Is 2 Too Young for Preschool?

My daughter started daycare at 2 and it was a great decision. She used to be so shy but played with her friends at "school". They do projects, activites and learn to sit and listen to their teachers. Prior to that, she had been watched by her grandmother. While I do believe that grandparent's care was the best, I believe sending her to daycare really helped her socially and just get used to other kids. And she has come down with maybe two colds in the past two years. I think I get the worst colds from her but really, it's a small price to pay. Don't be afraid, it sounds like she's ready!
Good luck!

J., I don't know where you live but have a friend who has taught at a preschool near Old St. Pat's downtown, and they do have 2 year old children. I think much would depend on the school as to whether they accept 2 year olds. Good luck.

No. My son, who is almost 5 years old, started school when he was 2 1/2. It was hard at first, but it paid off in the end. There are little things that they learn early that allows them to be more prepared for Kindergarten.

All the Best!

I'm going to be WAY in the minority on this one, but I think 2 is too young for preschool. As someone else has said, if you're interested in the socialization aspect, then sign her up for a library or park district program. There is plenty of time for her to be in school and learning, and you aren't hurting her academically by keeping her home.

I have 4 boys who are 22, 20, 16 & 10. All of them had one year of preschool before kindergarten except for the 16 year old who had 2 years due to a hearing problem that needed special attention. My boys did not, and still do not, lack socially or academically. The oldest graduated from a prep high school in the top 10 of his class and will be graduating May 2010 with a BS in Chemical Engineering and three minors - math, science, and environmental law. The 20 year old was in the top 25 of his class and accepted to a highly selective private college (Illinois Wesleyan)where he's studying history moving toward an eventual PhD to do research and teach on a college level. My 10 year old was evaluated by the school district at the age of 8 and I was informed his IQ is 134. As soon as the school psychologist said this he cautioned me to "let him be a child" saying the most productive thing you can do for a child's mind is to let them play.

For my 16 year old - he has multiple learning disabilities and an anxiety disorder. Despite this he's in a mainstream classroom with a 2.75 gpa - pretty good for the child I was told would never be able to function in a standard school setting. No special ed classes, nothing slowed down, the same curriculum as every other kid in his school. He's looking forward to college and becoming a teacher.

You don't need preschool to teach your child. You can turn everyday life into a learning experience. Count the silverware as you put it away. Point out different flowers in the yards on a walk. Sit outside at night and look at the stars. Get magnetic letters and put them on the refrigerator to spell out simple words. You are the person who will instill a love of learning in your daughter and letting her be a two year old who can use her mind to imagine things and play will not stunt her later in life.

Sorry for being on a soapbox. As you can tell, I feel very strongly on this...and always have. Ultimately the choice is yours. My caution is just to stay away from the thought process that says a 2 year old needs this. Would your daughter like it? Of course! Toddlers are sponges, they love learning. But does she need that more than the chance to be allowed to play without schedule a little longer? That's for you to decide.

I think yes, it's too young. My pediatrician told me there's really not any "social" benefit until age 3 or 4. "socializing" children isn't something they need other kids for. You are their socialization now until they can benefit from other kids.

I would worry about illnesses, too. She'll be sick all the time. I would wait till she's older, for sure.

Meantime, you can do Gymboree or some kind of parent/child class where there are less kids and you can wipe her hands often so she doesn't get sick.

Hi J.,
I have been a preschool director for several years and before that I worked at various daycare centers for many years. Every child is different and all children enjoy interacting with other children, but as soon as you place your child in a situation where they are around other children you will find they amount of illnesses your child will experience will increase dramatically. (Sometimes 2 to 3xs more frequent colds). Now, this is true no matter where your child attends and will happen whether you wait until kindergarten or not, so I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.

However; I will tell you what I've told all my preschool families, I recommend waiting until a child is three years old before enrolling them in a preschool program, and this is why:

1. Developmentally, by three most children have moved into a stage of development where that begin to play cooperatively, prior to three children play inwhat is called "side-by-side" play, which means they are in close proximity of one another, using the same materials, even doing the same things, but that are not working together for a common goal or problem solving together, they are playing independently of the other children.

Now even if your child does exhibit cooperative play with other kids, not all the other children in a two year old class will (the majority will not).

2. By age three children in a preschool program will be potty trained, this eliminates the need for teachers to devote a great deal of time diapering and/or potty training, and/or cleaning up accidents, which gives them more time to plan activities and interact with the class. It also builds up your child independence and self reliance because they are encouraged to use the potty themselves.

