New School for Oliver

Lost in the shuffle somewhere is the news that Oliver started at a new preschool/daycare in early December. While we liked where he had been going, there was only a single other kid in his class and the new-ish teacher rubbed us the wrong way.  The class he got switched to over the summer (Pre-K, supposedly) had no educational-component and no real schedule of what the kids were doing.  It had become just a daycare, and we weren't a fan (we loved the old class/teacher). Adam & I launched a search for a new school for Oliver while simultaneously scoping out which preschool programs for Alex/Lukas.  The preschool process here in Philly felt very much like we had been transported to the Upper-East side of Manhattan.  The process actually starts in September a full year before programs start.  So, when we started making calls in mid-October for a freak opening that Oliver might be able to snag, we were actually already behind on the process for finding something for Alex/Lukas to start in September 2014.

Beacon, Oliver's new school, is closer to our house, but not exactly around the corner.  Oliver and I now walk (well, most of the time we are running) to the corner of 22nd to catch the bus.  The other bus was on 20th street, and while this doesn't sound like a big different, the new commute means no more dragging a stroller around with us!  The only drawback to Beacon is that because it is more preschool than daycare, the earliest you can drop off is 8am, instead of 7am, which has been a bit of an adjustment for us.  I'm supposed to be at my desk at 7:30am, so this isn't ideal.... Also, since Oliver is no longer just across the street from Adam's office, I'm also handling most pick-ups.

Oliver is still a bit clingy when I drop him off, but seems to really enjoy himself.  I'm happy that he's in a more "normal" preschool environment, which has circle time, show and tell, a holiday show (full of adorableness!) and lots of loving teachers and new friends.



We already heard that Alex/Lukas have been accepted to Beacon as well!  Siblings get priority and when you have twins and dealing with only 20 slots available in the 2yr old class, that definitely was a consideration in which school to enroll Oliver in.  After Labor Day, the two little brothers will be attending Tuesday and Thursday mornings, giving us some extra au pair support those evenings (since she won't be starting work until noon those days).