Preschool through school district

My boys who will be 3 in September have been in speech therapy once/week. We just learned they qualify for preschool through our school district. The program is half-days in the morning roughly 2.5 hours. They said the boys could attend 5 days/week but I could do 3 if I wanted. I am not sure if I should send them 3 days or 5 days. 5 days seems like a lot. Two of the days they will be transported to either a center or another caregiver in the afternoon b/c I work part-time and need full day care. What I don't like is the days I am off, I would still need to meet the van at the center for pick-up and drop off which could get to be alot. This is if they went 5 days. The school is leaving this up to me and I am not sure what to do! Out of the week, they would receive speech 2 times so if they went 3 days they would still get their speech help. I am leaving more towards 3 days but don't want to hold them back from anything. Their only delay is speech at this point and I foresee them possibly not needing special education in the future if they can get them caught up.
Help!If you have any experience with this, I would appreciate any feedback.

 

My girls were 4 when they started preschool and they went 4 days a week with Fridays off and it was fantastic (my girls turned 5 during that year, so older than you two when they started). We did not need speech or anything, but we qualified because of a grant they were offering that allowed those who normally didn't qualify to get to go. They rode a regular school bus with big kids, but had an aid sit with them. It was a great experience for us and they were more than ready for Kindergarten the next year. Best decision we ever made. My best friend's daughter was 3 when she started and only went twice a week and it was more than enough for her. So, it really depends on what you think your kids are ready for. It kind of sounds to me like you are really doubting the 5 days a week, so maybe start with 3 this year, and next year move it to 5 if they do well. To me, 3 seems really young for 5 days of preschool...but many do the 5 days and do fine...it really just depends on your kids. If you feel uncomfortable with 5, stick with what your gut is telling you. They will not be behind because they miss those two days a week. They are still getting a lot in 3 days.

 

My boys are pretty much in the same boat as yours. They will be three in September, and have qualified through the school district preschool for speech delays. I also work part time, but we are lucky enough to be able to flex our schedules so one of us can always drop off and pick up, so that's a bit different than your situation. They will be going 4 days a week, for 2 1/2 hours (it's the only option). However, last fall my boys qualified for an Early Intervention preschool class for 2 year olds with delays. They started that when they were 23 months, and it went 4 days a week for 3 hours. They never had any problems with that, and really loved going. This summer they are in a summer program for children with delays at a local preschool, and it goes 5 days a week for 3 hours. All of the kids in their class are 2-2 1/2, and seem to do just fine.

Basically what I'm getting at (I do have a point lol), is that I think they would adjust fine to 3 or 5 days, and you should just base it on what you are comfortable with and what works best for your family. Either way, they will get what they need and I'm sure they will love it once they get started. Good luck in your decision!

 

I'd do 5 days, no hesitation here. I wish my kids had qualified, but our district is just a pain. My kids went to private preschool 3 times a week and on days off they kept asking if it's school day and were pretty antsy and grumpy! This year it's 5 days and I can't wait.

For what it's worth, where I come from kids go to school from 8.30am to 4.30pm starting at 3 (public system, it's great), and they do just fine. I don't think I could have dropped my kids at the bus though, I would have had to take them there myself at first.

 

We did two days at three years old and three at four. They qualified for speech as well. I cannot see doing five days at three. I guess it depends on the structure of the program.

 

We did (and still do) 2 1/2 hours 4 days a week. Prior to that they did attend a Kids Day Out program 2 days a week so they were somewhat used to structure (and being away from me).

 

I have one that was in the preschool disabled program, and one who went to regular nursery school. The one in the regular nursery school went 2,3 or 4 days depending on the year. The one in the preschool disabled program went 5 days. He benefited so much from being there 5 days. The preschool teachers work on their speech constantly, so while they would still get the same amount of time with the speech therapist, they would get therapy every day that they are in school, informally. Also, in our district, the speech teacher was in the classroom for one reason or another every day, and would always work with whatever issue came up. BTW, this child was dismissed from the special needs program going into K, and was receiving Gifted services while in K.

 

After much thought and worry, we decided to go with 4 days for the boys. If it's too much then we will cut back to 3 days. But I have a good feeling about the program and think it will help them out tremendously. Thanks for all the input Moms!