When should my child start preschool?
Most experts agree: attending a good preschool program can have a lasting benefit for your child.
A groundbreaking Carnegie Foundation study tracked a group of students for more than 20 years, from infancy to early adulthood, and found that the students who had been enrolled in early education (e.g., preschool programs offered through Head Start) did significantly better at every stage of school. According to the study authors, attendance at preschool evened out the performance gap between lower and higher income students, increased social competence and school readiness, and helped the kids become better organized, more focused students. They were more likely to graduate from college, be employed, and even register to vote.
Even if there is no question that preschool programs can benefit your child, many parents still wonder when their child should start preschool and what type of program is best. Preschool programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from half-day, low intensity programs for 3-year-olds to academically rigorous full-day programs that teach second languages.
One of the main benefits of preschool is socialization, both with other children and with adults in an authority position. If your child is showing signs that he or she enjoys being in the presence of non-family adults and can handle groups of peers, it might be time to start the preschool hunt.
However, even with the best socialized kids, the transition to preschool can be rough. According to Parenting Science, studies have shown that preschool-aged children experience higher levels of stress at preschool and learn aggressive behaviors such as hitting, biting, and kicking. If your child seems ready for preschool, many experts recommend starting with small, intimate classes and limited hours at first (although the evidence is mixed regarding the effects of long hours in care).
Your child should also be toilet trained — many preschools will not accept children who aren’t potty trained.
Finally, you can talk to your child about preschool and gauge his or her anxiety level about being separated from you for long periods. If your child has significant anxiety, then it might not be a good idea to pursue preschool just yet — it could backfire.
Remember that a toddler who has difficulty separating from his parents may be picking up on your cues that you don’t feel totally comfortable with the idea of preschool. First and foremost, check in with your feelings about this new stage in your child’s life. Though it is normal for parents to be a bit anxious about their child’s first days of preschool, having this awareness can help you understand what feelings of separation anxiety are stemming from your own fears and which ones are stemming from your child.
Ultimately, the best indicator of preschool readiness is your child, so look for behavior clues that he or she is ready for that big first day of school.
Reviewed by Eva Benmeleh, March 2020
Takeaways
- Kids who were enrolled in early education went on to do significantly better at every stage of school.
- Preschool programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from low intensity and half-day to intense, full-day programs.
- If your child does well in a group of peers and is potty trained, he or she might be ready for preschool.
I think some of this can be over thinking what’s basically a daycare in most situations. Most high quality daycare does include a lot of learning for 2- and 3-year olds. If your child has previously been in daycare, there’s not going to be a massive difference for them to join a more interactive and engaging program. Many of the programs I’ve looked into would be the same as going to daycare besides they focus more on learning, yet the children don’t even realize it because it’s all did in a fun age-appropriate way.
I understand your dilemma. All the changes are tough. Going straight to a full day program can be a challenge for young ones, especially if it is five days per week. The biggest adjustment kids make at this age can be to the disruption in their nap schedule, if they are still taking one. She may enjoy the interaction with peers for a half day a couple days per week. It would serve as a way to transition to the full day program she will be in the following year. Also, it could give you the opportunity to tend to some things child free. 🙂 Before you start a program start to transition their daily routine to match that of what it will be once school starts. For example, you can gradually adjust lunch time and nap time to match what they will experience when school starts, so as to not suddenly shock the system when the time comes.
Thanks for this advice. I’m currently torn on whether or not start my youngest daughter in a half day program next fall (she will have just turned 2). She will be one of the youngest in her class. My other option is to wait until she is 3, but then she will go straight to a full day program. I’m torn…