Pre-K pickle
There are still four months or so left in the school year, but already I'm thinking I'm in a bit of a pickle. This fall, Evan will be eligible for free pre-K.
Let me re-state that: FREE PRE-K!!! Woo-hoo!
Here's the wrinkle: The preschool that Evan currently attends and adores does not participate in Florida's Pre-K program. This was his first year that he was away from anyone other than his parents or grandmother, and he has flourished socially and intellectually. If he were to continue at the school, there's a good chance he'd be in the same class as many of his buddies (not to mention his girlfriend). But it would also be very pricey for us.
Given that Evan only goes half-days anyway, which is what the state offers (technically, three hours of instruction per day), then enrolling him in a school that does participate in the state program should be a no-brainer, right? Unless I want to continue handing over nearly $600 a month for 20 hours a week.
So ... how do I prepare Evan for transferring to a new school in the fall after he has grown accustomed to his current school?
And for those of you that want to find out which local schools are providers for free pre-K, check this link.
Comments
At this age I think it is a bigger deal for you then your son. He will be taking a few months off for the summer, so it will be like starting all over anyway. $600 is a lot of money to save, but if you can easily afford it then go with what you find easiest. At four they make friends with whoever is in the room with them and everone is their "best" friend. I teach elementary school and even at that age friends are easily made in just days.
Posted by: don't worry | January 28, 2008 8:33 PM
"At four they make friends with whoever is in the room with them and everone is their "best" friend."
I find this statement to be a gross generalization for it's simple not true for every child. While my daughter has friends at daycare (she's been there since 4 months- they're her second family), she has yet to make ONE friend in her dance class where she's been for about a year (even through the summer). Actually she has no friends outside her comfort zone of family and daycare.
My DD will be in the VPK program in the fall also, though I am lucky that her "school" is a VPK provider. I am very nervous about the jump to Kindergarten for my socially shy child.
I do agree if Evan will not be in the program over the summer it will not be an extreme change as there will be a lengthy break.
There are books out there for social situations like shyness and starting school that Evan might benefit from "reading". My daughter responses well to "prep work." I talk to her about Kindy and "big school" already so the seed is there. Prepare Evan now so at the end of the year he's ready to say goodbye to the old school. Rather than springing it on him during the summer.
Posted by: Erin | January 29, 2008 9:14 AM
I must have missed the part that stated Evan was socially shy and didn't make friends easily.
I think my "gross generalization" was a more accurate picture of most pre-k children. Of course there are exceptions but the typical child will find someone in a classroom of 18 children that they will bond with and like a lot.
You have to be sensitive to your child's feelings, however support him in dealing with new situations. You wouldn't be changing school for no reason. It's a very good reason! You could use that $600 and put into a savings account for Evan for college. I am sure that someday he would appreciate that more.
Good luck
Posted by: don't worry | January 29, 2008 8:12 PM
I must have missed the part that stated Evan was socially shy and didn't make friends easily.
I think my "gross generalization" was a more accurate picture of most pre-k children. Of course there are exceptions but the typical child will find someone in a classroom of 18 children that they will bond with and like a lot.
You have to be sensitive to your child's feelings, however support him in dealing with new situations. You wouldn't be changing school for no reason. It's a very good reason! You could use that $600 and put into a savings account for Evan for college. I am sure that someday he would appreciate that more.
Good luck
Posted by: don't worry | January 29, 2008 8:13 PM
Thanks for the very thoughtful comments from both of you. Evan is somewhat socially shy and more apprehensive than most about new situations. So it's not as easy a decision as one might think. But that's a darn good point about saving for college!
Posted by: Nancy Othon | January 30, 2008 11:36 PM