Wow, is it ever beautiful. Much, much nicer than our current daycare, for which we pay approximately the same price. That's New York for you. The teachers seem engaged and friendly, and THEY PROVIDE LUNCH AND ALL SNACKS! YES!!!!!!!!! (I just want to note that we pay for this daycare ourselves. It is not paid for by State. )
As we were taking a tour, I kind of wanted to pinch myself. I can't believe this is happening. Being able to send them to such a beautiful and (hopefully) excellent daycare/preschool, right next to my workplace, is a real gift.
A piece of me felt a little sad, though, at all the upheaval they are about to experience. M will be at this school for a maximum of eight months, as he'll be starting Kindergarten next fall. And of course, it could be a much shorter stay if we leave for post earlier. Moving to VA/MD makes sense to him, since his grandparents live here and we come here all the time. What comes after is going to be a lot more confusing.
The impact of this choice on my kids is certainly something I've thought a lot about. Obviously, since we're doing this, I believe the benefits of seeing the world, learning new languages, becoming a global citizen outweight the disadvantage of moving frequently. But that doesn't mean it will be easy. Just wanted to keep sharing my thoughts as they come.
P.S. here are some photos of the FSI daycare. If anyone sees any reason why these should not be posted, please let me know (the child in picture #2 is my own). By the way, I used to be able to upload the photos so that you can click on them and they will appear larger. For some reason, I can't anymore. I can't remember how I used to do it differently. If you have any ideas, let me know!
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| 4 year old room |
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| I can't remember exactly but think this is the 2yo room, which is attached to the 4yo room by a bathroom. |
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| 2yo room. I'm not sure if 3s are here too. Honestly, I was too dazzled by the facility to ask many intelligent questions. |
11 comments:
I am so happy to hear your thoughts on the FSI childcare center. We opted not to use them when we were there because they were remodeling and we felt like things were a little hectic there, but many of our friends used it and were really happy. It sounds like the remodel is done! Great news! We are thinking of going ahead and putting Sam (our youngest) on the waiting list to start next November...but we are also considering the place we used before. Our oldest will be starting kindergarten too. Seems so far and yet closer and closer. Part of the process as a mom I guess - I feel like I am constantly thinking months and months in advance.
It's amazing how flexible kids in this nomadic lifestyle can be. I don't have experience with the FSI daycare but do know that it has an excellent reputation. I think you'll find, as the kids get older, that they seem to roll along with this life even better than we adults do. There are 2 books that I've found helpful over the last few years (I bet you've already heard of them too..). Third Culture Kids (David Pollock) and also Culture Shock: A Parent's Guide (Robin Pascoe).
So happy for your family to be moving forward with what you've been waiting and hoping for! Yea!
NKL
Yes, it is easy to be conflicted about, well, everything! I still feel that way. Do we want our girls to really feel like Americans or do we want them to be as you said "global citizens"? I think we are shooting for both!
Let me be real ... it won't be easy. BUT, it'll be worth it.
And your kids will adjust JUST fine. They may need an extra cuddle here and there. But they'll be fine.
You on the other hand ... may need a tad extra caffeine, or a cocktail. Maybe both. And a friend or two to enjoy it with!
Congrats again!
The childcare center looks great.
I feel worried for you though. It's going to be really hard on you, being alone, with two kids, going through training, researching the bid list, trying to "bond" with classmates at happy hours, etc. It's too bad your husband can't be there with you to take part in all the new FSO/EFM razzmatazz.
thanks for the thoughtful comments everyone! We will just do our best and see how it all turns out. Thanks for the reminder, Naoma, it's time to order some books! They have been in my wish list on Amazon for months now!
ITMTG- we are pursuing other options so that my husband can be there with us (aka, he finds a job in DC). But we'll be alright. My mom and pop live there and are amazingly helpful. I plan to attend a few happy hours if I can, but I think I'll manage to bond w my classmates regardless- in fact, I already have. But it is one reason we wanted to live at Falls Church- lots of community. We'll make it work. I really appreciate the concern, though, and I will surely share my challenges here. But in the end, this is a good problem to have and I am grateful for the chance we've been given.
Thanks so much for sharing your visit to the FSI childcare center. I will be sending my son there in a little over a week and since we're still in Michigan, it's nice to hear about it remotely. Glad you liked it. Having your parents in DC will definitely make it easier for you and your children - no need to worry!
Intl Librarian- I was hoping the photos would be helpful to some distant parents who weren't able to get a first-hand look yet. So glad. Safe trip!!
Agreed, Intl Librarian - though not in A-100 yet, (nor even on the register), I was VERY curious about the daycare/preschool options for my youngest. Thanks Bfiles for the pics!
I also hope for Oakwood Falls Church (providing we make to D.C. eventually) and I could possibly be doing the single-mom thing temporarily also, so I would love to know how it all goes for you when you get there!
(Yup - see you on the A100 boards!)
Hi! I have experience with the FSI daycare. My daughter has been there for several months. She LOVES it - although I believe she's quite a bit younger than your kids.
You're welcome to email me about the daycare and about A100 mommy stress. My situation wasn't exactly like yours but I'd be happy to listen, etc. I think you should be able to send me an email through my profile?
We're also at Falls Church - although we're moving to a different Oakwood but not because we dislike Falls Church. Just a situational thing.
Thank you for posting these. I just got on the register and am DNC until our second child is due. But already trying to figure out childcare for our 4 year old and baby in fall in case I do get an offer. All I had to go off of for a while was calling the daycare. I am happy to see it and read the comments. I hope everyone is adjusting just fine. My husband will most likely stay here during training so we'll be in the same boat. I may need a nanny.
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