3. Emotionally, by age three children are ready for the more structured environment of a preschool classroom. A good "Preschool" class, as opposed to a daycare classroom, has a fixed amount of time usually for threes 2-3hrs twice a week, in which the children participate in a variety of pre-planned activities that establish order and routine.

Prior to age three many children are not emotionally ready for the stress of entering a structured program, even though they love to play, or are outgoing, the repeated process of going to class can become difficult which is very bad for young children. Pre-school, is just that, a gentle experience in which children have experiences that lay the foundation for all of their future school experiences. If they are not emotionally ready, they develop a fear or anxiety toward school and possibly learning that can have life long repercussions. The reverse of that, is that when they are ready for school, and are enrolled in a program that meets their age and stage of development, encourages them without pushing and allows them play and explore in a safe and fun environment, they learn that school is fun, they build their confidence and develop a positive attitude regarding school they will help them for all of their school career.

So, my advice (long-winded as is is) is to wait. Three is perfect, usually. And one more thing, when you find a preschool you like trust your child. Give them three weeks to adjust and if they seem unhappy, ask to observe during class, if the kids aren't allowed free-play or given choices, or required to sit for more than 10 minutes at a time-RUN-that is a BAD program. And if they are not excited to go to school after three weeks, find another program or wait another 6 months. It is critical that their first experience is positive. For the few kids that have separation anxiety, but have fun in class it usually takes three weeks for them to warm up and realize that they are safe and having fun-longer than that, trust your instincts-if your teacher is working with you, and seems to care and really try to make your child feel welcome, and you know it is your child, not the program, stick it out and trust that your child will learn to love school. Otherwise, never worry about upsetting a teacher or director-they should care about your child enough to want what is best for them, not every program is right for every child.

You should definitely do it! It sounds like she's ready. My daughter went two days/week for 1 hour 45 mintues and she wanted more. It really helped her once she got into the 3 year old preschool - she transitioned so much better than the kids who hadn't been in a 2's class. The biggest benefit is socialization. She was definitely better at sharing, saying please/thank you, etc. than kids her age who had not been a class. For me, this was the best decision we made. Oh and don't worry about getting sick...if the school is diligent about their sickness (24 hours fever, etc.), then you should be ok.

My daughter turned 2 in January and is VERY social, potty trained and loves playing with other kids. We signed her up for the fall for a Nursery School in Evanston. It is 2 days a week for 2.5 hours. I think she needs it since we do things at home and she has an older brother who is 4 in August, but I think she needs more. I think it will be good for her to learn to share better as well as the social aspect. My son was a young 3 when we put him in preschool 5 days a week for 2.5 hours through CPS. But, he has some speech and OT issues and had already had several classes with kids and was a shy child. Preschool was great for him and now we see a huge difference. They will definitely be sick MORE. My son was sick alot and if parents would of kept their kids home more, he probably wouldn't have- but I guess I would rather him get his immune system build up before he starts a full day program and where it is more academic.

at my home daycare I start doing lesson time with the kids when they are about 22 mos old. I find this is a good age to do a color a week, start having them learn to sit while they listen to some teaching and reading and doing art projects.

But that being said, I don't believe a traditional preschool class is appropriate before closer to age 3. I do run a preschool as well as the daycare and I have a lenient sick policy, my daycare kids get sick a normal amount. But with preschool because it is so part time they usually have to be more strict due to the higher chance of illness spreading (if a kid catches something on Tuesday and comes to my daycare that day, everyone was exposed on Wednesday when they show symptoms. But in a part time position they wouldn't have been exposed on Tuesday so exposing them on Wednesday is not proper.)

I also want to tell you that it's not a race. You can have your child socialize at the library story time, or at a mom and me class. You can teach colors and shapes and simple counting at home in a fun way. You will teach them more then a class will. I don't believe that preschool is needed until the year before they go to kindergarten or if the parents can't do the stuff I mentioned. But the things a 2 yr old will learn can be done by mom at home easily. Spend your money on learning experiences instead of a preschool class. They grow up too quick to rush this.

