Ilya and I visited five preschools in the quest for a good place for Mateo–where kids seemed happy, the teachers experienced and excited, and the facilities safe, clean and inviting. Also, I wanted a school that was NAEYC certified, though Ilya didn’t care about that as much. We ended up applying to two schools, both of which rejected Mateo for the coming year (or waitlisted him anyway, none of the preschools actually say “no”).
So, Ilya and I restarted the hunt. The only preschools left to explore were half-day programs that started at 2 1/2 or 3 years old. Of those, most were fine places, but not outstanding–not worth the inconvenience and additional expense of a half-day program. One was truly excellent and I dropped off our application Thursday morning–only to find out a few hours later that Mateo had been accepted to Hill and Dale (he’d originally been waitlisted).
Ilya and I are thrilled that Mateo will be going to Hill and Dale! It’s a great school and he’s such an adventurous, social boy that he should really enjoy preschool. I’m a teensy bit sad, though, because I’ll miss my boy–no more surprise cuddles in the middle of grading–but this should work out really well for our family. He’ll start in September–our little Mateo is growing up and going to school!
growing baby 
Wow, Mateo is starting school already. That is amazing. Our James started Montessori school when he was 3 1/2 and it was somewhat overwhelming for him. I remember the first day that he went in a car pool with other kids and the only thing I saw was James’ mouth gapping in the back of the station wagon and him screaming. I felt like I was abandoning him. LOL Anyway, he survived but when it came to Joanne we waited until she was older to enroll her into a co-operative preschool. I felt the co-op was much better and she loved it. When the parents are involved it makes learning and having fun a part of the family. Hope Mateo will enjoy school and have fun with all the other kids.
By: Linda on May 20, 2010
at 2:09 pm
I can’t believe Mateo will be going to preschool either; he’ll start in late September. I’m torn between being super excited–I think he’ll love playing with other kids and doing the fun activities–and being sad he’ll be off and away. I’m hoping that Mateo’s transition into preschool goes smoothly: the school arranges a home visit, then they have us visit the school with him a few times before he actually starts, and then for the whole first week he gradually spends more and more time at the school (he doesn’t do a full day until the end of his first week) and so forth. The school also adds the new kids in slowly, just 1-2 new toddlers a week for the months of July-September. This way the teachers are able to spend some extra time with each kid as he adjusts to school. Look out in September for more updates about starting school!
By: lgreenberg on May 21, 2010
at 1:28 pm
ooh, little Mateo is growing up! I’m so happy for him, but on the other hand, I can understand your sadness, Linda. It must be hard to have him leave (if only for a few hours). Look on the bright side. You’ll be sharing his sunshiney spirit with more people. He’ll have more people to love and more people to love him. Lots of love to both of you (and Ilya too)!–Courtney
By: reach4thetoes on May 27, 2010
at 9:27 pm