Yesterday Feb 2ND was my lil girls first day of school/daycare. Mommy and Daddy decided about a month ago that it was time to get Daley enrolled in daycare so that she can get a little more exposure to other kiddos her age. We decided on the Learning Tree and we couldnt be more pleased with our choice so far. On Monday I went up to the school for my second visit with her teacher. I wanted to let her know what to expect from Miss Daley. I explained to her that this environment was very new to her and there would be a lot of tears!!! She assured me that they were excited to have her joining the class and that they were prepared and used to the drama that comes along with lil ones missing their mommies. After work on Monday Daley and Mommy went to Target in preparation for the big day to get her a lunch box (Dora of course) a new sippy cup, diapers and wipes. On Monday night I had a lot of anxiousness about the next day and even shed a few tears thinking about how sad she would be when she realized she was alone and in a strange environment. We also decided (for my sanity and to possibly make things easier on her first day) that Daddy would take her and I would pick her up. Jabin dropped her off at 9am and called me with the report. He said she of course cried but that it wasn't as bad as he had expected. I called to check on her at 10:30am and they said that she had been crying off and on since drop off but that she did manage to calm down long enough to play in the house center for a little while and have a snack. When I picked her up at noon she had just finished lunch and was sitting in Miss Alma's lap for story time. She was so excited to see me and when I picked her up she held on to me sooooo tight. I told her that everything was OK and that we were going home. I could tell in her eyes that she had a rough morning and that she was exhausted BUT that she was OK!!!! The teacher said that it was hard on her but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. She said she cried off and on but that she did see a few smiles and did have a little bit of fun. She told me that the transition period may take a while but that it will gradually get better. The plan going forward is to take her half days for the next two weeks. She is only going on Tues and Thurs and we want to ease her into the process. Then on week three she will be going from 8-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are taking it one day at a time!!! I know once she gets used to her teachers and the kids in the class she will have so much fun. I know this exposure is just what she needs and I am looking forward to the day when she brings home neat projects we can display on the refrigerator and she walks into school with a smile.
Of course a post wouldn't be complete without a first day picture!!!
4 comments:
Oh Kim, I can relate. I think it is wonderful of you as parents to make the choice for her to be around other kids for the interaction and learning, I feel very strongly about that as well. The coloring papers she brings home will melt your heart. My sister in law worked at The Learning Tree for quite some time and adored the place, their codes and ethics, if that makes sense :) Daley is getting so big girl. We havent seen a post from you in quite some time, keep us updated.
I cannot believe how big she is. It doesn't seem possible! The Learning Tree is excellent. The Crenshaws have been friends with my family for years and Kathy is wonderful. Kari & I even went there for a while. It'll be great!
Wow, Kim! I cannot believe Daley has gotten so big! Josh and will be planning a trip that way this summer. I will let you know when we set some dates, so we can all get together.
Yay...I'm so excited for Daley!! She will eventually LOVE it. Ella & Owen have gone there since they were little bitty. My sister is VERY picky and absolutely loves the Learning Tree. Owen had Miss Alma and loved her to death. He is in another class now, but still talks about her to this day. I know I will be in your same shoes before too long b/c I want Meritt to have more exposure when she's a little bit older. Good luck and hang in there! :)
Post a Comment