Off to School

So this morning, I took a big step and registered Connor for mother's day out. You had to sign up today for next fall's classes. It is officially called Christ Church School. It is a program they offer at our church and many other churches, that is basically a two day a week child care program.

It works great for stay at home Moms who want their kids exposed to other kids and different learning environments and it gives us Moms two days a week where we can get some stuff done.

It isn't a full day. It will go from 9:30 to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it will be good for both me and Connor, especially since he doesn't have any siblings. Also, since he's pretty shy, this might help him be more open to new people and new surroundings.

Connor will be in the Toddler I class, which starts August 31st, so he will be just over a year old (14 months). The school ends in May, like public school. They allow only 6 kids in his class, with just two teachers, so it's a nice small size. I like that.

I looked into other programs, but our church got great reviews and the teachers and the facilitators seem really nice and really experienced. The Toddler I teachers have all had at least 5 years experience and just love kids. The entire place is clean and just has a happy vibe. I felt really good about it.

At this young age, they mostly play, but I know they try to play learning games too and encourage learning when possible. There are no T.V.'s which I like as well. Weather permitting, they get time to play outside every day and if it's bad weather they get to go to the gym.

We have an open house in August, where they'll tell us what we'll need to bring and what to expect. They did say the church will provide a snack in the morning and then we pack them a lunch and a diaper bag with anything else they like/need. The kids will take a nap in cribs after lunch.

Since this is my only son, as you can imagine, I'm quite nervous about the whole experience, but I really think it's a good place and I know it'll be good for him and me to have some time apart. Let's see how I'm doing the day I drop him off though and he's crying his eyes out. I have a feeling I'll be crying too. Hopefully in time though, we'll both learn to love "school."

I took some pics of Connor's first "school."

The education wing of our church.

The school entrance.

The playground.

His future classroom.

Lots of toys.