I've written previously about Mr N needing more school, more hours, more, more, more. Somehow making that call to the preschool was scary and not on my mind enough, but yesterday I mustered up the courage and dialed the number. They advised I come in today to fill out paperwork and see if he qualified, we are over the income requirement, but his diagnosis may earn him a spot.
I arrived at the preschool unsure, apprehensive, and full of doubt. While I love how much Mr N enjoys his one day a week at the children's center, it is much more of a daycare than preschool, I'm not super impressed with the staff and if he didn't have Leslie there with him, I'd not be inclined to let him spend one hour a week there.
I entered the class room where the teachers were putting together paperwork for me to complete, they welcomed and asked about Mr N. As I looked around the room I was happy to see the alphabet, names on chairs, learning tools, as well as the professionalism of the employees. We discussed their program, much to my relief it is an academic program which will enable Mr N to learn the vitals before kindergarten, it is structured and the staff are educated.
Part of the reason for my apprehension is the fact that I'm a stay at home mom, putting my baby into preschool four days a week for 3.5 hours a day, kind of takes my job away. Again, that was put to ease during my conversations with the teachers, they welcome volunteers and I'll be able to be involved with his learning. Being away from Mr N for several hours every day is a bit heart wrenching, much like taking E to kindergarten on her first day. Talking with the teachers, being confident in their abilities and knowing Mr N will progress much more rapidly brings so much relief.
Now begins the waiting process, there are a few more documents we need to get to the preschool before they can submit the application, I'm not sure how long it will take to process the application to see if he's accepted. Then begin the discussions and coordinations with the development center about his services and getting him an aide. I'm not sure when he'd begin preschool, but I'm anxious for him to start as I know he'll love it.
It's certainly interesting sharing Mr N's strengths and weaknesses at this point vs where we were a year ago and two years ago. His progress has been mind blowing. I never thought we'd be looking into preschool at this point, I thought by now we'd just be transitioning him from in home therapy to therapy at the development center. His love for school has shocked us, his ability to transition from activity to activity has become a non-issue, his willingness to try new things is improving weekly.
