Putting Tatum in school requires a whole lot of brain space. There are many different dimensions to consider.
First, there’s the aspect of what is the best choice for her needs for Preschool. I tend to work backwards. Where will she be going to college? High school? grade school? Kinder? Ok, not really, I’m more focused on where I want to put her in Kinder because where she goes is where I’d like her to stay through high school (if that is possible!) That means the choice for Kinder is driving much of my decisions. BUT, how can I know this so early in the game. More later on this topic.
That leads me back to next year with Pre-K. Now, she will be turning 5 in November which means she’ll be on the older side of Pre-K and then Kinder. They have the option at PFT for her to attend from 9-2:30/ 5 days a week. When I was offered this my heart fell into my stomach. It was a reminder that she could possibly be gone for most of the day! Is she ready for this? Shoot, am I ready for this? Gut says, NO WAY JOSE! But, it would be good for her in some ways. She’d receive science and Spanish in the afternoon.
Well, I am in the process of interviewing the teachers and praying a ton about what is best for her next year. I am also interviewing and touring schools for Kinder so I know what to be prepared for in 18 months. Here in AZ, there are a PLETHORA of choices! It’s ridiculous really but a huge blessing.
All this to say that I am experiencing choice overload. The different routes are all good, so picking the “best” one is really an unknown at this point.
So, I’m back to Pre-K and how LONG I want her to go. 4 days a week 9-12? 5 day a week 9-12? (She currently attends 3 days 9-12). Then do I choose 5 days 9-2:30?
Next, Kinder? What will I choose? The point is that this next year is the last year I have a choice to keep her with me for most of the day. I want to SAVOR that!
I have to put my needs aside, yes, but I do know that with this next year being the last opportunity to soak in Tot Time, I may opt for the 1/2 day.
Prayers will continue as these choices continue to evolve!