The Pre-School Precipice

I toured a preschool today. It was entirely different than the kindergarten last week. I felt more confident and not at all out of place. It was their job to impress me. I didn't worry much. It would work out or it wouldn't. I was hoping it would go well, but I knew I'd figure it out. I've been spoiled for a long time which makes a difficult task that much more frustrating. You simply can not replace the irreplaceable. You can only move forward even if it's at a limping pace.

When I did my research I was optimistic. The phone call that followed confirmed this was a possible option. I even spoke to a few parents who have/had kids in this program.
Their website describes them thus:

The [Someone I've Never Heard Of]Approach guides children’s learning through the use of a negotiated curriculum directed by the interests of the child, with an emphasis on ongoing projects. This model is based upon the following; children must have some control over the direction of their learning, must be able to learn through the experiences of touching, moving, seeing, and hearing, and must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.

I arrived right on time for my tour. Most of my questions had to do with class size and logistics. The kids seemed happy and engaged. Most of the classroom had 3-4 small groups working on different activities. The rooms all had wonderful artwork and craft projects on display. It seemed like a fun place to learn. So fun in fact that there wasn't a single opening in Riley's age group. The max class size is 15 and all the rooms had at least two teachers.

I had assumed when I told her on the phone that I was looking for something right away and she didn't immediately tell me that was a problem that there was a spot. It turned out there was one coming up, but nothing now. I deflated like a balloon. I thought the distance and adjustment to a 5 day a week school schedule were going to be the only obstacles. I pressed on with my questions, but felt discouraged. I wanted to run away crying, but I shook her hand and promised to get back to her shortly.

I bemoaned not knowing where Riley would be in a few weeks and then started to go over the options we'd already ruled out in my head. March is an awkward time to change schools because the academic year is almost over and summer session is a few months away. I decided to pick up Riley early again. Part of me was glad she won't be away from me five days a week anytime soon. I like our routine and I enjoy Riley's company so much.

By the end of the day I was able to work out Riley's situation and convince Mike that the distance would actually work in our favor. I'm calling in morning to let her know we're taking the spot. I'm so grateful that I will have a transition period before both my kids are at school all week. Don't you love/hate being on the verge of things changing forever?