Most preschools here accepts children at around age 3 ½ but I don’t know if Abby is really ready for it socially, mentally, physically and emotionally. We can now enroll her at preschool this year but have yet to decide which school to go into.Patricia Henderson Shimm, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York and co-author of Parenting Your Toddler, has prepared these questions that will help think about the most important factors for preschool readiness.
Is your child fairly independent?
Abby learned the basic skills easily but she still calls us when she needs to go to the bathroom or wash her hands because she can’t reach the faucet. She also likes to eat with us. Now she’s even learning how to set the table, like putting the place mats for plates and glasses.
Has he spent time away from you?
Since birth, she has been cared for by a baby sitter but not regularly. With a babysitter before, she doesn’t spend so much time crying when we go out as long as she can play, watch TV, read or drawing with crayons. She doesn’t have a baby sitter now. So when we go to the office, she goes to the office too. When Justin was at preschool, he cried for four days and only because his classmates started crying. but he got used to it quickly. I don’t worry too much with Abby. I think she will also adjust easily.
Can he work on projects on his own?
When I’m at home, I’m pretty much busy doing the household chores. I’m very thankful that Abby likes solo plays. Well we really have to make her preoccupied with an activity so we can both work on things on our own.
Is he ready to participate in group activities?
This one, I’m not sure because she doesn’t have playmates at home. During the office party last year, there was a game for kids but she only watched it. She doesn’t like to be forced to do a certain thing but she can interact very well when you just give her the chance. She’s talkative and she’s an active explorer.
Is he used to keeping a regular schedule?
She can stick to a regular schedule. Of course, we go to the office everyday and she has to stick to a routine whether she likes it or not. Everyday is the same except weekends when she can sleep more during the day or stay late at night.
Does he have the physical stamina for preschool?
I don’t see any trouble with the stamina. I think Abby can keep going whether it’s half-day or whole day program. She rarely gets cranky.
Why do you want to send him to preschool?
I think this is normal for every child that turns that age. I sent Justin to school at that age and so far I didn’t have problems with it. I’m not worried about Abby. According to a study by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, children do best if they’re cared for by someone who is genuinely concerned about their well-being and development, and who makes sure they’re doing a variety of age-appropriate activities.
Abby seems eager to learn and explore new things and I want her to interact with more children.