how important is it for a kid to go to a preschool?


My son is going to be 3 soon, he goes to a daycare. I am being advised that I should start thinking of putting him in a preschool, how different is it than a daycare, how much does it help the kid?

Answers:
Most kids who've done preschool perform better in school during the early years, but by the third grade, that better performance is lost, and they're about equal to kids who did not go to preschool. So, if you think it's important for your child to excel in grades K-2 or so, or if you want your child to learn to read or write a certain way your public school does not teach, then preschool may well be important to you and your child. Preschool can also be exceedingly important for special-needs children, including those with autism-spectrum disorders, and there are probably many other situations where preschool would be a wise choice.

However, preschool does have some downsides. Children already spend thirteen years in school, in mostly windowless rooms. There are those who are concerned that added years of school may contribute to kids getting burned out long before they reach college. There are those who feel that kids' health is not benefitted by an extra year or two of staying mostly indoors, avoiding sunlight and exercise in order to get ahead. And some people have concerns about the social environment, where the kids generally pass bad habits around faster than they pass ear infections.

So as you can see, how much it helps the child is really a matter of personal choice. Nobody can really tell you if it's important or not, because the decision has a lot to do with the sorts of preschools available, the quality of K-12 education available and whether preschool will be important to that, and the child's temperament and needs.

If you think it's a good idea, check out some preschools in your area, and consider it. Maybe even try it out for a month and see if it works out for your child. If you don't think it's the right fit for your child, then put on your best "quit butting into my business" smile, and tell people you've made what you feel is the best choice for your son, thanks.
As long as the kid learns to read he should be alright in daycare

More Questions & Answers...
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
Copyright © 2007-2009 PPQnA.com All Rights Reserved. - Terms of Use - Contact Us

Pregnancy & Parenting