Call me crazy

[GreyhoundsRUs]

So, A will be turning 3 in November. We have her registered to start at a Montessori school in town when she turns 3 (provided she's potty trained). Part of me feels she's ready to start school earlier than that and that she would benefit from both the social and educational "opportunities". We are moving at the end of the upcoming year, so we're not a long-term investment for the school (we won't be there multiple years or with multiple children). Should I ask their thoughts on starting her at 2.75 yo or leave well enough alone? I really could go either way...

[ladymoreta]

My kids love their preschool! I think if they're okay with her starting earlier, she'd do great! I started DS when he was 2 years and 5 months, and DD when she was 1 year and 10 months. It's not Montessori, though, and DD's class is more like a MDO, without any real curriculum. They just play with each other, snack, read, go to chapel, and do arts and crafts. If the school won't agree to start her at 2.75 years, you might be able to find a Mother's Day Out program for the summer that's just a few days per week to get her used to the schedule.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I would give my right arm to be able to send C to a Montessori school (And she's 3 months younger than A). It's just too pricey around here. Even though she's young, I think she'll thrive. My brother and I both started Montessori at 2.5 and did fine. I think A is a lot like C, pretty verbal and somewhat mischievous...I think she'd do great!

[spotty_dog]

It probably depends on the child. My son was an October birthday and SO not ready to be away from mama for long stretches during the fall he turned 3. But the fall he was 3 at the beginning of the school year, he took to preschool like a fish to water. And 2 years of preschool was more than enough, for both my kids.

I understand that Montessori in particular is pretty dependent on a certain developmental capacity to do self-directed activities and engage with peers and so on, and they might not be able to meet the needs of a 2yo in the 3-6 program. I guess if you really wanted her in the program ASAP you could ask the director if they have enrolled kids that age before, but personally I feel like those years are so fleeting that I'm more than happy to have my kids with me. (Not to mention the expense! The Montessori here in town costs over $400 per month! )

[GreyhoundsRUs]

It is expensive, but honestly, she needs more than I am/can give. This is my first rodeo, so I need some help Do I just walk in and talk to someone? Do I make an appointment with the director? Should I wait until after the school year is over? (Next week) Should I just send an email? When I talk to someone, do I tell them what she can do/why I think she's ready?

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I would make an appointment and ask to bring her in for a few hours. (hurry, I guess bc school is over soon). I think seeing her in that environment will help them and you make the decision about whether she is ready.

I know C is ready, I'm sure A would be fine.

[oceanchild]

You guys would be appalled at what we pay for daycare.

I would call and talk to whoever handles admissions. Or whoever registered you in the first place. They'll point you in the right direction. You may not even need to make a case. Is it their regular policy to only admit 3-year-olds?

[alotofyarn]

You guys would be appalled at what we pay for daycare.

I'm here thinking $400/month is a good deal, and we have a pretty inexpensive daycare!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Well, that was easy. They don't ever accept students younger than 3. Oh well.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I'm here thinking $400/month is a good deal, and we have a pretty inexpensive daycare!

That is less than I pay for a week...

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Tuition is just under $500/month for the half-day program (no lunch). In fellowship, the tuition is about the same, but they feed the kids lunch, and half-day is 4 hours as opposed to three here. At the school in KY, you can also do "drop-in" early or late care as needed (so if I had a dr appointment, etc)

[Thirteen]

That is less than I pay for a week...

*thud*


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[spotty_dog]

Well, the $443/mo Montessori is 4 days a week, 3-4 hours a day so not really comparable to full-time. But since I don't need the childcare, it seems like an extraneous expense! We paid $75-100 per month for the four years of preschool we've been through.

GRU, I thought that might be the situation which is why I thought asking them up front if they've ever enrolled a kid that age would be the best start. Ah, well!

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Would they take her in Nov?

[MrsK]

The K Bros have been in preschool since before they were 2. K1 does especially well with structure. He is 4.5 now and begging to go to school 5 days weekly. Now, he goes to two schools starting at 9am and ending at 3pm with a 1hr break in between and he LOVES it. K2 will be 3 in a couple weeks. He goes 3 days weekly in the morning, half days. He'll be going 4 days weekly in the Fall (unless he asks to go 5 days like K1 did). I plan to start sending Lambie two mornings weekly when she's 18 months.

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