Dayschools?

[Tara]

I am putting Tyler in Dayschool twice a week in the fall. I am interviewing several right now. I only want two days a week and the hours are generally from 9-2pm. The one I really like has two openings so I need to get my money in soon. I am so scared about it. I really, really want too for his sake but now that it is so real, I am second guessing myself. I think the social aspects are the main reason. And the fact that I will have some time to actually get stuff done!
Do you think a partime program at this age would be beneficial? He is 19 months and will be 2 in November. He will start in the 2 year old class.
TIA :)

[Dawn]

Hi Tara! :wavey: I think that sounds good. As long as your comfortable with it, then why not? He will only be gaining things...socially, as you've said, and alot more too. Alexia is starting preschool (Montessori) come Sept (she is 26 mos. old) but we will have her in there 2 days a week for only 2 hrs. and 45 min. each day. I figured we'd start her off with that for her to get acquanted with being away from me....I mean after all she's been locked to my hip since the day she was born. :lol: Her class is for 2.4-2.11 yr. olds. If you feel you are starting to second guess yourself, have you considered finding a school that has hours for 2 1/2 hrs. per day instead of 5 hrs. per day? Maybe that may 'ease' you a little. :dunno: Just a suggestion. But either way I think this will do nothing but benefit him :) Most of the preschools I've checked out (Montessori or public) offered it in 2 1/2 - 3 hr. sessions each day for part-timers for the young kids under 3.

The main reason why we wanted Alexia to start in a school was because like you, to gain the social skills as well as learning in an environment away from us. Also, since baby #2 is coming in Nov, it will also give me a little free time. Truthfully, I'm getting very excited about it (ask me how I feel the first day I drop her off though! :lol: I'll be standing in the room watching her in the monitor all day! :lol: )

FYI....there's a new section under the Toddler forum called "Preschools". There's lots of talk in there about preschools, etc. for you to read and maybe ask something in there as well. :)

[aylhu]

I was going to suggest the Preschools thread, too. Also, just be flexible. If he doesn't like it or it's a struggle of any kind, you can always pull him out and try later. My dd is a year older exactly (three this Nov) and she was incredibly social and would have done fine. Some kids may need a little longer. Try it and see. Just be open to his response.

[Tara]

Thanks. I went ahead and reigstered him today to start in the fall. It is a bittersweet feeling but I have until Labor Day to get used to it! :lol: