My daughter just began pre-k 3 charter school and she is not talking to her teacher. (She is the youngest in her class. She just turned 3 and the other children are going on 4.) She talks to the other students in the class. She has peed on herself 3-4 times within a months period. But she is potty trained and never has at home! She hasn't worn a pull since I can remember! The school is wanting to put her out because of this. I know she is just probably nervous and getting used to the new environment. Any comments? "

Hi jadia, I don't know where your little girl goes to kindergarten but where I live, children are given a chance to acclimate before any drastic measures are taken. She is probably nervous, but I guess with the amount of children teachers have to deal with in one class, it is just not plausible to their mind to have to spend time monitoring a little one. She is rather young to be having to cope with this type atmosphere. How is it that she is in school so early? Maybe daycare would have been a better option for the time being to let her get to know what is expected of her, but at 3 it must be turmoil for her in a full class.

Tick

Is this her first time in such a setting?

I agree with tick... day care might be a better option. Many do provide an educational format if that is what you are interested in. They would also be better able to provide a younger class setting, with most likely a lower teacher/child ratio as well.

If you wanted her to stay put, perhaps you could discuss the possibility of her having another month to adjust and then make a decision at that time if necessary.

There is a big difference between a three year old and a four year old. An even bigger difference when your three year old is the youngest in the class. That is starting with a disadvantage for her.

If it is possible for her to be home another year, and then try again when she is four, it would probably eliminate the problems she is having adjusting. My opinion is, it is because of her age. She's just too young.

Maybe to force the issue, and continue to have her attend, will only continue the problems, and get even worse.

On the other hand, if she is happy to get up in the morning, and go to school, maybe consult with the teacher. Find out what the schedule is in class, for bathroom breaks for starters, and try to train your daughter to either go more, or go less, at home so she has a better idea of what is expected at school.

If she is having other difficulties at school, such as not understanding or following the in-class schedule, or keeping up with the older kids, or has not begun to make friends, or seems unhappy in any way, I would, if she were mine, postpone the start of school, in favour of daycare if you have to, or keeping her home.

At home, you could introduce some educational activities (research online as to what is expected of them to learn in pre-k) and by the time the next school year comes along, she will be a little more mature, with a little more confidence.

Better to do what you have to do now, to ensure she is happy and well adjusted with school now, than deal with possible problems down the road, because she is not.

Three years old is WAY too young to be in Pre-K. While she may be intellectually ready, she is not physically or emotionally. There is a HUGE difference between 3 and 4 year olds.

This is very near and dear to my heart as I had a similar experience with my daughter who is now 16. She passed all of the intellectual exams for kindergarten at 4 years old, but in the end, we had to hold her back because she was not socially ready as well.

If you keep your daughter in pre-k, think about this, she will always be the youngest and the smallest. She will be expected to perform at the level of children almost 2 years older than her. She will graduate from high school at 15 or 16 years of age.

She's having "accidents" because she is not prepared for such a stringent schedule. She's still a baby. Please don't force her to grow up before her time.

I am taking her out and placing her in a daycare setrting. She has gone to daycare before so I thought she was ready. This is a charter school that she goes to that has pre-k 3 and pre-4 campus only. However, she is on prek 4 level. I'm doing what's best for her The school states that trhe child MUST be potty trained before enrolling. And she is. The school gave me 5 days to get her "togeher or else I need to start considering other options. Just a little disappointed because she is so smart and this is a very good teaching school long waiting list... hard to get into. I've taught her at home since she was an infant. The school states she is above grade level but socially she isn't/ She talks and plays with the children but she doesn't talk to the teachers. Long story short I am removing her. Thank You for responding.

You made the right decision, jadia. In the long run, although it is hard to imagine now, she will benefit from this small hitch in her educational journey.

Tick

I agree... very good decision. Broaden her social skills with the day care setting. Look for one that offers an educational program if that is what you are interested in. Certainly continue to work with her in what you feel she is ready for. Make use of any local activities as well... children's museums, activities at the library, etc..

I wonder why she was wiling to talk to the other kids but not the teacher? This kind of sounds like that teacher may have not been the best choice for her.