Hi mom you know years ago the child had to be 3 or older but now they except children as young as 6 months. For me I think the child should be potty train and able to tell about its day,as for colds and childhood infections your child will get it no matter what age. Good luck

Hi there, My daughter was 2 years and 3 months when I put her in pre-school. It was the best decision I ever made. She is a very outgoing child and needed the socialization. She is now 3 and it has benefited her in ways I could never even imagined. She went 3 days a week for 2 hours and the ratio was 12 kids to 2 teachers. She loves it and grew so much in term of language, expressing herself and the way she interacts with others that I will definitely be sending my second one at 2 as well. She did not get sick more often but her school require them to stay home until fever free and they have a very strict cleaning and hand washing policy.
All I can say is pick a school you are comfortable with in terms of sick policy, discipline policy, teacher/child ration and academic approach. Good luck.

I would wait until age 3. She can spend quality time with her grandparents. There will be plenty of time for school in the future. I think 3 is too young as some of the teachers have also said.

Yours are the same concerns I had with my son. I stayed home with him until he was almost 3. My friends and family all expressed concerned with socialization issues. Personally, I think I waited too late to enroll him in daycare. I love my monkey, but I believe the reason he thinks the world revolves around him is that he had my full attention for so long. Eventually, your angel will have to start school. As gross as it sounds, the sooner she's exposed to other kids' cooties, the sooner she'll build up a resistance to them. It's been 2 years, and my kids now catch about 90% less colds than they used to. I think enrolling your daughter now is a great idea, especially since she was so receptive to it.

Both of my children entered a head start program at 2 y/o. THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I think that it is an excellent tool for both socialization, and academics for children. Like yourself the only concern that I did have with them being in that type of enviroment was the frequent illness that was happening. However this is expected amongst children all of the time. Coughing and runny noses run rampant in children because they are always in some type of contact with others that have these symptoms. I suggest that you encourage your child to practice cleanliness habits. Also make sure that you observe how clean the facility is that your child will be attending. Ask specific questions such as "how often do you sterilize your play equipment and manipulatives" Good Luck and good health to you and your child.

I put my daughter in a 2 year old preschool class a month after she turned 2. This class, however, had 2 teachers for 12 children, and it was once a week, 45 minute session. The idea of the class was to introduce the young children into the preschool setting...following directions, socalizing with others, and leaving parents (or grandparents) behind, which took a few classes for all to master.
As for illnesses, I don't recall her ever getting sick,but it was a few years ago..
Good luck!

J.,

My son went to school when he was 2. He is now 6. He loves school and always has. We continued sending him to half-day programs. He is going into 1st grade reading at a third grade level. I know it is because he just loved going to school. The social aspect was so enjoyable for him, that he naturally just learned more and more from school.

If she is ready, she is ready. Let her have fun meeting new friends and having new experiences. You will be amazed at how much she learns.

Hi J.,

I think 2 is perfectly fine, especially for just a couple days a week for a couple hours. My daughter started at 2 and I did lots of research and asking and found that everything points to that being a great time to give kids a little taste of new friends, fun and structure. My daughter had just turned 2 the summer before preschool started, so she was a young 2. I did stay in the class for the first few weeks because she had a hard time separating, but as long as I was there, she left me alone to play. When she'd come over and try to engage me I'd just direct her back to her new playmates and she'd happily go as long as she was confident that I was in the room. I'd bring a book or some work to do. After about 3 weeks of this, she was happy to wave goodbye and so started a terrific year of art projects I never would have thought of, playing with new toys that developed all sorts of new skills, learning to share and line up and follow simple directions in a group, gym time, play dates, and all sorts of things that she absolutely loved. The teachers were loving and kind, something that would be a must.

She definitely got sick that winter more than she had before, but what I've heard is that when kids start school at any age, that's what happens. I've also heard that if kids go to preschool and are exposed to all those germs and get sick, they are pretty hardy by the time they get to kindergarten and have built up immune systems that serve them well. So, it's probably impossible to avoid the germ sharing any time your child is in a group situation. We found parents to be really responsible re: fever issues, as preschool is so short parents aren't relying on it like daycare and can just keep a kid home easily if they need to. But there will be coughing and runny noses -- including your own child's!

The teacher child ratio sounds about right. We had the same plus an occasional aide or special teacher (music, etc.). I would just be sure that the school is highly regarded, that the teachers are experienced.

Overall, we had such a fantastic experience with preschool at 2 and watching our child blossom and I'd highly recommend it. It's nice for you too -- new friends with kids just your child's age. Good luck whatever your decision!

