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The idea of Preschool Life was conceived in the winter of 2008 when I was juggling life
with a new baby and struggling to keep up with my two other children in preschool. After
two enthusiastic months in class, my daughter suddenly developed separation anxiety,
and I was caught off-guard. Also, I admittedly struggled to keep up with minor assignments
that were sent home and sometimes failed to accurately follow instructions and deadlines
in handouts. When I had concerns, I didn't know how or when to approach the teachers.

On a positive note, I finally got a handle on organizing our home and, with some tips I
learned from another preschool mom, we successfully overcame my daughter’s
reluctance to say goodbye to me. What I learned through these experiences would have
come in handy earlier in the year, but I finally felt more confident, and quickly developed the
desire to pass on what I learned to other overloaded parents.

At the end of the year, I was determined to create an outlet to discuss all that goes on
during the preschool years so that parents can make the most out of the preschool
programs their children are enrolled in. I also hoped to develop some type of forum to
discuss what seemed to be a lot of unspoken rules, such as:

What are the best snacks to bring when it's my turn?
Can I do something special at school for my child's birthday?
What is the proper birthday etiquette? (Are birthday parties all girls or all boys?)
Do we invite the entire class or just the friends my child talks about?
When it's my turn to visit the class, what can I do other than read a book?
What is an appropriate gift for a teacher during a holiday or at the end of the year?
Am I the only one who sometimes doesn't turn in the weekly homework?

All of these questions and more will be addressed as one of the main focuses on this
website. Soon you’ll find collective tips and ideas gathered from area preschool educators
as well as parents like yourselves through feedback opportunities. Together we’ll make it
easier to make the most out of your preschool experience.

STAY TUNED... MORE TO COME!

Resources of Interest: 4K -&- Redshirting

Who Offers 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)?
Currently 80% of Wisconsin school districts now provide
community-based 4 yr old kindergarten (4K). Here are some
links to area school districts currently operating a 4K program.

Deerfield School District
"4K Learn and Play Program"

Madison Metropolitan School District
(to start 2011-2010)

Monona Grove School District
"Together 4 Kids"

Oregon School District (starting 2010-2011)
"Ready For Learning"

Stoughton School District
"4-Year-Old Kindergarten"

Sun Prairie School District
"Sun Prairie 4 Kids"

Verona Area School District
Currently researching 4K

More information about "4K" programming:

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
http://dpi.wi.gov/ec/ec4yrpag.html

Articles: "Academic Redshirting"
(The term for holding younger kindergartners back a year)

Instruction Expert: Don't Delay School Entry

He Has a Summer Birthday: The Kindergarten Entrace Age
Dilemma

Kindergarten Entrance Age and Retention

Preschool Open House Listings
(No current listings)