Preschool? Kindergarten?

[SDMommy]

Hello Everyone! I currently have one child who just turned three in October and we are expecting our second in May of next year. Both my husband and I are working diligently in this crazy market to try to make ends meet. We work a lot! We are blessed to be able to leave my son in the best care possible, with my mother. My first born did attend day care from 6 months to 2 1/2 years old however we moved closer to family because we needed that extra support with child care and all the other crazy obstacles life throws your way. Now that my son is with my mother, I feel guilty. I feel he is not getting as much interaction with other children his age. Even though I know he is getting the best care. I have been exploring the option of taking him to day care however with the high cost these days, I think that it is out of the question. I do not want to sacrifice putting him in a day care for interaction with children and sacrifice the amount of care he would be receiving if he were at home with my Mother. We have joined other play groups that he does attend but not on a regular basis so I feel as though it is not enough. This kid is very social and I just don't want him to loose that part of him. Any tips or advice?

Does anyone know of any ways to save on day care but not at the expense of loosing the amount of care your child will receive? At what age do children register for preschool? What is the deal with the cutoff age? Please advice. Have a great day and thanks in advance.

[jgmziii]

Hi SD Mommy
I have the same problem as you... I have a 4 yr old little girl who will not be attending preschool this school year because of the high cost. I have 2 boys 8 and 7 who did attend a Preschool Program that was funded through the school district and was free of charge... unfortunatly we didn't qualify for it this year because they said we make to much money and I'm married (which I find hard to belive because its just enough to get by...) I suggest that you check with the school district or recreation dept to find out if they offer any low cost or free preschool programs or do what were going to do... were enrolling our daughter in a dance (which is offered by the recreation dept at a lower cost than a dance studio) class so she has an chance to interact with other kids her age.
I know it's hard but like you we have our parents that help with child care and I dont know what I would if we didnt have them to help

Good Luck :)

[jgmziii]

The name of the prgram is The School Readyness Prgram in Orange County maybe San Diego has something similar?? Hope it helps

[charliesmommy]

Hi and Welcome to Parenting!

Have you thought about finding an in home sitter? Most will take kids on your schedule. I know mine is very flexible. You could take your son only one or two days and he will get to play with other kids.

[Pa_ool]

as far as interaction goes, perhaps you could look into you mother taken you child to play dates. that is how my mom handled it. She was a stay at home and so am i. I am just starting to get together with moms in my area and think about play dates for my son, he wont be attending preschool or daycare.

[eniese]

Also look into preschools at churches (they are usually part day and cheaper), as well as programs at your local rec center for preschoolers for social interaction and getting used to taking direction from other adults.

[pasoepati]

hello...
just wanna joint to this forum.

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