After a lot of deliberation we had decided not to to send my daughter to preschool this year. Mostly based on lack openings and affordability of the 2 year old toddler programs in our area, we decided to wait another year. But one week before most schools began, I was talking to an acquaintance who told me about a very affordable school she was going to send her twin boys to. It was a little further away than any of the others we had looked into, but I decided to check it out. After the tour, and liking what I saw and heard, I decided we should enroll her and give it a shot. The director of the school alleviated any fears I might have about her not liking it by saying she could stop at anytime, and if she wanted- start back up again when she was ready.
The program is two days a week, Thursdays and Fridays for 2.5 hours each day. The first day the parents stayed, half in the class room and half at an orientation. The second day, the parents dropped their kids off at the classroom and headed off to have coffee in another room. I have to say that both days we left the house, she seemed pretty excited, but once we got there she didn’t want to get out of the car telling me it looked like they had enough kids already. After some coaxing she came out and we went inside. But after those first two days, there haven’t been any problems getting out of the car. In fact, we go in, hang up her jacket and lunch box, hit the bathroom for a last visit before they start their day and she excitedly bounces down the hall to her classroom. She says hi to her friends as they come in- sometimes even forgets to say good-bye to me.
I know, I am a stay at home mom, and I grappled with her going off so young while I had decided to stay home to be with her. But part of the reason I did, was because I saw it as a way for her to gain independence from me. We are together all the time, and she relies on me for everything, which is fine with me but I can’t do it forever and I feel like this makes the process less painless- probably for both of us. I feel so good when I pick her up and she has a big smile on her face eager to show me her newest art project. In the car ride home she tells me about her friends, and what happened at recess. I have to do a little prodding about what book they read, if she was a good listener and helper, but she seems to feel really good about each day there. For us it ended up the right decision, and I’ll keep her there as long as she enjoys it.
I remember how weird it felt sending my oldest off to preschool at first. It’s hard, but at the same time it’s a really nice break when you’re at home with them all day.
I couldn’t afford it this year, but next year I want to send my son to preschool. He really needs to learn to be more independent from me. He’s a very quiet child and just isn’t fond of being around large groups of people in general. But he also does fine visiting relatives without me, so I know he can adapt.
That’s great that she is enjoying it Amy! It took TJ WEEKS to get over that shyness at drop-off last year. That 2-day schedule was great for socialization and just learning how to go to school. (walk in a line, listen to the teacher, etc…) This year he is going 4 days a week for 2.5 hours a day so they have an actual curriculum. I know what you mean about wondering if you should send them at all but I think it has been great for TJ. He goes to the Elementary School here so when he starts kindergarten next year he will already be familiar with the whole school environment.