What If You Cannot Afford Preschool?

I too believe preschool is not necessary. There will always be a first to learn something, whether you want it to be earlier in preschool or in kindergarten. You can still socialize in other settings (playgroup,etc.). If you are insistent on a preschool, just ask if they offer financial assistance. I know the fort worth museum school offers financial scholarships for those who cannot afford it. There is a deadline though and if I remember it was quite early for the next year.

I really don't believe preschool is necessary. Just think of everything you've taught your child up until this point. You are fully capable of teaching her everything she needs to know. In addition, that extra year with you can provide her with security that may help her feel more confident in kindergarten, and you will be able to provide her with POSITIVE socialization - the exact opposite of what some children receive in preschool.

Children learn a great deal through play and participation in everyday life. However, here is a website with some information on teaching preschool at home, as well as suggestions for activities that teach letters, numbers, etc.

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/homeschooling-pre...

In addition to some simple activities, take her to the park, story time at the library, and other fun outings. That will be more than enough to prepare her for Kindergarten.

Good luck!

I am in the same position - can't afford preschool, but don't qualify for the programs that give it for free.

I love the response below. I organize a SAHM playgroup and there are many of us who have started doing a 'preschool' of our own. We have a theme each month and meet once each week for only 2 hours to learn together. We have a letter, number, color, and shape of the week and each parent can work with their child on their own to reinforce the topics. The themes are fun, we are doing plants this month (trees, food, flowers, ect) and next month we are doing Air (weather, kites, planes, space, etc) We are very structured at school and the kids have really learned a lot since we started in September. We do a "hello" song, a lesson, an activity, snack, craft, story, music, and then a "goodbye" song. We make them line up to go to the next 'station' and they've all learned how to behave in a classroom situation. Each mom takes a turn doing one part of preschool each week, so that helps kids get used to listening to other adults. Anyway, message me if you need more ideas. Really, it is more of a time to let them have a structured playdate and get used to the 'school' type of setting. We (the 12 of us) were all feeling the 'preschool pressure', so we started this up.

Also, kids don't NEED preschool if they are learning from you at home. Seriously, as long as you are working with them to teach the basics and they have friends to play with to learn social skills, there is no need to worry. The sub-titles of a SAHM include friend, nurse, housekeeper, cook, mechanic, handy-woman, and TEACHER.... you are probably a great teacher and you don't even realize it.

Well, this is a bit funny coming from me, as I am getting ready to start teaching preschool from my converted garage next year, but I really dont find preschool necessary. My oldest never went to preschool and is at the top of her class, and I am confident that my second will be the very same way. Get together with other kids, teach them through every day activities and have fun. I did not ever do flash cards, or worksheets, we just did things together. We did ABC puzzles, or made letters with play doh. We played on the computer, and really just let her be a kid. There is way too much pressure for kids to grow up too fast, and honestly, they have the rest of their lives for school, but for now, the best thing to teach them is how to be good people. How to share and be respectful, how to accept discipline and consequences for their actions. They need to learn how important a good routine can be, as well as the value of a hard earned day off to do nothing at all. Let them build a trust with you that will last their whole life time. Teach them that you will come when they cry for you, that you will always cheer them on in their accomplishments, and help them with their failures (which even an art project gone wrong is a big failure to a 3 year old!) You are the BEST teacher for your children, no one can take your place. Like I said, it is a bit odd to be saying this as a "preschool teacher" with years of childcare experience, but I am filling a need for people who really do want their kids to go to preschool, and it allows me to stay with mine, and teach all of the kids in much the same way as I do my own. WOW, I guess I feel more passionately about this than I thought. I just hate to see mothers like yourself left to feel guilty or embarrassed that your child does not go to preschool...They will both be fine!! ~A.~

Where are you located? Maybe there are some other moms close to you where you can get together and plan projects and learning opportunites for your kids. Maybe switch off-One day your place for 2-3 hours, next time someone elses. If it's just 1 or 2 more kids it could be a good time for the other parents, if you don't need thir help, to run errands or do things for themself. I am lucky enough that my neighor is a retired teacher. My kids learn more from her than me. Maybe it's the thought of someone new.

