For many months Jason and I have been discussing the idea of sending AJ to an actual daycare. We absolutely LOVE his current babysitter, Jamie, but we feel like AJ could really use some structure and would just thrive in more of a school setting. Jamie has been so wonderful and so consistent and loving and exactly what AJ needed during a tough time in his life (all of our lives, actually). AJ just loves her and loves playing with all of his buddies- Luke, Sophie, Sam, Jack, Abby and all the other kids. I know he will miss them all so much!
That being said, Jason and I have finally decided it's time to make the change. A few weeks ago, all three of us went to check out a school (I call it school, but I suppose it's more of a daycare/preschool) called Castle Academy. It's right in the center of Castle Rock- convenient for all of us. We both have friends who've sent their children there and have been very happy. It's a family run school and they've been in business for 11 years. They have programs for children from 6 weeks old up to after school programs for elementary aged children. Here's just a bit of info from their website:
The children are introduced to a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacher-directed and child-directed experiences. The daily schedule includes free choice of time spent in the learning centers with language arts, math, science, computers, practical life, etc. and group times for creative movement, music, storytelling and dramatization.
Our professional staff encourages exploration and growth in a well-equipped environment that is stimulating, safe, consistent and nurturing. Castle Academy provides opportunities for each child to master tasks that are appropriate to his or her individual level of development.
Castle Academy is a Montessori preschool, but when we went for the visit, I saw that they don't just let the kids run around like crazy and make all the decisions. They offer the kids structure and choices, and let them learn at their own pace. I know AJ could use some structure, but I also want him to think and make decisions for himself. What really pushed me over the edge in making this decision was that AJ really enjoyed himself on the visit. He started playing with these 2 little boys and was interested in all that was going on. Some kids were doing art, some doing math, some reading- it looked like a lot of fun! I really think he's going to do great!
AJ will start going to Castle Academy on August 8th and he'll go Monday thru Thursday and then Grandma will still have him for one day a week, on Fridays. The school is open from 6am-6pm which I hope to NEVER have him there that long, but it's nice to be able to have that flexibility when we need it. Another great thing is that they have cameras in all of the rooms and we can log in online to watch him play.
It's bittersweet I tell ya! I can't believe he's getting SO BIG! When did this happen??
I'll keep ya posted :)
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