The Kindergarten Dilemma

I realized when we had our kids in the fall (and live in California) that we would have to choose whether to start them in kindergarten when they are 4 or 5.  I had a couple siblings who were August babies and started when they were essentially the oldest in their class and it seemed to work out well for them.  Talking to experienced teachers pretty much convinced me to wait a year and start Jocelyn in kindergarten when she would be able to really thrive rather than merely survive.  Academically, she would probably be fine, but emotionally and socially I think it would really benefit her (and me) to wait a year.  I had my mind set, Jared was supportive, and we were ready to rock and roll.

I started to second guess myself when ALL of Jocelyn's friends that she did preschool with this year were going to begin kindergarten (even ones younger than she), and I was running out of time and options of what to do with her next fall.  I already have a Joy School group pulled together for Lillian and 5 little friends her age and couldn't really afford the $300 a month for preschool tuition.  It was during this time that our school district decided to launch a program called "preppy K."

This is a preparatory kindergarten class offered free by the district for kids in Jocelyn's exact situation.  The kids have to be turning 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec 1 and will be placed at a centrally located elementary school.  The downside for me is that it is 5 days a week, treated essentially as another kindergarten class meaning they are there 4 hours a day, but then they would go to their own designated elementary school and start kindergarten the next year with this under their belts.  The informational meeting I attended basically said it will be what kindergarten was 20 years ago.  A lot of phonics, painting, circle time, number and letter recognition without all the pressure of current kindergarten regulations in CA which try to have them reading and doing simple math by the end of the year.

I am still torn over this because I don't think I'm ready for her to be gone that long every day, but she seems really excited about it, and I think maybe it will be a good solution.  We turned in all the paperwork and the rep. I talked to from the district said she has a spot reserved.  They also said that if it's not a good fit for Jocelyn or our family we can pull her out and just start regular kindergarten the next year.  I am sure I'm over-analyzing this and Jared has been patient and supportive with me switching my mind about it, but we are going forward with school and another phase of parenting.  I'm sure it will be an adjustment for all of us.

On a lighter note...Everything is funny when you are on sleep strike (or teething) or whatever Jonas has going on right now that is making him veto his afternoon naps!