My kids have all gone to 2 year old preschool, 3 days a week from 9-12. And yes, it was a preschool, not a day care, and they did not need to be potty trained. My first one just needed something to do, I had another child so I couldn't really go to the mommy and me classes with her, park district classes all required mommy to go with if the child wasn't 3 and potty trained. She walked in, ran to the other kids and said see you later mommy, and I walked out. My second one cried (like most of the kids) for the first week or so, but eventually ran in like my first one. My third was 2 in March and will be starting in September. I have a feeling that she will run in like my first did.
Whether they NEED socialization - I doubt it - but the long and short of it is that it is FUN for them. They love it and I love it. They make crafts every day that they are SO proud of. They are beeming with pride to show me what they did when I pick them up. They put on a cute show at the end where they sing songs and they are so excited about it. It's just really cute.
About the illnesses - it really depends on the kid - my first, I don't remember her ever really getting sick. My second seems to have a runny nose for 2 full months during the winter, but I have a feeling that she has allergies like me anyway and may have been like that if I kept her home. I will say that neither of my kids that have been in preschool have ever been on antibiotics even once in their life and they have never been sick enough to stay home from school. My oldest who just finished kindergarten didn't miss a day of kindergarten while a bunch of the kids who didn't go to preschool missed weeks on end. Could be a coincidence, could not. My opinion is that if they are the type that is going to get really sick from being around other kids, it is better to do it during the early years when they aren't missing out on much than to do it starting in kindergarten or 1st grade when they would be missing a lot. The kindergarten teacher also said that he could tell who was in preschool and who wasn't. Whether it makes a difference if they go to preschool for 3 years or 2 years or 1, who knows, but all I can say is that my 2 kids thus far love school, and I can actually threaten them with not being able to go if they aren't behaving and they straighten up immediately. I know other kids that didn't go to preschool and cry to stay home with mom daily during grade school. Again, may be a coincidence, but my opinion is that it's working for us and if you were looking into a 2 year old preschool you are probably like me and feel that your daughter will benefit from it and I honestly can't say that I see any drawbacks to it at all.
Good luck!

I haven't read all the responses but there isn't a right or wrong answer that needs to be followed for every situation. I have taught pre-school, been a mom, had a home daycare w/a pre-school program and am currently a nanny. I absolutely agree that programs at the library and the park district are wonderful. However, have you asked the grandparents, who are currently caring for her, how they feel? Would they like a break for a few hours a week? A 2 yr. old can tire you out no matter how much you love them and how well behaved they are. If they are younger grandparents and adore spending time with her, then suggest signing up for a class with other children, preferably one where the children actually get to interact with each other, not just sit for a story with a room full of other children. Have them take her to a park, or "baby" pool during the summer, places where other younger children are. If on the other hand you think it would be nice to give the grandparents a little break, don't hesitate because of her age to have her go somewhere. A couple 1/2 days a week is perfect. You'll probably find that she sleeps very well after a morning at school. As far as illnesses go, I've seen that every year at the beginning of the new school year, the kids get a cold. When a new child is added to the class some kids get the sniffles again. Other than that, the kids stay healthy. Going out in the community puts a child at risk of picking up a virus even when you wash hands and wipe down shopping cart handles. The 1:8 teacher child ratio is normal, with most places having 16 children and 2 teachers per classroom. My favorite class I ever taught in the past 24 years was a class of 2 year olds. You can always try it and take her out if it doesn't work... but give it at least 3 weeks for everyone to adjust to the new schedule.

Most pre-schools do not accept kids until they are 2 years, 10 months AND must be potty and poopy trained. I enrolled my son when he turned 3 and because his birthday fell in January, that meant he missed the 1st half of the ABCs. When it came time to enroll him again, I had a choice, repeat the 3s, or move him to the 4 year old class. He wasn't 4 yet, so I opted to keep him in 3. Had I known this ahead of time, I would have enrolled him at the beginning of the school year a 1/2 year later than he originally started.

My daughter will be 2 years 10 months come Sept. but I've decided to keep her back one more year because she'll just end up repeating a year before she enters kindergarten.

Why not have her attend daycare 2 times per week. Or, check out your local park district, as they have programs where you can drop off your child for an hour or 2 and then pick her up. During that time, they have set activities that they do with the kids.

Yeah, she’ll get exposed to more illnesses, but if she doesn’t get exposed now, she will when she’s a bit older (and maybe in school).

Ultimately, it's up to you and your wallet.

