On Friday morning I took Addison to the Halloween Party at her school, she had a lot of fun off and on (she is teething 4 molars right now, so her mood changes quick!). We started off by going trick or treating to the different rooms, I think all the kids were a little young for this activity because it turned out to be all 3 teachers scrambling to keep 8 12-24 month olds together. I was the only parent there at the time and I was exhausted trying to keep up with my own kid! God bless those workers...
After the trick or treating attempt (we ended it early), we went outside to collect a pumpkin with candy corns in it. Addison immediately took all the candy out of her pumpkin and started eating the sugary delight.
Our sweet little cheerleader could have really used some cheer when they decided to take a class picture...
They we all went inside and played together, it was fun watching Addison play with her new friends.
Overall I think she had a good time, she was a little clingy during the party, but I think that had to do more with teething pain than anything else. I do have a new found respect for the preschool workers, I was totally exhausted after 1.5 hours in her class and I only managed one child! I can only imagine what they feel like at the end of the day.
Addison has been in in-home care since she was 5 months old. Shirley took excellent care of her and honestly loved her like she was her own. When Addison was about to turn 15 months I started looking for a school to enroll Addison. I felt like she was ready for more kid interaction and a more structured play time. Plus, with McKenna's arrival just around the corner, I wanted to get her adjusted to her new environment before I rock her world with a new baby in the house.
Most of the preschools do not take 15 month olds and the ones that do were full with a waiting list. Bright Star Academy just opened 5 minutes from our house and they have a part time program. I went in to tour the school and it was perfect! One of the great debates when looking for a preschool is a play school vs. a educational school. I think Bright Star has a curriculum with a good balance of both.
Addison has been going to school for 2 weeks, the first day was pretty horrible because it was the first time since she was 8 weeks that I have left her with "strangers". They were very attentive to her needs and said it was normal behavior. Now she cries for a few minutes when I leave, but her days are getting better. They even got her to take a nap on a cot, which totally amazed me!
If you are looking for a daycare or preschool in the Cedar Park / Leander area, I would recommend Bright Star Academy, you can visit their website here. 
