My daughter attends a pre-school now. I'm thinking about changing her school next fall. I've been disappointed with the communication home. It is hard to even ask a question at drop off or pick up. However Caitlin is happy there and likes her teachers. Her school is more expensive than others in town but I thought I would get more for my money than at other pre-schools. When I took the tour last year, I was told that even though there would be 24 kids at school(there is actually 29 kids), they would be in small groups of 6 child in a group. They do go in small groups but only for about 10-15 minutes during there circle time. Most of the time they are in big groups doing activities together. The small group aspect was the major selling point for me. Caitlin is shy and I thought the small group setting would help her.
The pre-school I'm thinking of switching to, has a maximum of 21 children and three teachers. It is significantly less expensive than her current school. We have the money saved (from tax refund) so it is not a huge issue but saving money is good too. The prospective school seems more receptive to discussing issues at pickup and drop off. I've talked to a mom of a current student to confirm this fact. The school does more field trips. They are able to walk to the fire station, police station, and library. They also have guest speakers like the mail carrier and a dental hygienist.
So what is the issue you ask. I'm concerned that switching her school might cause an already shy girl to be even more shy and unhappy because she misses her old school. Not all her friends are staying at her current pre-school either. I'm not the only one who was disappointed with the school. I wonder if the smaller setting might help her to be less shy. Academically I think the schools are about even. I just want Caitlin to be happy. I'm not sure what to do. What would you do?
11 comments:
When in doubt - follow your mommy gut.
My experience has been that kids (even shy ones - both of mine are/were very quiet!) are resilient and will adapt to a new environment easier than you might think.
29 kids seems pretty big for a preschool class. Maybe she'd be even happier in a smaller setting? Also - you need to be happy with the school as well.
Good luck - don't sweat it too much...do what you think is right!
Go with the school that is going to listen to you. Part of the preschool experience should be creating a team with the parents and teachers together; with both parties supporting each other in helping to support the development of your child. I'm guessing your daughter will do fine, even if she's shy. At this age, children still play much off of their parent's feelings. If you feel good about the school, she will, too.
If her current school isn't living uip to your expectations you should definitely take her out and find a better fit for you as well as her.
We went through something similar this year. My youngest was in a private preschool (that we loved by the way) last year and we could have continued this year, but we decided to put her in the public school 4K program. I was a little nervous too because she is also the shy type, but once she got into the swing of things, she was fine and now she loves it.
Good luck!
I would transfer her. If you're not happy, then it doesn't make sense especially if the staff is not open to speaking with you.
She is young and resilient and will make the change well. My son went to 3 different preschools and was no worse for the wear. He did fine at all three. Good luck - I always agonize over these decisions too.
Goodness, I'm so no good at these types of questions. I was fortunate enough to get to be a SAHM until all four of mine were in school.
LOVE your blog header! Darling shot!
I've gone through this with my youngest. He is very shy and I've been told that it took him 2 months to even really talk to his teacher.
I pulled him out of a Mother's Day Out program because I was not happy with the communication from the teacher. I was concerned about the same issues as you are. I enrolled him in another program. He was just as happy at the new school as he was at the old one and he adjusted just fine. He loved his new teacher and he still talks about that school 2 years later.
My advice is to pull her out. You need to be confident that the people caring for your child are meeting your needs as much as they are meeting your daughter's. If you're paying for their care then you should have exactly what you want-no ifs ands or buts.
you'd be surprised how resilient kids can be. I bet she will do fine in the new school and being able to walk places adds to the adventure...My son is shy yet he is in a middle school with over 1200 kids (3 grades) and I think it has pushed him to assert himself a little more. He is thriving there with 30 kids in a classroom...
I would say to try the new place, but I've also been out of the "preschool scene" for many many years...best of luck with your decision.
Thank you so much for continuing to vote. It looks like my son is back on top!! I truly appreciate your support :D
I switched Elijah for many of the same reasons. If the new setting is small, it may give her the confidence to thrive and do well. Besides, you should always feel you have open communication with the teachers. I didn't have that at Elijah's preschool and it made it harder. You will make the right choice!
Communication is key. So is their following through with what they said they would do (class size, etc). I agree that the smaller class size may be better for her. I think kids are resilient and probably will do very well there. Maybe you could foster some relationships with one or two children first to help with the transition? Or bring her there a couple of times for a little bit with you so she can become more comfortable with the setting?
i would move her to where you feel confident she will be taken care of. we had to take our daughter out of school this year, for some of the same reasons (the teacher wasn't open to comments or questions about our daughter's day, etc.)
we now homeschool because there is no other private school in our area. you are blessed to have more than one to choose from! kids accept change supprisingly well. with your daughter being in preschool, she will remember friends, but make new once quickly.
hope all goes well for you
Put aside the shy worries, she's gotta learn adaptation and the earlier the start the better. Go with the school that YOU feel is best for her. :) Best of luck! She'll fit in better than you think!
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