SHINE

Not sure if after dropping Kelly off to college Andy & I were really ready for this, but Joseph started pre-school this week!  We were the first ones to show up Wednesday morning (really hard to judge traffic with rush hour!) so we stayed and played and talked with his teacher Ms. Katie until some other kids arrived.  Then we told Joseph it was time for school and we would be back soon.  At this point he got up from the kitchen set as we started to walk away and simply said "Wait for me, I'm coming".  So we tried to have the new teacher help distract him with the fish tank but shortly after leaving the room we hear him running down the hall after us (arms flailing in the air!).  I pick him up and immediately start crying (yes a little emotionally unstable still!) and look for Andy - who is already down in the lobby area putting on his shoes (because he is upset too and trying to make the quick exit!)...but he sees me and knows I can't take Joseph back to his room.  So Andy successfully transitions Joseph to the experienced teacher who engages him in a book and we leave.  He has fully loved every day - no issues at drop off since (for him or us!) and totally engaged in playing when it is time to go home!  

 His school is brand new and designed to be integrated special needs/non-special needs and is called SHINE Academy.  Joseph goes for half days 5 days a week (at least this is the base plan.)  His class consists of 4 other kids - ages 2.5 to 4.5.  His teacher is Ms. Katie and seems wonderful.  Let's just say on his first day she sent home an 11 page powerpoint individualized for each child to journal their day (and he is only there for 3 hours!) and each day after has sent multiple pictures along with an email of what he has done & enjoyed.  Friday she let Joseph use her camera and he took 135 pictures for her!

Next week the school is closed on Wednesday already because they are shutting down electricity for the entire building (we just don't ask questions!) but we are thinking we might like this schedule - two days of school, a day off, then two more days.  Not sure we are ready for him to go to school EVERY day or ready to give up the Andy & Joseph time that they have each morning either!

First one in college and last one in pre-school within two weeks of each other...it has been all good (although emotionally exhausting!)