What Age Is Right for Head Start?

Hmmm, this is a tough one. I'm not in your position, so I'm not entirely sure what I would do. I, too, believe that children are taken from the home too soon for "structured" lessons, but if it is necessary........ Anyway, here are the steps that I would take in order to make an informed decision that I would be comfortable with. First, talk this whole thing over with just your husband. Pros/cons/everything--and come up with a list of questions. Do some research on the program itself. If this really is the best thing for him, you don't want to deprive him if it's necessary. Based on some of the concerns that you have listed, see if it is possible to have him go part of the time--whether it be a little each day, only a couple/few full days; what are any and all of your available options where this is concerned? This website is a good way to communicate, but also get in touch with the Head Start program in your area specifically and ask to be put in touch with others already enrolled to get an idea of what it's like and how things are going.
Hope that this gives you a bit of a start. I'd love to know how things work out.

Hi T.!
As a former special ed. preschool teacher, I know the importance of preschool for children with and without delays. With that said, many programs allow children to come 2-3 times a week for a few hours. What town are you in? Is there a program at your public school? I personally believe five days a week, full time is a lot for a three year old, especially if you're at home.
Maybe you could see how flexible the Head Start is...could your son attend a couple days a week? As he gets older, you can increase the time...
Good luck!
K.

Hi T.,

I tend to agree that he should have some social interaction but not necessarily full time. I think I would go to your head start program and address your concerns. Perhaps he could go half days a few days a week or 2 full days or start out part time and work up to full time, what ever you think would be good for him.

I also have a three year old with a speech delay. He was in Early Intervention with an IFSP from 18 months to 3 years, and then he started at the public preschool with speech therapy, two mornings a week on his third birthday.

I agree with you...five days a week, full day, is RIDICULOUS for a child that young. That's really sick. If you have to enroll your child in day care because you are working, that is one thing, but there is nothing beneficial about putting a two year old in full day school.

I would absolutely NOT put my child in HeadStart. When he turns 3, he'll be eligible for services through the public school. Check out the public school for speech therapy. If you don't have public preschool, look into private preschools for a two day a week program.