Finding the Right PreSchool

Here is my first big mission for the year! With Miley turning 3 next month, I think it's time for her to try going to school this year.

Actually, some of her (same age) friends have already begun last year, doing toddler or pre-nursery classes. Personally, I feel like 2 is just too young, especially since I'm sure they'll just spend most of the time playing (which they can do at home anyways). It's really more of the exposure to other kids that's important. Actually, Miley has already tried playschool once before, in Toddlers Unlimited. We had fun but since I'm a stay-at-home mom, there was really no pressure on our part to enroll Miley in full classes so early on. However, Miley has continued to be super shy around people (in fact I think it's gotten worse!), and we want to try putting her in school so she'll break out of her shell and learn to interact more.

I've started to do research and was surprised to find out that this K-12 system (Kinder plus Grade 1 through 12) has already been put in effect. The age cut-offs have been really confusing me too. Basically, Kinder starts at 5 years old, Grade 1 at 6 years old, and so on, until Grade 12 at 17 years old. So it's really basically the same (at least for those who have Grade 7 in their schools) - they just changed Prep with Grade 1 (gets?).

Anyway, based on Miley's age, she will be able to enter big school in 2015 for Kinder. For now, she still has to attend 2 years of nursery. My gosh, ang daming levels! And the tuition fees are no joke! If we don't enter her naman this year, our fear is that she will have a hard time adjusting later on. So, it's really just wanting her to get a feel of things and being exposed to more kids her age.

For now, I've been spending all day and night checking out the websites of different schools, reading parenting forums and comparing reviews from fellow moms. What I'm looking for is convenience in location, teaching method, good facilities, teacher/student ratio, and of course a reasonable tuition fee! ;p

I've narrowed it down to about 4 and I've already scheduled a school tour and a trial class in some preschools near our area. I feel like even if everything looks good on paper, you won't really know if that school may be the "one" unless you meet the teachers and see your child in that environment.

Anyway, Just thinking about the fact that Miley will already go to school in June is already making me and hubby anxious. Our little girl is growing up so fast! :(

Miley's 1st playschool experience

Yesterday, we went to Toddlers Unlimited in Makati for Miley's very first time in playschool. And what a fun day it was!

Miley was assigned to the yellow classroom

Miley was a bit shy when we got there. She didn't want to let go of me at first, but after a while, we were able to quietly sneak outside the classroom when she was busy playing. She cried for a bit when she realized we were gone, so I had to go back inside. =)

singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

After some activities inside the classroom, everyone was brought out to the Romp Area. According to their website, Romp Play Time is an important part of the day that is designed to get children involved in games or activities that help them develop their gross motor skills.

Miley super enjoyed the slide

playing basketball

playing house

all the parents watching and taking pictures (parang zoo haha!)

Miley had so much fun during the Romp Play Time that we were able to stay outside while she interacted and played with the other kids and the teachers. She would sometimes look for us, then we'd duck behind the wall so she wouldn't see us and start crying.

After Romp Play Time, the kids were all brought back to the classroom for snacks. We actually forgot to bring Miley's favorite Sumo cookies so Vins had to rush out and buy some at 7-Eleven! haha!

After snacks, while the teacher was reading a book, Miley went to the back to try on some clothes (mana talaga sa mommy).

showing teacher her outfit and hat

knocked-out!

It was so funny, I was the one who was so excited and nervous that it felt like it was my first day of school! Gosh, I wonder how I'll be when it's time for Miley to go to real school already? Anyway, I loved the fact that Miley was able to adjust so well. She only cried a little, but then she'd be okay when the teacher would come and comfort her. We had so much fun that we're considering enrolling her in more classes.

Btw, this class was c/o the voucher I got from CashCashPinoy and there was no problem whatsoever in claiming it. I just called ahead for reservation and that was it. =)