First time “Real School” Experience
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November 9, 2021So your child has reached that pivotal age of 2.5, 3 years old where transitioning them from a daycare setting into a more structured school environment is on the table. Where do you even start? How do you know if they’re ready? What do you need to know when you’re not even sure what questions to ask?!
These are just some of the thoughts I had pre-COVID pandemic when considering enrolling my son into a pre-K program. I was worried he wouldn’t receive the care and attention he was used to at daycare. As a September baby, I wondered if he was too young to start. And wait, what do you mean I can’t tour the classroom or get together with his teacher? You mean I’m just supposed to throw my baby to the unknown come September and hope for the best?!
Yes, that is precisely what that means. Well, at least that’s what it meant for our family in this past 2020/21 school year. And we couldn’t be happier that we took that leap of faith.
Speaking of faith, amongst all the unknowns pre-K had in store, what we did know is we wanted our child to learn in a structured, nurturing, faith-based environment. What we didn’t know was how far exceeded our expectations would become.
The first thing that piqued our interest when researching DMA was the flexibility of the schedule. This one is huge! Most local preschool programs only offer 2-3 hours per day. DMA allows full schedule, in-person learning 5 days a week. Or 3 days a week, if that better suits your schedule. Or full days but part time hours. Or…well, you see where I’m going with this. I’ll just let you speak to the powers that be on that!
Secondly, despite not being able to physically tour the school and meet people in person, I was so impressed at how proactive the administration was with their communication, online meetings, classroom tours, etc. It made us feel so confident and assured. Aside from the typical first day jitters and tears, everything was smooth sailing from then on. Thankfully, we’ve been able to socialize in person as the year went on. Mrs. Crocco and her aides are absolute gems and I couldn’t have asked for a better first time “real school” experience.
Finally, where do I even BEGIN when it comes to the pre-K curriculum? At the ripe age of 3, I was more concerned with my son tackling basic skills and learning how to be a good person rather than whether or not he could sound out words and count to 10 in Spanish. Much to my satisfaction, he has been fully immersed in both aspects. He has learned everything from basic prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance, to what makes good dental hygiene and how to improve his conflict/resolution skills.
Luckily for you, it seems as though the trajectory of this pandemic is finally on the downward for good, so you may have more opportunities to see and do things this year’s pre-K families did not. Even if that’s not the case, I can assure you your child is in the best of care and education at DMA. If this years’ families can walk out in June with smiles on their faces and pride in their hearts, imagine what 2021/22 can hold for you and your family!
