Preschool

Yesterday we spent the morning looking a preschools for Brie. We had three to visit. The morning started out at the local Catholic church. We had heard some mixed reviews of their program so we were not sure what to think. Well we were instantly impressed. There were 5 kids, 4 boys and a girl in the preschool class. We got there just before 9 am. The kids were playing with the toys and independently. At 9 they started circle time where the kids all sat down and the went over the month and the day. They then discussed the number and letter of the week. This week was M and 6. All of the kids got to identify the letter and number and then they sat down at the table to learn to write them. From there they got to color their pictures and then they got out the scissors to learn to cut. From that point on we were sold. Marcus didn't even want to look at any other schools. The day is pretty much structured with activities, free play, snacks and even field trips. It is a 5 day program with most of the structure in the am and free play in the afternoon. It is the only one of the three that runs year round because they are also a daycare facility so we can enroll her now.
After looking at the other two, which were certainly inferior, we have decided to enroll her in the first school. She will start in about 2 weeks after she gets her 3 year check up. Of course the one we picked is 3 x the cost of the others, but we feel Brie needs the socialization. It is about 2 blocks from our house so it is convenient and she seemed to get along well with the teacher and other children. We know she will likely come home with every illness under the sun, but she is much stronger now and is extremely shy around other children. At first we are going to send her 2 mornings a week and may increase it later if needed. She will be the youngest in the class, but she seems to do better with kids that are a little older. She is excited to go to "school" so I think that she will do well.