When is it Okay for Your Child to Start Preschool?

As your child approaches or turns 3 years old, you might start thinking about whether they are ready to start preschool. While ages 3 to 5 are typically the right age for preschool, not every 3-year-old may be prepared. Many children benefit from waiting until they are 4, and sometimes a half-day program might suit them better at the beginning. Deciding when to start preschool involves looking for certain readiness signs and can also include advice from your child’s pediatrician and potential preschool teachers.

Each child develops at their own pace, so there’s no need to rush. Additionally, different preschools might have different requirements and philosophies, so it’s important to check the specific criteria of the school you’re considering. This might mean that while one school isn’t a good fit yet, another might be just right. That said, below are some questions to ask yourself to determine if your child is at the best age to start preschool.

How old is your child?

Preschool typically covers the two years before a child starts kindergarten. Most preschools require kids to be at least 3 years old by December of the school year to enroll, although some accept children as young as 2. If a child has a late birthday (after September 1), parents might choose to delay preschool for a year or keep them in preschool for an extra year before they start kindergarten. This could mean a child might attend preschool from age 3 to 6, or from age 4 to 6 if they start a year late.

Is your child potty trained?

Some preschools need their students to be potty trained or at least start to learn. They also expect preschoolers to know some basic self-care skills, like putting on their shoes and coat, pulling up and fastening their pants, and washing their hands.

Can your child understand basic instructions?

Preschool doesn’t have very strict rules, but children are expected to be able to follow simple instructions. This includes tasks like cleaning up, following snack rules, lining up with classmates, and doing various small jobs. If you think your child might find these expectations challenging, you can help them practice by giving them simple tasks at home, like setting the table or helping to bring in the mail. The specific task isn’t as crucial as getting them used to a routine. Choose easy daily chores for them to do.

Can you understand your child and how they talk?

Three-year-olds don’t need to speak perfectly, but others should generally understand what they’re saying. They should also be able to understand what people say to them. Usually, kids ready for preschool can talk in short sentences of three to five words and tell you about recent events like a trip to the library or a zoo visit.

If you’re worried your child might have problems with speech or hearing, it’s a good idea to speak with your pediatrician. They can refer you to a speech therapist or an audiologist who knows how to work with young children.

Can your child handle transitions?

Preschools usually follow a set schedule, moving from one activity to another, like from carpet time to playtime to crafts, then snack time. It’s important for children to learn how to transition smoothly between activities, even if they are deeply involved in something they enjoy. If your child struggles with moving on quickly, you can help them by giving them a little warning before it’s time to change activities, like saying, “We’ll have a snack after we finish coloring this page.”

Setting up a simple daily routine at home and using a visual wall chart that shows the order of daily activities like meals, playtime, and storytime can also help them get used to transitioning between tasks. This prepares them for the structure they’ll experience in preschool.

Can you leave your child?

Kids who have been in daycare usually find it easy to separate from their parents, but those who’ve always been at home might experience separation anxiety. If your child gets upset when you leave, it’s a good idea to practice short separations. Try leaving them with a friend or family member while you run an errand or with a neighbor while you take a quick walk.

The goal is for your child to learn that you’ll always come back, making preschool drop-offs less stressful. Remember, even kids used to being apart from their parents might initially feel nervous or cry at preschool, but this usually gets better with time.

Do they engage well with other kids?

When deciding if your child is ready for preschool, consider how much they have interacted with other children and if they can engage appropriately with peers. If your child has had frequent interactions with other kids at places like church, playgroups, or parks, you’ll likely have a sense of how they behave with others. Even observing their interactions with siblings and neighbors can help assess their readiness.

However, preschool is also a place where children learn social skills, so a lack of prior interaction shouldn’t be a concern. If you’re worried about their social skills, you can help by arranging playdates, signing them up for activities, or taking them to community events like library storytimes or community center activities to practice socializing.

Learn What Age Kids Start Preschool by Considering Other Factors

Help your child transition smoothly into preschool by considering these key factors: their age, potty training, ability to follow instructions, speech development, handling transitions, separation anxiety, and social skills. Take the time to observe your child and seek guidance from professionals if needed. Create a supportive environment at home and encourage social interaction to prepare them for this new adventure.