Is My 2Yr Old Ready for school?(i.e...steppping Stone)

Hello,
Welcome to Texas! I don't know if your 2 yr old is or is not ready for daycare; but it could just be a big change for her especially since you just moved here from Cali. Don't let her first day make you second guess yourself. I would give it some time before deciding if daycare is right for your 2 yr old. Also, if there are times during the day your girls see eachother, it could make her a little upset and take a little longer to get used to being in school.

Have you tried taking your concerns to your little one's teacher? If she's aware of the situation she may be able to offer different ways to help your daughter feel more secure. Daycare teachers are usually more than willing to work with parents when they are aware of the situation. At least I was. When I worked at a daycare center and would get in a new child, either I or my assistant would spend a little more 1:1 time with that child and 1 or 2 others. The goal was to help get a few friendships started so the new child would be a little more excited about coming to school. I'd also spend a little extra time with the parents during the first week to let them know how the day was going and who their child seemed to be playing well with. That often led to playdates outside of daycare; which REALLY helped the transition to daycare go a little more smoothly.

What about traditons? Do you and your girls have any time in the evening to just sit and share your events of the day together? I'm not sure how talkative your 2 yr old is; but encouraging her to share her day could help remind her how much fun she had during the day. Just thinking out loud.

If by chance the daycare environment is not the right fit for your family, there are many great alternatives such as a montessori school, an in-home daycare center or a nanny share. I know there are several great providers in the RR area. Many offer some kind of pre-school program; which would benefit your 4 yr old and would allow you to keep the girls together.

I hope my response has been helpful to you. Hang in there. It will get better!

Best of luck,
A. W.

OF COURSE!!! And Stepping Stone is a GREAT place to be! (... as long as you can afford it...)

My youngest, about to turn 11, went to SS from 10 months to Kindergarten. She's made lifelong friends (as 'lifelong' as an 11 year can be) that she returned to see over the summers while in elementary school!

I think your 2 year old is ready for school. She sees her big sister doing it so naturally she wants to do it too. My son goes to Stepping Stone School and just graduated to the next class. He was so happy with the transition of getting to be with the "big kids", I on the other hand was nervous since he's now in the 12-18 month class. All his old teachers were there to let him fly and his new teachers were there to greet him with open arms. I've seen the new school Stepping Stone has by IKEA (my favorite place) and it's quite nice. Good luck in your decision, it can be hard letting your little ones grow up!

Yes, your child is ready. She will probably be very happy at pre school. My child also loved Stepping Stone. She loved making friends there and adored her teachers. (I did too).

She was so ready for kindergarten when it was time to attend. She walked right in and was shocked that some of the kids cried when their parents dropped them off. She actually went and took one little girl by the hand and told her she was going to be ok. They are still friends and graduated this last spring!