What days/patterns are best for toddler starting pre school?

[loveroflife]

My ds will be starting pre school soon. He will be attending three times a week and I was wondering what days are best to request? I was thinking Mon, Wed, Friday so he can have a little break every other day as he will have to drop his naps.

My friend said that it is better to do three days back to back i.e Tues, Wed, Thurs?

Does anyone have any thoughts on what did or didn't work for them. I am willing to be totally flexible so he gets the best experience.

Thanks

[jaabaar]

Hi,

I would definately do back to back.
I experienced that back to back allows the child to get used to nursery days easier than having one day nursery/one day home/ one day nursery etc.

your DS will still be able to have her naps at nursery? He does not need to drop his naps unless that is what you wish.

Good luck :)
xx

[Karoleann]

No, I would do mon, wed, Friday. My elder two needed a gap in between. He'll be too tired if dropping his nap to do everyday. Plus you'll miss him more!

[fledtoscotland]

I would, and have done with both DC, split days. Ds2 is currently in tuesday, Thursday, Friday but that's only because of my work commitments. DS1 used to attend Monday, Wednesday, Friday, they are always so tired after a full day and needed the days of in between to rest.

[TurquoiseTranquility]

hi there, not speaking from personal experience yet (DS only going through integration period at mo), but I had the same issue to decide and talked to a friend whose kid started in September. She said they DEFFO need a break, especially if they're excitable. Her DS is like the calmest kid you've ever seen (and dropped his nap at the age of 2), and only attends 3 hours/day (her nursery don't offer any other options). She says he'd do better with fever days, longer hours, probably with a break in between rather than back-to-back. She said when half term came it was like a godsend coz he was so tired!

Are you sure you want to drop his naps? It's one thing if you wanted to do it anyway, and another if you're only doing it because of nursery. I wanted to request 3 5-hour sessions too, but changed my mind coz I knew DS wouldn't last without a nap. So I asked for 4 3.45-hr sessions in blocks of two with a Wed off.

[TurquoiseTranquility]

you could always do 2+1 days, too which would be easier for him than 3 in a row, but maybe more convenient for you than 1+1+1