Which school for a 5-year-old?

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Lillian2468 asks:

My daughter is a late July birthday in a Aug 1st cut-off state. The last year we have been debating whether or not to send her to Kindergarten. She has gone to both pre-school and pre-K. She just seems behind her peers, is immature and impulsive. She cannot write her name (handwriting is basically non-existent). She can count 0-10 and recognizes some of the alphabet.

We have two choices for next year as we are confident she does not belong in the public K classroom next year

1. Kindergarten at daycare--this is a class with 2 licensed K teachers and about 15 students. It is a combo class of late summer and early fall birthdays. They are able to break into small groups based on skill level. $720/month (this includes lunch and snacks, before/after care and any school breaks)

2. Pre-K at a Catholic school--20 students and 1 teacher, 1 aide. Center based, very little pencil and paper work. $350/month plus $220/month for aftercare (does not include lunch and we would have to find childcare for school breaks at an additional cost).

I would like to know which you think would be best from an educational and social standpoint. Money wise I do not think there is a huge difference.

JustAsk Manager's Note:
Similar question from same member located here... http://www.education.com/question/kindergarten-...

In Topics: Choosing a school, Kindergarten readiness

> 60 days ago

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dgraab , Parent writes:

Adding to the information I shared in response to the other similar question you posted on this subject, here are some more free resources for you to utilize in your decision-making...

Preschool Writing Worksheets and Printables -- to help your daughter start learning how to write over the summer
http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/writing/
http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/reading/

If she finishes those and wants some more, you might even explore these aimed at kindergartners:
http://www.education.com/worksheets/kindergarten/writing/
http://www.education.com/worksheets/kindergarten/reading/

This is a Child Development Guide for Four to Five Year Olds, which outlines developmental milestones, with normal characteristics and suggested behaviors for effective parenting:
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents/training/cdevguid/cdg06.htm#PHYSICAL

Here are Teachers' Ratings of Important Qualities for Kindergarten Readiness, from the U.S. Department of Education:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Teachers_Ratings/

Looking at the two choices you've provided in your question, I would opt for #1, given that she's already attended preschool and pre-K, but it is ultimately up to you to decide which option is best for your child at this stage of her education. Good luck!

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LDSolutions , Child Professional writes:

My suggestion for you is the following. Your daughter is going to need some intervention to get her skills strong for Kindergarten and 1st grade. This stage in a child's education is so important. If they don't get the beginning foundation to reading and writing - they tend to struggle in the other grades following. Find a preschool/Kindergarten program where the teachers are credentialed teachers. They have gone through vigorous training to teach children the fundamentals necessary for further development. But at the same time an environment that is warm and friendly and open to children that might have some extra energy, inattention and impulsive tendencies.

Resources:

http://www.pridelearningcenter.com

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