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Tiny Scholars
Is Your 2-Year-Old Too Young for School? By Lisa A. Goldstein
As Means says, parents generally know when something isn't right for their child. "I'd say for them to trust their gut instinct," she says. "If parents suspect the program isn't the right one, spend some time observing, talk with the other parents, talk with the teacher or administrator about your concerns, drop in and visit your child, participate in the program."
Menelli's daughter is now 3 1/2, and only in the last six months has she matured enough socially for Menelli to know she's ready to try again. Her daughter is looking forward to it now, she says.
Menelli recommends that parents assess their children's personalities. "If they like their own personal space, then they will have a difficult time with the kids and they probably aren't ready," she says. "If they don't like to be with other kids, then they also aren't ready. Their personality will change, but it might be a few years. Try it for a few hours a day for a week. Get feedback from the teachers. You will know very soon if it will work."
When to start preschool is a personal choice for parents to make. "I think the research shows that children who are socially and emotionally on track when they enter kindergarten are the most ready for school and are the most successful," says Smith. "Bottom line is that the parents should pay more attention to their child's social and emotional development, read to them, talk to them and love them. Then they will be ready for school and life."
