Preschool

We had a big change in our routine this week.  This summer when Camden moved up to the 4 year old class at her daycare, I started to have some concerns.  I wasn't really impressed with her new teacher in demeanor or interactions.  The summer was just daycare, but last week we moved to "preschool" format.  My concerns did not diminish (and maybe even increased) with what I thought Camden was getting.  Since we are considering starting her in kindergarten next year, I want to make sure she has a solid preschool preparation/experience.  

 

A friend of ours runs a preschool that we had talked about moving her to.  I saw a sign for an Open House on Tuesday last week and stopped by.  Turns out it was for all the incoming kids and their families.  I stayed briefly anyway and talked to a few parents I knew (they not only go to our church, but their kids were also at our daycare previously).  In talking to them, I realized my assessment of our current daycare/preschool was fairly accurate.  Additionally in the 15 minutes we were there, I was impressed with the staff, facility, attitude.  The testimonies of the parents didn't hurt.

 

The director said they were full and school started on Monday. I told her I'd like to be put on the wait list.  She gave me the handbook for me to make sure (which I read that night which only confirmed our desire to make this move).

 

Long story short (well sorta), the director called on Sunday afternoon, said she had a cancellation, and the spot was open for Camden if we wanted it.  I quickly said yes and Camden started the next morning.

 

From the moment we walked in on Monday, I knew we made the right choice.  From the greeting to the ease in leaving me, it was exactly what I want for her.  She had recently picked a new backpack (yes, Spiderman) in which she brought her blanket/pillow/change of clothes and we packed her lunch in her beloved monkey lunch box from earlier days (haven't had to do that since PDO when she was 1).

The first week has exceeded my expectations.  She absolutely loves the very structured, but very loving environment.  I am confident she will thrive in her new preschool.