Today was Ashley's Preschool Orientation

Today was Ashley's first day of preschool. It was an orientation both for her and us (the parents) to get to know the teacher, the classroom, and learn about the program in general. This program takes place at our High School. There's a lead teacher and student teachers. There's a 1:1 ratio between student teachers and preschoolers. We've heart excellent reviews from everyone who's ever attended the program, so we've been excited for her to join!

Ashley, on the other hand, is not as excited. It's been a little rough for us trying to convince her that she's going to like school. She's very attached to me and is perfectly happy hanging out at home with Katelyn and Indira, but we feel that time has come for her to do her own thing, and learn to socialize with kids her age a little better.

We've tried to do everything possible to help her get ready for this big day, we've read books about school, watched TV shows, bought her a back back and a new outfit, and helped her get her stuff packed this morning.

This morning she put on her lilac pony outfit, and got her backpack ready. I assured her that I won't leave her there today. We drove to school, found the classroom, and as expected, she was my little cling on for the first half hour.. The student teachers tried really hard to get her to join the kids, while the adults were listening to the teacher explain how the program works, but she didn't want to go.
We managed to get her to sit in her chair and participate. Today they decorated backpacks to carry their stuff to school in, and make a little keepsake for first day of school. She kind of eased into it, but refused to wash her hands and have a snack when the time came. Overall, I think it went better then expected, now the real deal begins Monday, when we drop her off, turn around and leave. The program is four days a week, but only two hours, from 11-1. At this stage in the game I think it's perfect for Ashley. Keep our fingers crossed that she makes new friends and likes going there :)

Here are some pictures:

In the morning before we left the house:
She decided to bring her little kitty cat with her. We'll have to make sure we put him into her backpack next time, so that she's not holding it..


Doing a craft with student teacher's help: