hypothetical preschool question (not pg/baby related)

[melody330]

For Pre-K I would keep her in the same school. I agree 3 full days is much better than 5 half days.
DNW to leave the house for drop off and pick up twice every day with an infant.

[housecarder]

When we found a new daycare that we liked for when the twins arrive we went ahead and moved DS to the new place, but he didn't have a strong attachment to the old one and we thought it would give him the chance to get used to the new routine before the babies arrive. I wouldn't have changed in the middle of a move and everything else you are going through.

For your sake and hers I'd say keep her in her old school so it's one less thing to adjust to. She'll still meet the new neighbors at the park or outside this summer and can be excited to start a new school next year once she knows some of the children. And with a year to talk up and tour the new place I don't think it will be as big of a shock and adjustment.

[allison7]

I would stay with the old school. The routine is better for you. Plus, this is just preschool. When she starts kindergarten there will be other kids her age that went to different preschools. And in the meantime, you will meet other kids in the neiborhood and around your new area, so she might know a few others anyway.

[lostinfaith225]

I will say that when we moved last summer, ds did really well with the new house and room. Not super traumatic. But he was too young for friends.

I think the same school is fine. .

[Ray]

I don't think your daughter will ultimately have a hard time moving this year and next. Generally I see the earlier kids move (talking pre- grade 5) the easier it is in them. Do what you think is best for your family

On a side note - are these schedules typical of kinder in your area? I was surprised - KG here is full day 5 days/week!

[beebe918]

I would stay with the more convenient routine. When she moves to K next year there will be a lot of kids who didn't go to preK (it's optional right?) so she'll be in the same boat as a majority of her class. I don't think she will have a hard time adjusting at that point.

[littlesthobo]

I agree that you should stay in the old preschool that is more convenient for you. I'm sure she'll do fine when you do move her for K. You can play it up with how exciting it is to go to this new school; maybe do a special shopping trip together for new school clothes or supplies. And hopefully some neighbourhood friends will be going there!

[rungirlrun]

I'd do whatever is more convenient for you. Sounds like staying with the current routine would be best. Kids are much more adaptable than we give them credit for so I'm sure your daughter will be fine. Young kids are still nice so I doubt she will feel left out - wish making friends as an adult was as easy as it was back in the day! I moved every 2 years up until I was 10 and had zero issues. Good luck! Exciting about the new house!

[sarcaztic10]

I would keep her in the current program and change her for kindergarten.

When you do change I would try to make a big deal out of it. Throw a graduation party for her with a cake or something so she can see that it is a special and fun occasion to move on to kindergarten at a new school.

We will have to do something similar with DS this summer when he starts 1st grade at the public school. He is in a private program right now but it ends after kindergarten.

[ellebelle]

I would also keep her where she is now and then move her for kindergarten. I think the graduation party is a great idea sarcaztic10.

[glaze]

Congrats on the new house! I agree with everyone that you should do whatever is most convenient for your family. We were in a similar situation and the advice I got was the same as you're getting here! I also recommend to hold off on 5 day a week school as long as possible! DS stated this year and it's a pain, plus I miss my baby!

[cabbagecabbage]

I have a feeling I'd go against the crowd and do the public school but either option sounds pretty good. My daughter (also doing her second year of preschool next year) is really resilient and outgoing and I chose a 4 afternoons a week program specifically so I could try and nap with the baby and get DD out almost daily. I prefer that schedule and think DD will do better with a structure like that. I won't have the energy for playdates and activities with a newborn, so I'm hoping some stimulation from school almost every day will be good. 15 minutes sounds not that bad but I'm lazy and I'd start to resent that drive quickly. But I think your child's personality and needs will give you the best answer and I think either choice is a good one.

[harlowjune1984]

I agree with cabbagecabbage, since I would want DD to start to get to know kids in the area, make some new friends, and get out of the house a little bit each day so I could get a few things done, take a short nap, and spend some one on one time with baby each day (without DD noticing that I am snuggling with baby). Plus maybe the extra stimulation in the morning will mean a good nap come afternoon.