Last week, I called our neighbourhood preschool to find out more information. My plan was to enroll her in the 3-year old program, since she would be 3 in the fall- turning 4 in December. The lady sounded very concerned, and asked if I was confused, or if it was my intent to "hold her back". And then informed me that she should probably be in the 4-year old preschool.
In theory, since she is born in 2005, she should be enrolled in Kindergarten in 2010. But, if we do that. she would be the youngest in her class. I was a December baby too, and was forever behind. No fun.
I also thought I had a year or so to make this decision. But, I need to decide now which preschool group to enroll her in (the school in our neighbourhood is already full for next year!)- so I have to decide pronto if we are "holding her back" or not.
And now, more than ever, I'm on the fence. Here's why:
1) The phrase "holding her back" really bothers me. Shouldn't I just enroll her when she is supposed to be enrolled? I feel all guilty, bad mom-ish about that comment.
2) I could be seeing this all wrong (cuz she's my child, so I may be bias), but from what I can tell, she's a bright kid. She has an extensive vocabulary, is quick to learn, has pretty good social skills, and most of all, is independent. That is why this decision is so tough. I'm not seeing any reasons to hold her back.
3) But, I also don't want her to be the runt in her class, always a little behind.
It's so hard to know what to do. So, I am asking (pretty much begging here) for advice.
Should I enroll her in preschool next year, and then if she's not ready for kindergarten, have her repeat the preschool year? Should I just plan on holding her back, and forget preschool until the year after? From what you can tell about Eva, do you think she would thrive if I sent her to Kindergarten when she's 4? Or do you think it's wise to wait until she's 5?
Should I enroll her in preschool next year, and then if she's not ready for kindergarten, have her repeat the preschool year? Should I just plan on holding her back, and forget preschool until the year after? From what you can tell about Eva, do you think she would thrive if I sent her to Kindergarten when she's 4? Or do you think it's wise to wait until she's 5?
