I wanted SO BADLY to put Christopher into preschool this coming fall of 2013. But we've had some unexpected expenses come about including some new medications insurance won't cover that my husband needs to take each month and some other things like our washer/dryer needing replaced, etc. We're affording what we need including (bills, food, housing, etc.) the medication for hubby, but their isn't much left afterwards. I don't think preschool is possible this year, but it might be next fall when he's 4 1/2 (so it'd be the year before kindergarten) and some things are paid down (I'm working towards a second job and might have one). Is it cruel of me to not put him in preschool this year? How many preschools are REALLY going at 3 or is 4 okay? I don't want to put him behind, but he's smart so I don't worry either. Are their any free online programs or curriculum I can do to begin working with him here at home? He DOES need a challenge since I work so it'd need to be simple things grandma can do with him and his cousin (who is only 6 months apart from him). Please put my mind at ease! TIA.

Please answer poll on preschool. When was your toddler put into an actual preschool (not daycare)?

We only did the one year before K. I didn't feel anymore then that was needed.

My son was put in at 3 1/2 but that was because he is SN and that's where his services were offered.

My daughter will be 4 when she starts

I vote other, although I think I forgot to click "vote"  

We homeschool, but we don't start a curriculum until they're 4. We do things before that, but nothing real "official".

Toddlers learn best by playing. That being said I'm homeschooling and we're starting K at 4 3/4.

Quoting Punk Rock Princess {EBFT}:" Toddlers learn best by playing. That being said I'm homeschooling and we're starting K at 4 3/4."

Hi friend! How are you?

Mine dont go to preschool. Dont feel bad.

Quoting grace life:" I vote other, although I think I forgot to click "vote"   We homeschool, but we don't start a curriculum until they're 4. We do things before that, but nothing real "official". "

I'm about to begin a second job and DH works two jobs. I am fearful he wouldn't learn consistently if he was in home school, but it could work if grandma was on board. Then again, I'd end up paying for the curriculum where as public school doesn't cost.

My son never went to pre-k and I feel really bad about it. He is a little behind all the other kids that went to pre-k for 2 years or so. I think 4 is ok to start though.

Quoting I♡C is TTC#2.:" I'm about to begin a second job and DH works two jobs. I am fearful he wouldn't learn consistently if ... [snip!] ... it could work if grandma was on board. Then again, I'd end up paying for the curriculum where as public school doesn't cost."

It is all about what works for you and your family. There's no "one size" when it comes to how kids learn best, and where/when they should go. Good luck!!

Quoting Punk Rock Princess {EBFT}:" Toddlers learn best by playing. That being said I'm homeschooling and we're starting K at 4 3/4."

Yeah? Are you going to follow any curriculum?

I put my DS in a daycare/preschool when he was about 2 but only because I had to start school.

I probably wouldn't have until 4 if I could have stayed home with him.

Charlee will be 4, then turn 5 shortly after she starts (damn her birthday lol)

Quoting Katie♥Hippoand#2:" I put my DS in a daycare/preschool when he was about 2 but only because I had to start school. I probably wouldn't have until 4 if I could have stayed home with him."

I feel like he's still so little and with me working two jobs here soon, I also wouldn't see him in the mornings when I was home if he was in school whereas he might be better prepared to be apart from me a bit more in a year or two.

Quoting Buzz and Almond Joys momm:" My son was put in at 3 1/2 but that was because he is SN and that's where his services were offered. My daughter will be 4 when she starts"

Our son hasn't be evaluated for free preschool. I JUST made that phone call. I sure hope he qualifies. It'd be nice to give him that boost. I just can't afford $100+ per month for preschool at this point in time. Once I am working two jobs I suppose it won't matter cause I'll be apart from him anyways and the socialization would do him some good AND I'll be able to afford it working more hours. I'm only getting 16-20 hours and nobody can survive on that :-/