Preschool beginnings

The first day I left my daughter at daycare/preschool was quite traumatic. I had looked quite carefully for just the right program to fit our needs and our budget and one that was as convenient as possible, considering that we lived in one community and I worked in another, and the bus was our only means of transportation. That meant the stroller, the bags and my 2 year old on a bus that only ran every 30 minutes. It meant leaving my girl with strangers and hoping/trusting that they would be as nurturing as they appeared and that she wouldn’t be upset when I said good-bye.

I stayed with her for about 15 minutes, all the while watching her while she sat on “Tessie’s lap.” Tessie was the oldest worker there and, I thought, a very comforting and experienced child care giver. She had her own children and in fact, was a grandmother as I recall. She oozed ease and trust. My daughter seemed to love her right away and went to her immediately after hearing the words “Come to Tessie.” I was so relieved to see that, and was thrilled that I had found this wonderful place with these obviously caring and professional people on staff.

The moment had arrived when I would walk out the door and leave my baby girl there to be cared for by others, outside of our family/our home, for the first time. My apprehension was enormous and my chest was constricting. I said good-bye to her and walked to the street outside and immediately burst into tears. She was fine. No problem at all. Hadn’t even noticed me leaving, it seemed, but I was a wreck. I had been so busy worrying about her and how she would react that it hadn’t occurred to me that it was me who was going to be most affected. It was a definite hurdle to leap over that day, the day my daughter began school and a life and experiences outside of our family and our surroundings.

How important was it? It was enormous for both of us. That day began the natural separation and introduction to the world of social interaction so necessary for a child’s growth and spirit and so necessary for her Mom’s as well. I returned to the adult world of working and interacting with other people and she began the process of self-realization that happens to children when they go to school.

This issue has a special focus on preschool. We hope the articles and the Directory will be helpful to those of you who are sending your child for the first time and who are contemplating your options, and we wish you an easy transition that leaves both you and your child in a comfort zone.

Thanks for reading.

Relevant Directory Listings

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Take the Stage at the Park Slope Day Camp

<p dir="ltr">Take the Stage is a three-week experience for theater artists that offers the experience of creating an original show with friends and performing it. Majors available in Drama, Dance, Music & Stagecraft, Take the Stage blends innovative performing arts activities with traditional day camp including half-day trips & special event theme days in Prospect Park. </p> <p dir="ltr">Take the Stage runs in two 3-week sessions. Performances will be held for PSDC groups on Thursday and for families and friends on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Extended hours and transportation from most Brooklyn neighborhoods available. Options to mix and match with Traditional Camp and Sports Academy.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a4a05926-7fff-16fe-65b7-8086d8c0b59f">For campers entering Grades 1 - 8.</span></p> <p><strong><span id="docs-internal-guid-a4a05926-7fff-16fe-65b7-8086d8c0b59f">Register while discounts are at their highest.</span></strong></p>

Marks JCH Summer Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">About Us: Marks JCH of Bensonhurst offers age-appropriate and stimulating experience for all campers. The mission of the JCH is to be a center of community life in Brooklyn, rooted in Jewish values and fostering an inclusive environment. Camp is an embodiment of that mission: it fosters positive relationships, encourages new experiences, and creates lasting friendships where all are welcome. Developed and led by a group of professional instructors, educators, and parents, JCH Camp is a combination of hands-on activities, instructional swim, and exciting trips – all of which nurture growth and foster child’s development. JCH always puts safety of the community first and is looking forward to providing a high-quality camp experience this summer — out in nature, and off screens. The doors of the “J” are always open – please visit JCH website at www.jchcamp.com</span></p>

World of Discovery Day Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Over 30 Years of Summer Day Camp Fun & Excitement in Bayside, Queens! For kids ages 4 to 15. </span></p> <p class="gmail-style4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" align="left"><strong>An Adventure A Day... </strong></p> <p class="gmail-style4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">At World of Discovery Summer Day Camp of Bayside, Queens, NY summertime is a season for children to expand their horizons, explore new territories, and discover new and exciting things about themselves.</p> <p class="gmail-style4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Whether the children are enrolled in the Discovery Sports Academy or the Discovery Summer Day Camp, they build new skills, discover new things, make new friends, and realize a new found confidence.</p> <p> </p> <p class="gmail-style4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Through our structured programming, campers are encouraged to participate and excel in those activities that interest them the most. Both group and individual instruction is offered, and children are generally grouped according to age. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are the cornerstones of all World of Discovery Summer Day Camp programming.</p>