Should You Enroll Your Toddler in School? 3 Key Factors to Consider

Are you wondering whether it’s time to enroll your toddler in school or early learning program? Or even if a 3-year-old is technically a “preschooler” and not a toddler, you may have a 3-year-old and you’re facing a dilemma.

Now this may not be the absolute “yes” or “no” you’re looking for. Parents often ask me, “At what age should my child be in school?” The answer is – it depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. There are 3 factors you need to consider – and be sure to read through to the end to #3 because this is extremely important. 

Factor #1: Your Family Dynamics and Needs

Consider your family set-up. If both parents work full-time or have no other opportunities to interact with other kids, enrolling a child in school might be a practical necessity. Even if there’s a stay-at-home parent but you feel the need to have some time to yourself, those two hours of a toddler class may give you just the break you need.

However, if parents or other caregivers can work together to provide enriching activities and social opportunities, there might be less urgency to enroll your child early. Reflect on what works best for your family.

Factor #2: The School

The type of school is another crucial factor. Not all early childhood programs are created equal. Some schools might have developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculums, while others might be more academically focused. It’s essential to understand what kind of environment the school provides and whether it aligns with your child’s developmental needs.

Check out this post to learn how to choose the right program if you decide to enroll your child early.

Factor #3: The Fit Between the Child and the School

Parents often ask what characteristics kids need to have that means they’re ready to start school. But it’s tricky to give a list of characteristics because it depends on the fit between the child and the school. 

Take potty training, for example. If your toddler is not yet potty trained, how does the school you’re considering handle this? Can they handle kids who aren’t potty trained yet? Or do they need the child to be potty trained already, in which case you need to either wait or consider another school?

Another characteristic that’s often a sign of school readiness is being ready for a school environment is being curious, eager to interact with peers, and being able to follow simple instructions. Some schools need the kids to display these characteristics already, while other schools may be okay even with a child who still needs to develop these.

Every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to observe your child and consider their individual readiness rather than feeling pressured by external timelines.

Don’t Feel Pressured to Enroll Early

Many parents feel societal pressure to enroll their toddlers in school as early as possible. However, it’s vital to remember that there’s no rush. If you feel your child would benefit more from a home environment or alternative settings at this stage, that’s perfectly okay. For example, spending time in nature, engaging in unstructured play, and participating in community activities can be equally beneficial for your child’s development.

Children thrive in environments where they feel safe, loved, and engaged. Studies indicate that the quality of early childhood education is more critical than the age of enrollment. There’s evidence to show that attending a high-quality, play-based early childhood education program starting at age 3 can help – and most of these research studies were for low-income families where a good quality program can help equalize the differences in opportunities.

These programs emphasize social-emotional development, play, and exploration. What I will caution against are programs that introduce formal academics early, which research suggests can do more harm than good. Some researchers have linked this early focus on academics to increased mental health problems in kids. You want to avoid these types of programs for young kids – and be sure to listen to the next episode as well. 

In summary, there’s no set answer for the best time to enroll a toddler in school. It depends on your family dynamics, the type of school, and the fit between your child and the school. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision based on what others are telling you to do. Take your time, observe your child, and choose what’s best for your unique situation.

If this post resonates with you, then download our free parenting toolkit. It’s filled with resources on no-prep activities, handling tantrums, building early literacy, and more.

Until next time, here’s to embracing the beauty of parenting, with all its imperfections.