Opinions Please

A lot depends on how well your child transitions in new situations, but I would try to lessen the new environments as much as possible. Switching from preschool, to summer camp to the more academic enviroment of kindergarten is a lot for some kids. I would not make a move at this time just because of the extra fees, but I WOULD complain to the management of the center, and suggest that they make it a "deposit" instead of a fee. I think it would be an incentive to register for summer camp that they waive the camp registration for continuing students! Speak up and encourage other parents to complain too -- they may get enough complaints they drop the fee instead of potential losing registrations.

Susan is mom to Alexander, Isabel, David and stepmom to Eric. Make sure your email address is current, we'll be giving out great prizes DAILY in September after our site makeover! Don't miss out!

I agree that it depends on how well he transitions. We were in a similar situation right before kindergarten - different issue than yours - and considered a new camp before K. But we figured our son needed that extra bit of consistency before the big changes ahead.
I think it's worth paying the fees, even though they do seem silly.

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.

We were in the same situation last summer; however, we opted to try the summer camp and agreed that we would return our daughter to her preschool/daycare if she did not transition well. Fortunately, our daughter is a very outgoing girl, and she transitioned into the summer camp easily. Not to say that it wasn't hard at first, but the staff working the program was incredible--I was extremely impressed with them--they were very compassionate and helped tremendously with the transition. She enjoyed all of the different activities, going on field trips almost daily, and meeting new kids, especially older, school-age kids, and she made friends with classmates, which made starting kindergarten easier (the summer camp was offered at an elementary school in the school district, so she met kids that went to her school). Hope this helps!

If the only reason you would be pulling him out is because of the registration fees, I would leave him there. If you are otherwise pleased with the place, it is better for him not to have to deal with so many new things at once. Plus, he probably knows and loves the people there, both the kids and adults. Since he is starting kindergarten in the fall, I'd make few changes as possible. It's a big enough step.

Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.

What is the summer camp offering? new experiences that you think he'll enjoy? Does he like the pre-school? Is there some benefit to changing or is it mainly the reg. annoyance that is motivating you to consider the change? Is it easier or harder on you to make the change?

I get annoyed by registration fees too, especially when you are returning and they don't need to "register" anything - just leave it be in the system. However, almost anyplace has a registration fee, so you might just be giving your $50 to register him elsewhere??

I am guessing these are all questions you've asked yourself, so I'd end by saying make a list or pros and cons and see if that helps? Otherwise I am happy you are in a situation to choose between two good alternatives!

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.