My son is due to start kindergarden next fall. I really dont feel he is ready for this. He has an august birthday and he is a behind on certain things than the other children. I have heard such fanatastic things about enrolling your child in a young 5's/early 5's program. Our school district doesn't offer this service. We live in garden city. I heard that livonia has an excellent program at the jackson center for young 5's but not sure if you have to be a resident to enroll or if it costs anything if you are not a resident.
I am really at a loss as to what to do. I know for sure that if we enroll our son in kindergarden not only is he going to have a very hard time this first year (and I also hear that they are doing full day kindergarden which in my opinion is a bit much) but also to keep in kindergarden for 2 years to help in catch up.
Any input from you would be a great help. Especially from moms who have actually done this with their children (meaning young 5's or 2 years of kindergarden)
thanks!!
Have you thought of enrolling him in a preschool program? Really all that young 5's is, is a preschool program with the option o moving to the kindergarten program early in the year if the teachers think that is a good idea. Why do you think that your son won't be ready for K? These are hard decisions to make.
Blessings, K.
Trust your instincts. He may very well not be ready and may benefit from waiting a year. He'll be in school for at least 13 years -- any extra year spent at home now may provide the time for him to mature just enough to start kindergarten. Why rush to put him in kindergarten if you believe he's not ready? Boys especially may take a little more time before they can sit still in class, concentrate, listen, follow directions, etc. It's very hard on a little boy to "behave" in school if he's not ready. Remember, the beginning of the next school year is nine months away - that's a long time during which there's so much development and growth in a child that age.
Educators are just starting to recognize differences between teaching boys and girls -- especially during the first years of school. I have two grown sons and four young nephews and can tell you teachers tend to be tougher on little boys. Enjoy your little one at home for another year if necessary and don't worry about it.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
I have a daughter that I've been considering young 5s for w/ an august birthday too. My issue is that I feel that academically she is great, but I'm just concerned about her size and how she will handle other kids--she gets her feelings hurt easily. I live in Livonia and plan on looking into Jackson center when they have their meeting. I know it is open to children outside of Livonia, but I don't know if there is a cost. Here is the contact info below. I would call and talk to them to see what they think. I do know that the stigma that goes with "being held back" may stick with him if he repeats Kindergarten in your own school district.
Young Fives: Parent Information Meeting: March 9, 2009, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Registration for the 2009-2010 school year begins March 11, 2009. For more information, please call ###-###-#### ext. 22102.
Jackson center is a wonderful program. You do need a release from your district to attend. The program is free with a small fee, I believe $85 for field trips/special events. I would recommend touring any facility and attending the Open House to be sure it is the right match for your family. I would definitely send him to a Young 5's program versus 2 years of kindergarten.
I am the preschool director at a preschool in Northville. I am hosting a meeting on Kindergarten Readiness (and also discussing the Young 5's issue and whether to send your child or wait). I'm happy to give you the details if you are interested. Childcare is also provided.
Nancy ~
First of all, next fall is almost a year away, and kids change alot in that amount of time. You may be surprised, he may be ready by then.
Also, if you're concerned, why don't you put him in preschool so that he can start with the socialization and some of the stuff that will help him in kindergarden?
D.
You must do the Young 5's program at Jackson. It is absolutely wonderful. The teachers are all fantastic. My youngest son is in the program now. My older two went through it also. I have a soft spot in my heart for Mrs. Ploski. She was born to do this work. You do not have to be a resident of Livonia. Students would come as far away as Brighton or South Lyon to take part. Call the office at Jackson after Christmas break. ###-###-####. The enrollment starts in March some time. It fills up in a day or two. I would hate to have you miss it. Your son will learn so much and have a wonderful time doing it. It runs everyday (1/2 day) like kindergarten. You may have to get a waiver from Garden City to attend, just contact them. I am excited for your son if you go to Jackson. He will love it!
A.
Unfortunately I can't give you any details about Jackson Center's young 5s program, however my daughter attends Jackson Center for preschool and we love it. I just wanted to let you know that it's a great place. Maybe that'll help you in your decision making, maybe it won't. We do have to pay for preschool, even as livonia school district residents. But I don't know about young 5s. I can only assume there is a charge since it's not actually kindergarten. Anyway, we love it there. Except for the parking lot. Sometimes the parking lot gets a little crazy!!!
