Best Laid Plans

Mother's Day Out programs are big around here. Generally they are run by local churches in town, and are two days a week and run from 9 am - 2 pm. Most of them follow the school calendar, however there are a couple in town that run all year long. I had the brilliant idea last spring that I would sign Abby up for MDO at a year round place so that during this summer I could have Tuesdays and Thursdays with just Cooper. I had a recommendation from a friend that had sent one of her children to this particular MDO and was really happy with the program. Earlier in the spring Abby and I visited the MDO and got to know the director and teachers, everything was pleasant. I was also assuming that she would be walking around 12 months, which as you know, did not happen. My summer plans had to change to plan on both Cooper and Abby with me all day every day. So far that's been great, but I would love to have a little time with just Cooper before he starts kindergarten.

Now that she's a full fledged walker I called up the MDO where she was registered and on the list to let them know she was ready. I asked if they were ready for her and had space, etc. The director said sure, bring her in! I wanted to phase her in slowly, so the plan was that I would drop her off at 9 and pick her up at 11:30- right after lunch. The director said she would let the class teacher know. Fast forward to this morning- what should have been Abby's first day. Cooper, Abby and I were in the car, bags packed and on our way. We get to the church and go in to find her room. I was expecting a warm welcome..... not so much. Apparently the director is on vacation (why didn't she tell me this when we talked??) as is the main class teacher (again, this would have been important to know when we spoke!). The assistant teacher was there with two college age helpers and said she had no idea that Abby was supposed to start today! Then she said she wasn't comfortable with her starting while the main teacher was gone. I tried to explain that I had talked to the director already and everything was in place, but clearly it wasn't registering with her. She left to talk to the interim director. I stood there awkwardly with Cooper and Abby as other kids were getting dropped off. Abby was reaching through the gated area to try and reach the toys and play. Finally the assistant teacher and interim director came back and said they weren't comfortable with Abby starting today because she is not walking. Excuse me? I just told you she was walking, and you can see that she is walking. I explained again that she was walking, but by then my mind was made up. There is NO WAY I would ever feel comfortable leaving my child at a place so clearly disorganized and that can't deal with their miscommunications between the director and her classes. Absolutely no way. If THIS is the first impression, we are in for a bad experience if we were to continue. First, I think the director should have let me know that both she and the main teacher for Abby's age class were on vacation. I would have had no problem waiting until later to have her start. Second, the uncomfortable and awkward situation in the class this morning was totally unacceptable. Also, why is the assistant teacher uncomfortable with a new child starting? There were two helpers, and if she is incapable of a new child starting, why is she working there? If this is how it is there, I am glad to know that now rather than after Abby has been there a while and gotten to know the other children her age. We got out of there ASAP and I left a voice mail message with the director to call me as soon as she is back from her vacation. I want my deposit back! I will find a MDO for Abby eventually, but there's no rush. We have already made it through most of the summer all together so we may as well enjoy the rest of it together too!

On a totally unrelated note, I have to say that Cooper, Abby and I went to Target yesterday and have every item on his back to school list. It's purchased, labeled- down the last crayon and folder, and packed in his backpack! I'm glad to know that my love of school supplies and new crayons, pencils, folders, and notebooks has been passed down to Cooper! He loved it and had to go through his backpack to show Ben everything yesterday. I'm so happy for him that he's so excited to start kindergarten!