Good luck.
~Cndy

I'm not sure that 2 is old enough, and I am surprised that schools don't have age requirements...but my reply is really for your runny nose question. You cannot keep kids out of school for minor cold symptoms or else kids will never be in school. Some kids keep a runny nose for 2-3 weeks, can you imagine a child missing 2-3 weeks of school 4-5 times a year or more? It would be catastrophic. Soooo... as far as your daughter catching all kinds of illnesses, well she will, and some will be serious, like rotovirus (hopefully not, but mine did), but most will be little colds and most schools are very big on hand washing and teaching good covering techniques for coughs and sneezes.
Anyway good luck to you, I'd love to know what you decided and how it goes!

2 can be a great age to dip the toe into preschool and it is indeed great for children who are at home to start socializing. It is true that developmentally they don't really start interacting with other children until around 3 but it isn't like there is a light switch on their 3rd birthday. this is a gradual process. My little girl who turned 2 in may, did a park district drop off class for a few weeks and now she goes to the Academy of Music and Movement for two mornings a week (2 1/2 hrs each morning) for creative movement, singing, story telling etc. she loves it. She puts her ballet shoes on and says :momma, we are going to school. and then she hops around the house doing her version of a ballerina. Children are different. So 2 might be early for some but for many it is a good time to dip the toe in. It provides socialization and new experiences. Good luck.

Hi J.,
I sent my oldest daughter to a 2 year old preschool at the YMCA. It was the same as you described above. She loved it and I was amazed at how quickly she learned their rules and followed them. I found it to be a very positive experience for her socially as well as creatively. They did a great job of making sure the kids washed their hands or used sanitizer and while colds did happen I don't remember it being a constant issue.

J. R.

Hi J.,
I sent my daughter to preschool when she was 2 and she loved it. It was a 2 morning a week program. You know your child best, and if at the tour she joined right in, it might be right up her alley. If she was timid or hid during the tour, I would say you might want to wait. But if she is up for it, why not? My daughter has blossomed thruough preschool, and can't wait for kindergarten to start in the fall.

As far as colds - yes, she will have lots more, but even though it is a pain, it helps build their immunity. All these colds will happen as soon as she participates in any group activity. It is normal, and something every kid goes through eventually.

Also, I wanted to add, the ratio for teachers to students is mandated by law.

Starting my daughter in preschool was actually more stressful for me than it was for her! I think your apprehension is normal, but if you think this is something your child will enjoy, then I say go for it! Good luck.

Children MUST be exposed to germs or their own system can't build antibodies. The preschool should be checked out for cleanliness. They should have a certificate from the board of health. Reputable places clean and sanitize daily, even the toys, book covers, etc. Your child went right for the interaction so I'de put her in immediately. The socialization is great for them and helps them getting ready for kindergarten. Go for it mom. The little one can't just be with grandparents. She'll become more independant and be filled with self esteem by learning to get along and being able to learn how to play on her own and put her things away afterwards. Good for you mommy.

There are some preschools that are also daycare centers and would be prefect for your daughter. I think that usually to attend the preschool you need to be potty trained. If it were me I would wait til she is at least 3.
As far a socialization consider getting her involved with some programs that take place on Saturdays. Many city park districts have programs for them to be involved in with a parent. If you attend church have her get involved with the toddler Sunday School.
My son was an only child and we found a private childcare in someones home. He went there only a couple hours for socialization. You maybe able to find a daycare that would let you bring you daughter just a day or two a week for the socialization you would like her to have.
We found out that our son would rather have been home with his our toys than in a daycare/preschool. He is now almost 19 years old. Has no problems socializing and did great at his 1st year away at school. Besides the daycare for a few hours a day, we had him involved in the toddler library programs, Park district programs, we also had him involved with the mommy and me programs that we could find and he also went with my husband any time he could to socialize at the lumber yards or other carpentry places. He also did the toddler programs at our church. He turned out to be a very well rounded child but when it all comes down to it he would still rather be at home by himself and his parents. Of the 4 years of high school he only had one person come over to our house and that was his best friend for his Royal Ranger Outpost. He says this is home and school is school don't want to mix the two.
Good Luck

If you're interested in just the socialization aspect, why not sign her up for some classes for kids her age? There are lots of neat things she could learn such as drawing, music, gymnastics, swimming and dance. She'd be less likely to get ill and she still would get to socialize with kids and start learning about following directions. She'd also get to learn some new skills!