Again let us know the general area you are located and will help with ideas

Good luck

S.

You can find many free opportunities for your children to socialize and learn to work in a group such as library story hour, playgroups, Sunday school, etc. You really are the best teacher for your own children because they learn the most from someone who really cares about them. I highly recommend the book "Mommy Teach Me!" by Barbara Curtis. It will boost your confidence as your child's teacher and has lots of inexpensive ideas for preschool learning at home.

Check and see if there is a Head Start in your area. I don't know if you would qualify, but it won't hurt to check it out. Head Start is totally free and in most if not all areas an all day pre-school. Also, call some of your local pre-schools and see if they have a sliding pay scale.

My daughter never attended preschool, not even so much as a Mother's Day Out, and we homeschooled during her Kindergarten year. She's now in first grade at a local public school and receives top marks in all her subjects & is the best reader in her class.

I believe preschool to be completely unnecessary. At this young age, what a child needs in an involved, loving parent and lots of play time! What they do not need are workbooks, a curriculum or sit-down study time. As long as you are reading to your children, playing with them, giving them time to play independently & taking the occasional trip to a park, playgroup, grocery store, whatever...they'll do great!

You said that you're no teacher, but you are your children's BEST teacher! :)

If you live in denton, there are about 4 schools that offer preschool. They go off of your income and they are great. My boys went to preschool at the age 3 and it has helped a lot. All you have to do is fine out what school offer the preschool program. I don't know all of the school only know about 2. Anne Windale, and forgot the other name. You can go to Dentonisd.org and check for the listing.

B.

Y.,
My son did not go to preschool and he is doing great in school. I have done Childcare in my home since he was 6 months old, so he has been around other children. You can teach shapes and colors and MANNERS at home. Don't stress, I am sure you kids will be fine. The only thing my son was not sure of when he started school were his letter sounds, that I would work on because it helps them when they are learning to read.
L.

I have read many of the responses here and have to put in my two cents. Although I see the point that preschool is not necessary, I have found it very beneficial for my son. I'm a great teacher for my boys and I LOVE education. By the time my oldest started a 2-year-old program, he could recognize and describe all his letters, colors, shapes, animals, etc. However, I cannot provide the benefits that preschool offers. Most importantly, my son has learned to cooperate in a group setting and that school is fun. I feel that if you are planning to send your children to public school, then preschool is absolutely beneficial. My son looks forward to going to school to see his friends and teachers. He has learned to love school, which is the most positive thing preschool can provide.

I see that you are a SAHM. I have a friend who teaches preschool as a teacher's aide at her local church so that her children can attend for free. It is perfect for her because she only works while her children are attending preschool (in the mornings twice a week). Just a thought for you.

Another thought if that is not an option, join your local early childhood PTA. Most provide group interaction with other children with an emphasis on educational experiences.

Good luck!

M.

while i do think organized school is very important, there are substitutes that can be done. think about sunday schools and children programs at church. think about summer reading programs and craft times and story times at the local library. free is a fabulous word! lol i was lucky enough to have my oldest qualify for free preschool and my inlaws help pay for the second one's. otherwise, i'd be doing some quick thinking too. i'm not a teacher and have no patience to teach them things. that's what teachers get paid to do. ;)

1. You might be surprised - between head start and free 1/2 days through the public school you may qualify for a no cost program.

2. Work on knowing and recognizing shapes, colors, numbers (1-20), the alphabet (and sounds), their name (my son's class is learning to write theirs now), their phone number, birthday, address

3. Weather - hot, sunny, cold, cloudy, rainy.
Seasons - Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Days of the week
Starting sounds of words.
Rhyming words.

If she can do all of number 2, she's good to go for sure - with 3, she'd be considered advanced.

S.

Check with your local recreation center. I do not believe in preschool either but I do have my younger girls take a 45 minute craft class twice a week at the rec center. very inexpensive and then they have a few minutes away from me. I get to work out and they get to meet friends and learn how to deal with other children.

They also are amazed with the little crafts they do there.

K.