by Regula Fowler

Created on: July 24, 2009

Having worked in a Montessori classroom with children of the ages 2.5-6, and now with 6-12 year olds, I have to say YES, however, our approach is a completely different one compared to "regular" preschools.

I think also, that especially 3 year olds should not be outside their home, all day, that they are often overstimulated, and that they should be with their parents, as much as possible.

Sadly though, most of the children I got to be with were dropped off and picked up by nannies, because the parents have to or chose to work and then maybe they really are better of in that environment.

Also, I am frustrated that everything seems to always come down to academics.

What about the child's personal development? I think each child should be looked at as an individual and clearly with the Montessori approach, where we follow the children's natural tendencies ands understand the need of the child, it becomes a different matter.

Children naturally love to learn- unless they are forced to do so and I believe as a parent, we may have a difficult time seperating our own believes from what is really "best" for our child.

So yes, if we look at a child's natural development, they DO benefit from preschool (depending on what kind), but is there a right or wrong? I believe it should essentially still be up to the parent to decide whether they want to send their little one or not and not EVERYTHING should ALWAYS be about academics. NOT every child is ready at the same time.

I believe in our society we get so confused, we want to do "everything right", we want to please our family, friend, neighbors and stop looking at what is in front of us.

Look at other countries, see how others do it, but then decide freely if it works for you, and especially, if it works for your child.

Check your motives, do you want to "be rid " of your little one, do you want him/ her to socialize with others, do you need to work, do you expect him/her to be a straight A student and think she/he will be better in the future?

Do you believe it makes you a better parent to send them away early or will you feel rotten and guilty each time your little one walks through the door of the preschool?

Are you worried your child might like it better there than with you and bond with someone else or do you just want to spend that extra time with your "baby"?

To me, there is no right or wrong. Sure, that is the age where learning is effortless, but preschool DO differ a lot from each other, so if you think this is wrong, go look around, see if you find a place that suits you, ask your child, maybe encourage him/ her to try it, they really DO know what they like.

Do I think a government should make that decision? Absolutely not!

Do I think most children are ready and benefit? Even if half-day? Considering what I know and observed, seeing that children LOVE to learn, YES, I do believe they should have the chance to go to Preschool, starting at the age of 3- or when they are ready.

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