Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Decision Dilemma; What I'm Thinking About Right Now

Since Amelie's 5th birthday comes a few months after the kindergarten cut-off, she will be attending preschool again this fall.
I was hoping to get her into something more structured, more school-like, a few more days a week but not necessarily a longer day.
The preschool I've had my eye on, for a year now, is just a few blocks away (easy walking distance to the park and Mr. Wonderful's current employ), is housed in a church and has great recommendations.
It is also super expensive.
Like more than twice as expensive than the public pre-school for my township--which is also *close* but, I don't know of anyone who has sent their kids there and I'd like to send Amelie to a church-related school because, I believe very strongly in Christian education.
I've also been looking into homeschooling Amels for pre-k...Honestly though, I'm not super disciplined and I think it would be better for her to get out and take direction from others.
Why am I blogging about this in January?
Well, the prime preschool candidate is sending out registration this week-which must be returned immediately because it is difficult to get into.
So Mr. Wonderful and I are trying to decide if Christian preschool is "worth" the huge financial burden it will entail or if we're ok with sending her somewhere not so high on the list.
I dislike decisions.
They're so decide-y.
And they hurt my brain.
Especially when there isn't a wrong answer--just maybe a "right-er" one.
The end.

9 comments:

GinnyBerry said...

I teach first grade, but I've been a preschool director in the past.

I suggest that you go and visit both of the schools if you haven't already done so. Also, I see if you can find out about the teacher's experience and educational backgrounds.

GBerry

GinnyBerry said...

I teach first grade, but I've been a preschool director in the past.

I suggest that you go and visit both of the schools if you haven't already done so. Also, I see if you can find out about the teacher's experience and educational backgrounds.

GBerry

Julie said...

Shelly-
God is big enough that if He wants A to go to a Christian pre-k program, he will do one of two things:

provide financially to offset the cost of the one you're looking at
-OR-
show you a different one that is just as good in an acceptable price range.

Praying for you - stepping out on a financial limb IS tough...but just think of how much A would benefit!

BluSkies80 said...

it is a tough decision-i won't even tell you the cost of where i want to send hannah girl-i believe it's worth it though but not sure where the money is going to come from-i too strongly belive in christian education hence dan being at baptist high-i've heard a saying and i guess it has truth to it, "you have money for what you want to have money for." of course that's easier to listen to then to do, i always look at it as always being able to cut something out, you know those few extras that we have have=) God always provides! you're right there is no "wrong" decision just what you feel is best for your little girl. i agree w/ julie-vist both and look at both curriculums, do a pro and con list for both.

Pamela said...

It is *JUST* preschool.

That being said, does the church one offer some sort of scholarship, or voluteering at the school for money off the tuition program? They might be interested in your webby and computer skills in trade for some tuition assistance. And it might not have occurred to them that they are in desperate need of you. So ask.

I have a list of things 3, 4, and 5 year-olds should be able to do, I'll see if I can dig it up and send it to you. You might be surprised at how your girl compares to the average child. And if she's socially competent and has mastered the skills? Blow off preschool and find some friends to play with. She'll be in school for at least another 13-17 years without it. And that's a lot.

Pamela said...

I did send Olivia, but it was really a waste. Jack wanted out after a month because it wasn't fun for him, so we pulled him. And Henry and the unnamed one? Probably won't send them unless they have issues.

(Just in case you were wondering what we did/are doing with our team. Not necessary to publish the comment if you don't want to. Probably should have emailed you... Novella ended.)

Devin said...

I am struggling with these same sort of decisions right now. It is so hard, and this sounds so trite (but I mean it in the most sincere of ways) but I would say to pray fervently about this. I believe that God will give you a peace about where A should go; and if he wants her in that Christian school, he will provide a way.

The thing that can be so hard sometimes is that something else may need to get cut from the budget in order to have her there.

I struggle with the idea that "you have money for what you want to have money for." In our case, it really isn't like that. We can pay for necessities, but beyond that almost every "extra" is tough. That is one of the main reasons we are considering homeschooling. I would much like to send all 3 of our boys to our local C/school--the one I went to growing up--but that cost would come to just over $10,000 per year.

We have a bit of extra money to play with here and there--but not $10,000 worth. We can cut some things from our budget--but not that much.

See where I am going? Hence, the reason why I am struggling with you. I too believe in C/education...but I just don't see a way we could do it, unless God opened some large financial doors. Which I believe He could DO, by the way.

I will be praying for you on this one Shelly. I know what a tough decision it is.

Dawn said...

Being a long time homeschooling mom, I of course would lean towards you keeping her home. Preschool does not have to be structured. Children of this age learn through play. Everything they do they are learning. I think kids these days are "too schooled" and don't have enough time to just be kids. JMHO

Sheri said...

believe it or not, I am struggling with almost the same thing,,,Sammy turns 3 in a few weeks and we have a big mtg with the school district.....because of his needs I am leaning towards the school district( verus going out on my own), but I definitely want to visit it, and will re- visit the issue in the fall....I suppose our situation is slightly different because of some special needs, but non- the less, its hard....