3 Day Vrs. 5 Day PreK? Opinions?

THREE. You will only have this time with her once in her life. She will be gone 5 days a week soon enough. Enjoy it while you have it.

My son attended at 5 day a week preK program before going to Kindergarten. It was half-days, too. I think it really prepared him for Kindergarten. Most moms/teachers complain how hard the transition is for their kids to start K -- that they are sleepy all the time in the fall, trying to get used to going to school all the time. That didn't happen to my son. He was ready for K when it happened and it was routine for him already.
5 days a week helps reinforce the instruction more - the kids are able to hold on to the concepts and build from those and learn more. When there's too much time in between lessons.... they have to remind them what they learned.

If the school is more instruction-based, curriculum-based, heavy on PreK skills preparing for K, then I think the more instruction... the better. Most early childhood and kindergarten educators would recommend that, too. You still have the afternoons with her!! Cherish that!

I say stick with the 3 day. None of my kids have ever gone to preschool, and they have adjusted to kinder just fine! This is your last year to be with her all day, to go to the zoo when you want to, or head to lunch with friends..2 extra days of preschool cant make up for the security of mom time! You cant imagine how little they seem to expect from kindergarteners. Both of my daughters have performed above level in every way, and again, they never went to preschool!! Kids will be in school for so long, why do we push so hard for them to spend more time there, just in case?? Just my opinion, but I find it unnecessary. ~A.~

Hi C.

I was a preschool teacher for over 15 years and so many parents have your same concerns. Preschool is just what is says, "Pre"-school, not kindergarten. It's a time for children to learn physical, cognitive, social, and emotional competence as well as positive attitudes toward learning. Children are not inherently ready or not ready for school. Their skills and development are strongly influenced by their families and through their interactions with other people and environments before coming to school. Everything at this age is a learning experience for them.

Unless your daughter has some kind of developmental delays, either option would be fine for her and only you know what would be best for your child. I applaud you for wanting to do what is best for your daughter instead of doing what is easiest for you! Just remember, you are your children’s first and foremost teacher throughout their lives and will always have the biggest influence on them.

All the best to you and your family!

I think the academic portion of your decision should not be that big of a factor. Kindergarten at public school does not expect or need your child to be "ahead." At this age, socialization is the best thing you can do! That being said, getting used to going 5 days a week is good. The half day thing seems like a step down though in terms of "endurance." Does your current preschool follow the TEKS? Do you know for a fact their teachers are not certified. maybe find a similar preschool that has these qualifications but your daughter can go 3 days a week. These are just my thoughts. Go with what you feel is best for her, though.

What about a more academic 3 day? My kids' school has a kinder-readiness program that is OUTSTANDING. They offer both a 3 day and 5 day program. My older son was in the 3 day program and was more than ready for kindergarten. I love the school because they have a great mixture of academics, Christian teaching and are loving all while keeping the children well diciplined.

I don't know where you live, but their school is in McKinney. It's called North Texas Christian Academy and it's at Hwy 75 and Wilmeth. In fact, they are having an open house this Sunday. It's from 2:00 to 4:30. Here is a link to their site: http://www.northtexaschristianacademy.org/

Even if you don't go to our school, there are lots of kinder-readiness programs that may offer a 3 day program that fits your needs better!

If you end up going there be sure to let them know that TinaT (they'll know who I am)referred you and we will both get a discount!!

Enjoy as much time with her as you can. She can also learn a lot to prepare for kindergarten by being with her mommy. Really, once she starts kindergarten and is gone from you 5 days a week for 7 hours a day, you are going to miss her and you may regret sending her to pre-k 5 days a week when it wasn't required. If the pre-k school is good and you spend quality time with her on the off days, she will likely be ready for kindergarten. My dd went to pre-k last year for 2 days a week from 9-2 and her kindergarten teacher this year said she was more than ready for kindergarten. I did lots of fun activities with her on the off days. You can't get these precious preschool days back. There are lots of things parents can do at home to help prepare their child for school. Your school district may even have some online tips on how to do just that, or just google "preparing for kindergarten". Good luck.

I think since she already has the exposure to 3 day, 5 day would be a good move., That will make the transition to Kindergarten easier. If she had never been in a program before, I would consider the 3 day as a stepping stone but I think the consistency in schedule too will help.