Babysitter or extra time at preschool

[niccig]

As part of my figuring out what work I want to do, I've got the opportunity for some part-time work. Some of it I can do from home, other times I will have to go in. It will be on a contract project basis.

DS currently goes to school M, W, F from 8.45-11.45. He gets picked up by our babysitter on Friday's until I get home at 3.30pm. If I take on the project work, I could have a babysitter pick him up 2 or 3 afternoons a week, but I have to find a new babysitter as our regular girl is graduating college in May and relocating.

Or I can keep him at school 9-4 twice a week, and just mornings one day, but the school may want me to pay for 3 days until 4pm. Or I can keep him there for 3 days 9-4pm

Cost wise the preschool is cheaper, but I worry about the hours. DS was 3 in December. The curriculum is in the morning and I would be adding lunch, nap and free play. I know kids that go to preschool just mornings,2 or 3 longer days or full time 5 days. As long as I keep the same days, I can either add time or take time off - the school is pretty flexible that way.

WWYD?

[JBaxter]

I would do the preschool. It is someplace he knows and even though it is a little more time lots of things an people are the same. Lots of parents do the extended care at Nathans preschool.

[Marisa6826]

I would do the three full days. He's getting more stimulation than he would at home with the sitter, will have a regular routine, and it will give you a small window of free time for grocery shopping, Target runs, or just a manicure if you want to sit on your butt for a half hour. ;)

And really, because of the way they break up the schedule at preschool (at least at the one the girls go to), it's not like they're sitting anywhere for longer than 15-20 minutes. The longest they're in one spot is for naps. Further, he will have continued interaction/socialisation, gross and fine motor skill development, etc. No matter how great your sitter may be, I don't think you could be fair and expect her to stimulate your kiddo to that level, kwim?

He's going to need to get used to a regular school setting sooner rather than later, so it might as well be now. Go for it. :)

BTW, Mia was 3 in December. She CRIES on days she can't go to school (she goes 2 days 9-3 and 1 day 9-12; though that will probably change as my school schedule fluctuates).

-m

[schrocat]

I would probably do the 3 full days too. You have the option of picking him up early on the third day if you so desire.

[niccig]

DH and I talked last night and he agreed with the preschool hours. Nothing will happen for a few months, I have to get my voice back fully, so we'll continue as we are until then.