Nursery Hunting

I finally made a first move in looking for a nursery for Lucas. He has been quite bored playing inside our tiny apartment, now that he is in his exploring age. I thought maybe I should send him to a nursery once or twice a week for 3 hours each time. The main purpose is for him to have a varieties of activities and play with someone his age. So, I finally get my butt of the chair and actually do something about it. I visited a neighbourhood nursery, recommended by 2 of my friends. One of the friend's comment was 'No exams, and no homework' and the other commented 'It is a school run buy teachers who have been teaching for 20-30 years and they don't have fancy paper qualification'. I told myself upon hearing this, I need to check this place out.
So, Dominic and myself took Lucas there for a visit. The teacher is of course nice and very frankly told us that parents usually asked her after a month 'So, what have my child learn?'. We were quite stunned to hear that. Are the parents expecting to have the child read A - Z in one month? Our questions were rather 'primitive'.

Us: Do you take kid who is still wearing diapers?
Teacher: Of course. They are so young, what to do expect them to do? We teach potty training here.
Us: How do you keep the children busy?
Teacher: They sing, dance, play in-door with other children, learn to color.
Us: Do they get outdoor activity?
Teacher: Sometimes. Once in a while.

Then, the teacher gave us a tour of the place. There is this dining area which has long table and benches, just like the school canteen but smaller version. There is a TV room where the teacher claimed that the school only allowed TV at 5pm to 5.30pm, while waiting for the parents to pick up the full day children.

So, after the visit, our conclusion is not conclusive. I have my reservations if this nursery thingy will achieve what I have in mind. I wanted a place where Lucas can enjoyed playing - he is bored to be indoor with his toys and what is in the house. He is very excited if we are out or when he is at his grandparents' garden. He is more outdoor. This nursery has hardly any outdoor activity. Then the number of children in the nursery are rather high too. There are about 20 full day care children (8am to 5pm) and about 10 half day (9am to noon). At the peak time, there are 30 children in the nursery, which used to be a house. Rather crammed I would think. Then the story of children getting sick very often once they started nursery comes to my mind. I can imagined why.

Dominic is more optimistic. He said go for the trial class and see if Lucas enjoys it. I am like I think I know he will not like it .....doesn't that sounds like any other mothers!!! Maybe deep inside me, I still want Lucas to be close to me all the time - separation anxiety.