Baby Genius

Having two small children (Addison 2, Finnegan 6 months) Tanya and I have done what so many parents across The Shoalhaven and time itself – which school is best for your children?

Every parent thinks their child is at some stage a BABY GENIUS, but what about tutors for your child at as young as one year old?

The age of children seeking the help of tutors is getting younger and younger, with parents now forking out thousands of dollars to have preschooolers privately coached for school entrance assessments.

As part of dozens of school readiness programs across the state, children as young as three are learning how to count, sound letters and write their name to prepare for big school.

Parents hope it will give their child an edge in school entry interviews at private and Catholic schools and in the best start kindergarten assessment, which evaluates their skills when they start school.

Begin Bright early learning centre director Tina Tower said more than 600 children were enrolled in school readiness programs across five centres around Sydney.

Children attend weekly one-hour classes at a cost of $26 from age three.

Sydney Catholic Education office media spokesman Mark Rix said enrolments at systemic Catholic primary schools were made in accordance to set criteria, with priority given to baptised Catholic children of regularly worshipping families.

How young is too young for a tutor? Are parents overly competitive and putting too much pressure on their children? Tell us your thoughts below.