She’s a (Pre) Pre-School Graduate

Last fall Harlan started her journey into preschool. Here in NYC the preschool process is crazy. Most of the toddlers are expected to attend preschool around the age of two. It’s said to be their gateway into an Ivy League school. The better the preschool you go to, the better ongoing school you get into and then ultimately the better college.

Being from Florida, I’m not so sure I believe all the hype, but we still went through the entire preschool process. Unfortunately Harlan was born a day after the “cut off” date for entering preschool last year. I still wanted her to experience a preschool like setting for the year, so when I heard about Kidville University (KVU,) a preschool alternative, I immediately signed her up.

I was so excited for her to start because it was going to be her first class that I was not with her and she could finally flourish on her own, without my help. There are times that I think she holds herself back when I am around, so without me there, she wouldn’t have to worry about what I think (yes, at 2 years old she is already like that.)

What Harlan gained while at KVU far exceeded any of my expectations. There are many times that I was happy she was going because I could get two hours to myself for the day (it’s selfish, I know.) But what I learned was that Harlan was getting far more out of those two hours than I could have ever gotten or even imagined.

My shy little girl turned into an outgoing big girl, full of life and personality. KVU definitely allowed Harlan to come out of her shell. From the second we walked into the classroom together, she was ready to experience class with her teachers and classmates.

KVU not only became part of our weekly routine, but it was something that Harlan looked forward to all the time.  Her first question when we got up in the morning, regardless of the day, was if she is going to school to see her teachers. Although school is now over, she continues to talk about her teachers, classmates, and all of the exciting things she did in class.

One of the many things that Harlan gained from preschool this year (and one that I was especially thrilled about) was potty training. Many of her classmates were using the potty and Harlan saw that. She loved seeing her teachers get excited when others used the potty, so Harlan decided to try it herself. We went to school in panties one day and haven’t looked back since.

More important than potty training, KVU helped Harlan gain independence. It set the stage for our “real” NYC preschool experience in the fall. As we were going through the preschool process, so much emphasis was put on separation. So many schools have a phase in program so that the kids get used to separating from their parents. I don’t have to worry about it, because Harlan has such a positive experience from KVU.

Harlan is now a very proud graduate of KVU. To my surprise, her last day of school was a bit emotional for me. She made so many new friends throughout the year and I loved watching how happy she was as I peered through the window each day, I’m sad to see it over.

Overall, KVU has exceeded my expectations. Harlan has grown from this little girl who didn’t want to leave my side into an independent toddler that can’t wait to get to school everyday.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I am Kidville Blog Ambassador. All opinions expressed are my own. Most importantly, we REALLY love Kidville.