Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Pre-school Daycare vs. Preschool for a 2 year old

We lucked out with a preschool near a University. Against all odds more than half of the other students were at least MG.

I've talked to DH about this and it would probably be my preference (financially it wouldn't be an issue). However, he's really against it because we won't have time to interview someone ahead of time and wants child care lined up immediately. There is a possibility that MIL could stay with us for a bit when we first get there which would be by far my preference (she's wonderful with DD) but we won't know for sure if that is remotely an option for another few weeks.

We lucked out with a preschool near a University. Against all odds more than half of the other students were at least MG. At the same time, I caution you that the value of the experience was largely the result of the teachers, and their attitudes.

We live blocks from a major university and had this experience with both our kid's preschools. They were very used to having gifted kids through their doors.

Over two years ago we had to pull Mr W(2y9mos) out of his daycare when he was 4 mos old.

We found a nanny and a great one at that in less than a week - She was a retired pharmacist and her husband was a surgeon. And though Mr W has moved on to Pre-K, Mrs E is still a major part of his life. They have a special bond. She is major reason he is bilingual. She comes by once a week and he is learning to read in her language.

I'd go with the MIL to buy you more time to look at alternatives.

We did not specifically state Mr W's abilities, or our needs, but asked questions to test whether the staff were rigid thinkers or open and flexible and really looked at the kids. We figured we could reason with the latter.

Within two days of Mr W attending, they knew he was very advanced and asked is if we knew. Today I caught the director watching Mr W reading.

She told me they have added a new set of elementary classes and have two five year olds in with the Grades 1-3 and it was working out fine. I know what she was thinking - moving Mr W up. I've seen the classrooms for these new classes. ( I think Mr W would be fine in there come Spring once he matures a bit more.)

You need fertile ground to plant the seed. The more fertile the better. Find that fertile ground by looking for it!!

--

You need to visit the school.

As for "gifted," I'd go visit the classrooms your child would be in as well as the classrooms one and two steps beyond. And watch the kids. For us, it was an eye opener. The kids Mr W's age looked drugged in comparison.

And when we took Mr W and let him visit each classroom, it was fun to watch the staff's reactions. When Mr W was 18 mos old, we were getting the guided tour of the school and he was in the 4-5 year olds' class putting a 40 piece puzzle

I enjoy this board immensely for the opportunity it gives me to hear from people so much more informed than myself.

However, I have noticed that people seem to speak of "Montessori" schools with no distinction made as to whether the school is AMI, AMS, or not credentialed at all. This makes a HUGE difference. I have visited Montessori schools that are probably safe daycare environments, but I wouldn't rely on them to educate my dog.

In the US, most good Montessori schools start at age 3. Some do have programs for younger children, but it's rare. I think in Europe it's more common to have something called a creche for younger children. I don't know anything about that.

The most typical Montessori classroom is children ages 3-6 and the traditional curriculum covers 3-12, grouped 3-6 and 6-12. I think it is important to point this out, as your child will not be 3.

My children have attended three Montessori schools and I have toured and considered four others. In my experience the AMI schools (I've seen two) are excellent. The AMS schools are mixed (I've seen two - excellent and mediocre) and the non-credentialed schools (I've seen three) are not very good. I would much rather send my kids to a high quality non-Montessori school, than a school that uses the label but has untrained teachers and a mish-mosh of the Montessori materials.

So if you haven't already, I would advise you to research the Montessori schools with this in mind.

If you move in January, couldn't you sign up for the daycare for January - summer and then re-evaluate for fall? If your daughter turns 2 in January she will not be that close to the upper age limit at the daycare.

Also - don't forget to consider the value of your convenience. If your commute to daycare is shorter, that's more quality time with your daughter. If the daycare has longer hours, that's less stress for the family if you have a project to finish with a deadline on occasion.

I guess my main point is that your daughter is not old enough for school. Just because something is called a "school" doesn't make it superior to a high quality daycare populated by professors' children.

Are you even getting a week off to move into your new home before you are back at work full time? I smell a rat. Tell DH that he has "Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget" because yes it would be great to have your DD in a daycare that suits her and she loves and thrives in site-unseen (humor alert) but no, you aren't some magical being that grants wishes to husbands. Reality alert. Reality alert. You and your DH are expecting way too much of you.

Hopefully your MIL will come and bail you out or you can skype interview nannys. Maybe your local friends have some leads? If your mom gut is telling you that moving and DD starting school and mom going back to work full time is too much all at once - believe yourself, and heed your warning. ((Unless you are a proven overworrier, in which case you should ask a mom you trust if you are biting off more than a person can be expected to do. If you ask me - yes, yes, yes.))

Of course, if the university preschool that is nearby will let you pay by the week, and you don't have to commit to the full semester, then there is no harm in signing up and hoping for the best. It might be fine, or at least fine for a while. What worrys me it that in our idealism, we Gifted Moms sometimes think that we can do it all, with not much raw materials, perfectly.

((shrugs and more shrugs))
Grinity

I don't know what the official developmental chart expect or language development, but I do know that bilingual kids are expected to be slow, not faster. I think I remember that my (PG)son had his first 2 word sentence right on his 2nd birthday: "I Runded!" So cute! But my guess is that there is a big difference between 5 words in one language and 3 in another, and 2 words in a solo

Skip counting before age 2!!!!! ((giggle))

Luck for you intelligence doesn't depend on educational level - in a way it's easier to find highly intelligent people to do daycare in a society where education is rare. Ask the local friends, everyone has cousins, even if they aren't right were you are living.

I'm thinking the University daycare is actually a good possiblity due to the open age thing, although by my calculation, there is only a single year of headroom, yes? (if they leave when they turn 4)

I love the idea of pick up service. That would have been heaven for me!

I also hope that things all 'fall into place' with MIL and work visa. Sometimes the Universe is on your side!

love and more Love,
Grinity