Enrolled 2 yo DS yesterday!

[heatherweh]

I enrolled DS, who just turned 2, in a Montessori preschool about 40 minutes away. I liked the feel of the place, but it was hard to see how the class will be because they were doing painting and construction so the furniture and stuff was all out of the classroom. Classes will be beginning Sep 8th. The school has been around since 2003. There are 2 classes there, one is for 18 mos-3 years and the other is 3-6 years. The half-day program runs 8:45 to 11:45. If they want me to help with anything, then I might volunteer there (in the other class) 1 day a week. There will be 10 students and 1 teacher and 1 teacher assistant.

I met with the instructor who will be teaching the toddler-age class and she seems nice, interested in DS, has some good ideas, gave me some of the activities that they'll be doing and showed me the 5-year plan for the school.

I asked about how discipline is handled and how she would react to separation anxiety on my son's part. I will be going back before classes begin with my husband to see what it looks like all set up and hopefully ask more questions then specific to the environment. The directress and founder of the school is AMI certified or a graduate or however it is termed. I'm not sure about the teacher of my son's class- is that something I should ask her? I was thinking I should discuss what happens if my son isn't adjusting well and we have to pull him out. I hate to consider that as an option even, but I couldn't keep him in if he was miserable. What is a good timeline to determine that? That is to say, how long of an adjustment period might a toddler need and what things should I be on the lookout for?

Are there any other questions I should ask of the school? TIA.

[MommaSuzi]

I don't have any tips for you- but I just wanted to share in your excitement! My little one is 2 1/2 and starting Montessori in 2 weeks. Our school doesn't have a toddler program though. She'll be in the 3-5 class. They are allowed to take one child under 3 (at least 2 1/2 and potty trained).
I think it will be great for her, but on the other hand I can't believe my baby is starting school! She would be in daycare during the day, so it's not as if another year home with me was an option anyways. I've found toddler daycare to be a bit too chaotic for her and I am hoping the calmer environment of a montessori school will suit her better.

[heatherweh]

Originally Posted by MommaSuzi

I've found toddler daycare to be a bit too chaotic for her and I am hoping the calmer environment of a montessori school will suit her better.

TY! This was my concern too. I'm a SAHM primarily, so we don't need daycare, but I felt like this year was critical for DS. I expect him to make great strides in social and language development there. We had planned on waiting until he was three or four before enrolling him in a preschool, but DS has demonstrated to us that it will be beneficial for him now. I hope that we're right. I feel sort of nervous about it (and excited); just hoping I made the right choice for my little guy!