Alexa started preschool on September 8th. It was a day she was greatly anticipating. She insisted on a new horsey backpack and a new horsey lunch box. She wore a special horse shirt too! And she was never so proud as that morning when she put that backpack on and headed to the car to drive to school!
I'm ready to go Momma!
Alexa has been in a few daycare settings in the past but they have been mostly in the homes of providers with only a few other children. Coincidentally, two of her former daycare providers have been named Tammy. Both were kind and loving to Alexa and supportive of me. We will always hold them close in our hearts!
Tammy, Alexa and Philo April 14, 2009
As an infant, Alexa was cared for by our wonderful neighbor Tammy. Tammy treated Alexa like one of her own family members. She did "normal" things like going food shopping with Tammy, attending story time at our local library, visiting the playground, and playing with Tammy's children, especially her youngest daughter Eva, as well as all the important developmental activities that Tammy made sure to include in her day. It put my mind at ease knowing she was practically the center of attention and that she wasn't just one of several babies in a larger center.
October 6, 2008
When her time with Tammy came to an end, Alexa spent the summer with me and when I returned to work she began attending Footprints Preschool and Daycare in Shelburne on a part-time basis. She spent her off days with Minna, which was special for them both!
Ms. Christine
After a few months at Footprints, I left my job and it was Mommy and Me time for about 6 months! I began to wonder if Alexa was bored spending all her days with me and the search began for a part-time daycare arrangement that would allow her to socialize with other small children. It was then that we found Tammy, another home based provider in Shelburne.
Alexa and Tammy on her last day at daycare! (8/13/10)
Tammy's was great! She's been caring for children in her home for nearly 17 years! Alexa enjoyed playing with kids her own age and Tammy was so supportive during the time we were moving. She was always flexible. Alexa enjoyed homemade meals there too! She made some really wonderful friends, Rowan, Kyle, McKenna, Baby Michael, and there was even a Mina there!! It was a good year!
It became obvious that Alexa was ready for preschool when she began writing and learning her letters and numbers. She is curious about everything and most importantly, she wants (and needs) to play with children! So she has started part-time at Flanders Valley Country Day School. Her teacher's name is Miss Catherine and so far, she is more than happy to go! In fact, we just barely make it upstairs before she runs off to find where the other kids have gathered as I hang up her backpack in her cubby! She is even taking her naps with the group, something she hasn't done since she stopped attending Footprints in the late winter of 2009. It's been a positive experience that I hope continues.