Off To Preschool We Go!

Ever since Aidan became potty trained we've been looking for a preschool for him. He's three and it's time for him to go. So, we toured a couple and I found one I really liked. It was the Montessori preschool in Oakville. It was also $300+ a month. After reviewing the budget it soon became apparent that it was going to be too expensive. As much as I really liked that school, it just wasn't feasible right now. Especially after talking to some friends and finding out how much they pay for preschool a month. So, I decided to tour the preschool at the YMCA in South County. Aidan has a friend that goes there and I knew their rate was more in our price range. (Like half the cost of the Montessori school.) After having a 30 minute conversation with the director I scheduled a tour for Friday. Their program is 9a-12p, they get to take advantage of the kid's pool, the toddler gym and bounce houses. Their teachers seemed nice and Aidan started playing as soon as we got there. He cried when we had to leave too. So I filled out all the paperwork and paid the registration fee. He starts Wednesday. I hope that this will be a good fit for him. And of course I'm a little worried because it's his first time going to school or being away from me like this. And because it wasn't my first choice, I think I'm a little more nervous. There are a few things that I'm concerned about like that they don't have little kid sized potties like the other preschools do. And that he can't bring toys from home so no Tigger, unlike the other preschools. I'm a little worried that he won't get help in the bathroom if he needs it. I guess that's normal stuff to worry about. I just want him to be successful and to have fun. But it's only 3 hours so I shouldn't worry too much. (He can hold it 3 hours anyway. Heck, he held it all the way up to Iowa last time we drove.) I think I would feel more comfortable if I was sending him to the place I felt I handpicked and thought was the best opportunity out there, not just the best for what I can afford. This is his first experience with school and structured education. I want him to get off on the right foot and to like school since this is the foundation for future learning. I'm probably over thinking this. Either way, I've told myself that if he doesn't like it or it isn't the place for him then next year we can send him to Montessori. Wish us both luck. I'm not sure who's going to need it more, him or me. :)