This is the preschool Sammi went to. The December after we got married, I had a job interview there. She offered me a Teacher's Assistant job but I really wanted to be a classroom teacher and they all looked like they were staying (they are all still there seven years later). I really wanted to teach Elemenary school anyway. While I was thinking about it, she gave the job to someone else. That left me availible for Sylvan and the chain of events that led to Zach. Ironic isn't it.
I had been leaning towards the preschool program at the Elementary school where Zach will be going anyway (we'd still have to pay). That is a lottery system, however, so I wanted an alternative. Every other school claimed they didn't usually do anything until January. Day Care Centers were out. They are great if you need the child care but I never felt comfortable sending him to one. This school does offer afternoon care but that has an education base. In the morning is when the actual classes are in session.
That's just fine. Zach was only going to go in the mornings anyway. Back when I was interviewing, I looked at these schools with a "would I send my child here?" eye. We always knew we wanted kids so that made sense. I liked this school then so this was just to see if Zach liked it. He played, tried to clean up but was ineffective since he didn't know where anything went, then went into the 2 1/2 - 3 year old class. He played quietly while the kids sat in their chairs reviewing the weather and doing their chores. Susan, the director/owner said that is normal and felt he was doing a great job. He was fine when we left him in the room for a while too. But that's because he knew I would be back soon. Later, when I left to get a tissue (allergies that'll be fun in swim tomorrow) he tried to follow me, keeping a close eye on me. He watched music time but didn't participate (as is his nature). However, he definitely was interested this time. When it was time to go, he kept saying, "no, play" and pointing to the room.
I knew I had to modify my Post Fall at the Y plans. Originally, I the plan was the 1 day 2 hour preschool class at the Y with Gym. However, he'll be 2 1/2 on Dec 5th. The classes at the Y end on the 19th. We decided that on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting after January 1st, he'll do the morning program at this preschool. This August, he'll do the summer camp there 2 days a week then next September he'll do 3 days a week. When he's 4, he'll go 5 days a week to prepare for Kindergarten. By taking July off it means he'll have a summer vacation. I want only 2 days both summers because it's just a "don't forget school" thing but I want him to enjoy summer fun, like the pool. That plan might change in time.
They are big on seasonal and holiday themes, as am I (duh). Daily is a hidden show and tell and they have to identify what it is. While I was there, the "Fun Bus" guy dropped off brochures. They hire him. What a "Fun Bus" is, is a school bus with the seats removed and the space filled with gym equipment. On a Season 2 episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8, they featured this bus to see if it would be a good way to keep the 3 year old sextuplets busy in the winter.
I wanted to start this in January since I know with the GAD the Separation Anxiety is going to be fierce. 3 miscarriages, 2 years of trying, a High Risk pregnancy that required I be extra careful, take progesterone, deal with Gestational Diabetes, and still ended up on bed rest due to pre-term labor! I worked very hard long before his conception to be the best mother possible. This is healthy. Preschool is an important step and this is the right place for him. I love how they do things and always have. I trust he will be in a safe environment. But it took so much to get him and keep him I'm not ready to LET HIM GO, but I am ready to LET HIM GROW. I hope by doing this over a long period of time slowly increasing his scheduled time will help with this painful transition. A transition made more painful by the fact that there won't be another child. My baby has not been a baby for a long time but does he have to be such a kid?!?!?!?!?!?! He will always be my baby, but he makes me proud as he matures.
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