I started my very social daughter at 2 1/2 and at drop off the first day she said "go mommy" after just a couple of minutes. She was more than ready. I started my not so social, clingy son at 2 because we have another due soon and he did cry for a few minutes for the first few drop offs but he loves it there. For both the improvement of their vocabulary in just 2 weeks was outstanding. I am still amazed. Also, no matter how hard I tried at home, there is no way I could recreate the kind of fun they have at school with peers. My husband is pushing now for 5 days a week but I'm not ready.
As far as illness is concerned, I didn't notice an increase since starting school. I see plenty of coughs and runny noses at drop off and my kids do get sick periodically but not more than before. We were always out at museums, mom tot classes and other places where they also have plenty of exposure to illness and I never stayed home for fear of illness unless we had a trip planned.
If your daughter is very social, I would go for it. It will be easier for her now than at 3.

I think that if you are questioning what you should do is an answer in itself. You are the parent and know your child best.

That being said...my daughter has been in daycare/preschool since she was six months old. Once she moved into the 2 year old room she began a more routine school like setting. They have circle time and do activities surrounding the letter, number, color, and shape of the week. They do calendar activities that include the days of the week, weather, and vocabulary such as yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

What do I think of all this? I think it is wonderful! Being a teacher and literacy specialist, the language development is so fundamental to later learning, how could I not be supportive? Has she been sick, yes. Enter any elementary school and there are runny noses there too. Illnesses shouldn't be a reason to hold your child from education if you believe he/she is ready, unless of course, your child has a problem with his/her immune system. Children get sick. There isn't a way to aviod it. Eventually their immune systems get stronger and they won't catch so many illnesses.

You have to weigh the benefits against your fears to determine what is best for your situation. My daughter can now count up to 20, knows all her colors, knows shapes including pentagon and octagon, can recognize and almost spell her name, is beginning to learn the order of the days of the week, and can count objects using one ot one corespondance up to 7 or 8. I work with her a bit at home, but I know a lot of that came from "school." In my opinion children at this age are like sponges for knowledge. They are beginning to develope routines and behaviors for a lifetime of learning. Starting young in small doses led by a child's curiousity is the most natural way to learn.

Best wishes to you and your child. Good luck with this decision.

My daughter started preschool at 2 years and a few months and would have started earlier had there been a space for her. She loves it. I think that it depends on the child and the preschool. If you're comfortable with it, it's likely a good fit.

As to your concerns about the health issues, that is standard procedure. I doubt you'll find any preschool that requires children to stay home longer than 24 hours for fever, vomiting or diarrhea. This standard was chosen for a reason based on science. Your daughter is likely to get sick and it's possible that it will be from school whether she's 2 or 5. You need to decide if the benefit is worth the risk.

As of now, my daughter hasn't gotten sick from school any more than from hanging out with her friends from playgroup. I also try to keep in mind that every cold she gets is one that she won't get again :)

Good luck--I think that the preschool experience has been amazing... The other day I overheard my 2-year-old singing the months of the year!!

I think you answered your own question! Keep in mind how important it is to listen to our mother's instinct...we really do know what is best. You are the expert of your child and although the schools provide preschool from 3-6 (as kinder is not mandated, only 1st-10th grades) every child is different. You clearly understand the needs of your child and what she is seeking. I sent my 2 daughters to an AMI certified Montessori school and learned that we should be guided by the child's needs and interest. Listen to yours. Your concerns about the runny noses and illness, remember these build up her immune system. HOpe this helps.

I'm sure you will get answers A-Z on this one... but we have three kids (6,4,2) and they have all started school at two. Only two - 1/2 days a week & they did fantastic. The first week or two was an adjustment - but after you get over the hump of the "newness" they loved it. We didn't have a ton of illness - but the class made them wash their hands as soon as they arrived & if kids were sick - they stressed "keeping them home". My youngest was sick more from her older siblings than from her class. We had the same ratio - but the nice thing is once it gets to 9 or more you get two teachers in the room. My son went off days (Wed/Fri) vs traditional Tue/Thur and his class only had 10 kids with two teachers! If you want smaller ratio's - ask about odd days & see what their enrollment is.
We would strongly recommend 2's pre-school - it has been great for our family. Good Luck :>)

I think it is only too young if academically she can't keep up. This can become discouraging for a little one or challenging. Check the policy for illnesses. I put my daughter in daycare for socialization and they found she was at preschool level. She has not caught anything yet but she has a cough from her allergies. I was warned that this is when children start catching things to build their immune system. Good luck.