lot like the second one you described, but NO field trips. I love that school. It was wonderful for Maddie and I will send Ethan there when he turns 2....just like I did with Maddie.

However, the first one sounds like the better choice for Ashley. You know she is learning so much already. You really just wanted to send her for some playtime anyway, right? In that case, I think that is the way to go.

redchief replied: A Co-Op... What a cool idea!

DansMom replied: We chose a co-op, and I like the involvement factor as well. If she stays in the 3's, her skill level will be motivating to the other kids I'm sure, and I'm sure they will find ways to keep her challenged. It sounds like she'll do fine in the 4's too!

Alice replied:
We're finishing our 4th year with a Coop, and Kira starts in the fall. I'm president of the Parent's Board. Needless to say, I love it!!!

I love knowing her teachers on a first name basis. I love knowing the quirks of the kids in her class- who is still crying and who has trouble sharing toys, who takes gymnastics and who takes dance. I love being known as "Julia's mommy." I love being part of the board and having a say in what's happening in the school, from Family Night to the new toys for the gym. I love the fact that parents are welcome to stay as long as their children need them: for Brian it was almost Halloween before I could drop him and go, while Julia was comfortable on the first day. I love being able to ask intelligent questions about their day: "who got the 'cool bike' in gym?" and "What did Kate's mom bring for snack today?" and "What did you do in the art room?"

Of course, you need to make the choice based on your own feelings, not mine. But I agree that learning Spanish should be secondary to your own comfort level.

Maybe ask the Coop director if Ashley can start off in the advanced class, then drop down if you feel it isn't working (or the reverse and have her go up to the other class.)

mckayleesmom replied: I would pick the first one, because you get to volonteer and help out. I would want to know what is going on. Also..there is no way in heck I would let the school take my child off school premises without me going too....NOPE.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: OooOOOooooh, Spanish!! ( )

I think that you and Rod do a wonderful job with your little princess - and I don't think that ANY *school* can teach more than 1 parent can, 1 on 1, howver the socialisation can be very motivational for kids - she might learn something new, or other kdis will learn from her.

It's a tough choice to make, sure, but the bottom line is that Ashley is so smart, and such a quick learner, that any choice you make will be perfect fr her. You need to be comfortable enough to be able to leave her there for the day with no worries.

You work at home and you're your own boss - so it's not like you can't take a break to go to the co-op, right?

MommyToAshley replied:
I called them feild trips, but they're not really feild trips. They're parent days, where at least one parent has to go too. They aren't on the normal preschool days, and it's just to places like the local petting farm. Sorry, I guess I should have clarified that, I was just trying to make a comparison to the co-op program that doesn't have this in their program.

I suppose it was obvious that I am leaning towards the co-op program. And, after hearing some of your experiences with co-op programs, I am liking this idea even more. I just wish I could merge the two together and pick the parts I like best from each.

One of Ashley's friends goes to the second program and it would be nice to send her with someone she already knows, but Ashley is not shy and knows no stranger, I am sure she will make new friends at the other one.

Thanks for all your help and sharing your experiences.

MommyToAshley replied:
You are right, and I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I hope I didn't insult anyone that sends their child to pre-school. I am VERY over-protective and that's one of the reasons I asked for your opinions, it never hurts to get another perspective on things.