[cdr25]

My 3 year old daughter goes to an In Home Daycare, she has since she was 3 weeks old. She is generously loved with only 4 other kids in the group, one being her younger sister. She is also well disciplined. It is comfortable and all the kids are very well behaved. The downfall is, she sits in front of the TV too much there. They do play, a lot, not really games, just pretend, and a few outdoor running games when the weather is nice.
We have a program in our area called Educare, which is sectioned into age groups, 3 yo, 4 yo, and then pre-school. It is very structured with some very interesting activities and games, crafts, some teaching of the basics, with intermittent free play time. They have a gym for cold days (We live in Iowa, there are plenty). And they never watch TV. The ratio of kids to adult though, is 8 to 1. And the kids are of varying levels of behavior. Meaning she'll have to deal with some not so nice kids. And it is much more expensive.

Her birthday is in September, and so she still has 3 years left before school. My question is, should I let her play? Or since there is this opportunity to give her a little extra, do I send her and pay the extra money. There are too many pluses and minuses... I'd love some advice.

Nicky

[dmanion]

Dear Nicky,

My daughter who is now 4 (in August) just started pre-school. She too was in the same situation, very loving household, played alot and watched TV. We decided to keep her there until 4 since she was getting the love and socialization I believe kid's need. When she entered her school she was able to socialize with ease with the other kids, the learning and structure natually followed.
She loves school now! 4, or close to it, seems to be a good age to start since they can communicate better and control their feelings a bit more.

Good luck