I enrolled Ethan

Maddie&EthansMom wrote: in preschool this morning (for next year). It's the same one Maddie went to for 3 years. She also started when she was 2. AND, he will have the same teachers that she had. I wouldn't have it any other way....I love them. He seemed really excited to be there and didn't want to leave. I think he will do just fine next year. He will go 2 days (M-W) from 9-2.

Mommy is looking forward to it, too

A&A'smommy replied: Awwww Ethan is going to be a big boy!!! I bet that will be nice a little extra time for mommy!!!

What made you decide to start your kids in preschool at that age? did they learn a lot? We have a wee school but they don't really learn much I think its just a socialization thing... our preeschool doesn't start until they are four

luvbug00 replied: Sounds exciting!! That's great he has the same teachers!!

Kaitlin'smom replied: thats great. I need to start looking into something for Kait.

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
When we first moved here Maddie was 10 months old and of course we didnt' know anyone. Initially I wanted her to just go to a mother's day out program so she could be around other kids and I would have some time to myself (since Scotty works so much) and I had my sewing business at the time. Anyway, back then they didn't really have mother's day out for younger toddlers. They all started 'preschool' at age 2. So, we got her on the waiting list and she started preschool at 2. It was so good for her. She really learned a lot and it helped that she was around other children, too. They do learn there. They go by the WEE Learn Curriculum (which I really like). I think it is a little bit of both (socialization and learning) and it is a faith based program as well.

I was really on the fence about starting Ethan this young. Like most siblings, Ethan and Maddie are completely different. The more I thought about it, I realized that it wouldn't hurt him to go and meet some friends, play for a couple of days a week and learn some things along the way. It might even help him come out of his shell a little. And it doesn't hurt that his teachers will be Kathy and Linda. If they weren't going to be there, I would have waited another year on him.

Most preschools around here start at 2. In my hometown they start at 3. Ethan will go to Pre K at 4. I'm a little surprised that they don't have preschool younger than 4 in your town.

C&K*s Mommie replied: That is great that Ethan will have a chance to be more social. Even better that he will be with Maddies old teachers, and the same ones that you liked yourself.
BEST WISHES on hs coming out of his shell.

coasterqueen replied: Wow, he really will be a big boy! And some extra mommy time..can't beat that.

I too find it so strange they start preschool at that age. I guess it's because around here preschool and pre-K are the same in essence. You can attend preschool/pre-K at age 3. I guess it's because we aren't even considering sending Kylie til she turns 4, if then.

kimberley replied: that's great! hope he enjoys it and you enjoy some quiet time

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Sounds great Aimee! I'm most likely going to start Wil at a parent's morning out program when the baby comes. They have several of them at churches in my area. Only once a week, but I think it will be good for him.

moped replied: How nice for you both - does that mean he is growing up???? DARN!!

MomToMany replied:
I'm surprised at that too. Seems too young to me. Anyway, the kids have to be 4 before starting preschool here.

luvmykids replied:
Other than age, whats the difference btwn preschool and preK? The twins are going to be 4 in March and I don't know what I should be signing them up for.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:

Hey Aimee, will you tell me more about this program? I want to start doing some research on preschools for Wil, but I'm clueless. You can PM me if you prefer.

THANKS!

DansMom replied: Yay, Ethan! I'm sure he'll thrive in preschool. It sounds like a good one!

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
Maddie went to preschool from ages 2-4 and they offered a transitional kindergarten for the older 4's and 5's. Now her elementary school (private school) offers Pre-K, which is more like a transitional kinder. Here, pre-k and preschool are 2 different things.

It's all a personal decision on when to start them or if you want to send your children to preschool at all. By any means it isn't mandatory. I just thought it would give my kids a chance to be around others, learn some things that maybe I didn't think to teach them and give me the opportunity to do some things without them since my husband works such long hours. It's been good for Maddie. I hope to see the same results in Ethan. Obviously I don't think 2 is too young. Afterall, some kids go to daycare 5 days a week for longer hours than this and they are fine. It's just extra stimulation, IMO.