The Big Day Arrives: Starting Early Pre-K at Two!
Just a few weeks past her second birthday, the big day finally arrived! Our little one, who had been such a joy in our work-from-home lives, was off to early pre-kindergarten. While many families opt for traditional daycare, our choice for early pre-k at this age meant embracing a program with a bit more structure and educational focus. For two wonderful years, my parents were our invaluable co-pilots, helping us navigate the wild and wonderful world of babyhood while we juggled our professional lives from the comfort of our home offices. This momentous transition of starting pre-k felt truly significant for all of us.
A Unique Start to Life
Our daughter arrived into a world where remote work wasn’t an anomaly, but a common practice. For our family, this meant both my husband and I had the incredible privilege of working from home. While this gave us precious time with her every single day, it also meant her early social interactions were primarily with us and her grandparents. We noticed how little peer play she received. Even though she blossomed under our devoted care, we knew she needed a structured environment with other kids to truly open up new avenues for her development.
If you are anything like me, I’m always curious and love research-based knowledge. If you are curious too about why early social development is such a big deal? This page from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is super insightful and offers lots of resources.
We also noticed that her physical development has always been on her sweet timeline. She was a bit of a late bloomer in the walking department, preferring to master the art of crawling on her knees before confidently taking those first independent steps. She wasn’t a full-on walker until 19 months old!
Similarly, the introduction of solid foods was a journey of patience and persistence. She simply wasn’t in a hurry to embrace all the culinary delights we offered and only wanted purée (even salmon!) As we prepared for her starting pre-k, we really hoped that being around other littles would help her explore new foods and perhaps even encourage her to try eating what her peers were. We knew this next step was crucial for her overall growth and exposure to new experiences.
Why We Chose a Montessori School
When it came to starting pre-k, the decision of where she would go was incredibly important to us. After much research and visiting several different schools, we ultimately chose a Montessori early pre-K program. The Montessori philosophy particularly appealed to us because of its emphasis on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play within a carefully prepared environment.
You can learn more about the specifics of this approach from the American Montessori Society. We loved the idea of classrooms designed for children to explore independently, fostering a love for learning from a young age. Benefits we hoped to see included:
- Fostering Independence: Montessori encourages children to choose their own activities and work at their own pace. We felt this would be wonderful for building her confidence and autonomy.
- Practical Life Skills: The focus on practical life exercises, like pouring water or buttoning clothes, seemed perfect for enhancing her fine motor skills and daily living abilities, especially given her earlier developmental pace with solids and walking.
- Respect for the Child: The approach truly respects each child as an individual, allowing them to follow their innate curiosity and develop their unique talents.
However, it’s really important to remember that Montessori is just one of many wonderful educational approaches available. Every child is different, and what works for one family might not be the best fit for another.
We strongly encourage all parents to research various educational philosophies. For example, you might look into the Reggio Emilia approach, Waldorf education, or consider programs that prioritize traditional play-based learning. Most importantly, visit potential schools, observe the classrooms, and ask lots of questions to find the environment that feels right for your child and your family’s values before starting pre-k.
The Morning Jitters (Mostly Ours!)
The morning of her first day was a whirlwind of anticipation, mostly for my husband and me! We meticulously packed her tiny backpack, ensuring her comfort blanket and a purple unicorn lovey were nestled inside. As we walked her to the classroom door, a mix of emotions swirled. There was the undeniable tug of her tiny hand, but also a surge of excitement for the new experiences awaiting her.
If you’re wondering how to make this easier for your child, check out my other post on easing daycare and preschool transitions with a comfort item. This can be a huge help when starting pre-k.
Upon entering, her eyes widened, taking in the vibrant colors and the gentle hum of children’s voices. She hesitated for only a moment before bravely stepping into the new space. With a quick hug and a reassuring smile, we watched her confidently walk towards a table already bustling with activity. It was truly a heartwarming sight, and honestly, the moment I left the room, I totally started to cry happy-sad tears.
Day two, however, brought a slightly different scene. She walked into the building holding my hand, her little backpack perched proudly on her back. She did explore the room for a bit, but quickly reached up for a hug. For a few sweet minutes, she lay quietly on my shoulder.
Then, one of the teachers, with a gentle smile, asked if she wanted to go outside and look at the bunnies. My little one turned, opened her arms, and went right with the teacher! It was such a beautiful, brave moment. The tradition of looking for bunnies has carried her through the first few weeks of drop-offs.
Embracing New Horizons After Starting Pre-K
Throughout that first day, we received reassuring updates. She explored new toys, engaged with her teachers, and even ate lunch. We knew this was just the beginning of her journey, a stepping stone to building confidence, fostering friendships, and discovering new skills. This experience of starting pre-k is about more than just childcare; it’s about opening a new world for her.
Ultimately, every parent’s journey is different, and we all make choices that feel right for our families. This is simply our story, a testament to the fact that parenting is a beautiful, messy, and ever-evolving adventure.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and it’s so important not to compare their milestones. For more fantastic resources on supporting your child’s unique growth journey, check out Zero to Three’s Resources for Families. We are incredibly proud of our little girl and so excited to watch her continue to flourish in this new chapter. Here’s to many more firsts!
