What do you think about preschool?

[lizbud]

Yes, both of my children went to pre-school.They couldn't start till they
were 3 1/2 yrs & they went 3 days a week. Mommies did car pools taking
the children. My kids loved it & learned so much. They seemed so proud of
themselves. The school even had a graduation ceremony with caps and
gowns. It was kinda neat. I didn't work outside the home so I was always
there for them when they came home. It was a blessing.

[Pam]

Yes both of mine went as well and enjoyed it very much. My grandson also went and his wee little brother (1 yr. old) will go when he is old enough.

[angelbow20]

My son will be starting on sept 5th and will be 4 the of sept. I think its a really good start for little kids and they get to play with children their age as well.

[Marigold2]

Oh my kids loved pre-school. For some it's there first time away from mom and it gives them a chance to meet new kids and learn new things. Those that don't go are sadly often behind in the basics.

[wolfsoul]

I started preschool when I was 2, and ended it when I was 4 -- I entered kindergarten at 4.
I loved preschool, it was a great way to socialise. I did not have great socialisation skills -- in my preschool report cards it details this. "Jordan needs to learn to use her words and not her angry fists." It took two years of preschool to get me to behave properly with other children -- imagine how this behaviour would have been tolerated in kindergarten and grade 1? Not so much. I did love preschool though!

My (future) children will definatly be going to preschool. I want them to make as many friends and learn as many things as possible. I want my kids to be very educated and to have a busy and fulfilled life. I think preschool is a great way to do this. Not to mention I'll be working full-time and will need them to be somewhere during the day!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Absolutely, no doubt about that!!
I am a premary school teacher( I don't teach anymore). All basic things are taught in pre-school : colour, cut with scissors, work in a group, quantity, social and physical skills, etc.... . A kid who learn all this has a tremendous arrears when it starts premary school.
All kids should be allowed to go to preschool!

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh, I just love this thread! Although I do not have children, and who knows if I ever will, but I did work in the child care industry for 12 years. So of course, I am a strong believer in preschool. I won't repeat everything everyone else has already said.
Some of our friends have children that are not in preschool. One boy is almost 3 years old and can't even look at a stranger. I know that could be good in some ways, but he cries his head off when anyone tries to hold him, touch him or talk to him. However, he is a very smart child. He knows his letters, colors, shapes and animals (sounds). So for him preschool would be a great thing for socialization.
Another of our friends have a boy who will be 5 in January. He is a very social child. He'll go up and talk to anyone without fear. He's got a great sense of humor and LOVES to play video games. One time I was playing video games with him and told him to press the triangle. He said - the red one or the green one? There is only one triangle on the control. There are different shapes and each is a different color. He knew the color but not the shape. He also didn't know the letters or numbers at all. So this child would benefit in preschool in an academic way.
So that's my two cents worth. All of this is pretty funny since I never went to preschool as a child.

ETA: If I'm not mistaken Kindergarten is still not required (at least in California). Although, everyone goes.