At our gym, the path to team is thru the rec programs
We have "mommy and me" for 18 months - 3 years. 45 minutes.
Preschool class is 3-4 years old. 45 minutes.
Rec 1, Rec 2, and Rec 3 are ages 5 and up. 1 hour, 1 hour, and 2 hours (1-2 days a week in Rec 3).
This is the normal progression.
For an advanced TODDLER, they move to preschool class early (YG did that).
For an advanced PRESCHOOLER, they move to Rec classes early (OG and YG both did that).
The preschool class does the same stuff as Rec 1... Rec 1 is just 15 minutes longer. If the preschool child has mastered the skills, they skip Rec 1 and go straight into Rec 2.
They work on shaping and safe skills. BHS never comes into play until Rec 3... always spotted for shaping and safety. Bridges are spotted when they do them (Rec 2 and Rec 3) until they can do them safely and they are age appropriate.
Move ups to team happen in April and August... But they have to be at least 6 by the end of October to move up.
For those who are not old enough, if they have all of the JO Level 3 skills, they are given the option to work out with the team once a week. This gives them extra conditioning and time to learn the routines. The Rec 3 coach will also allow them to do skills and drills for future skills.