It’s been one year (and a couple weeks) since Hannah has been in daycare and I can say, wholeheartedly, there are no regrets about her being there full-time. The staff loves her and treats her so well, they know when she’s “off” and having a bad day, and they help us work on and reach our Birth to Three goals. The icing on the cake is that the location is incredibly convenient for me, Pete, and Grandma.

First Day of Daycare

One Year Later

A few weeks ago the daycare director called me into her office to discuss whether Hannah should be moved to the next room with the kids her age or kept in her current room with the kids at the same skill level. The director led the discussion with all the disadvantages of Hannah moving to the next room and I walked away from the conversation leaning towards holding her back.

After talking it through with Pete, family, a few friends, and Hannah’s therapist, the “tribe” agreed that Hannah needs to stay with kids her own age. I took all of the ideas and suggestions and had another meeting with the director, and honestly, I was prepared for an argument. Thankfully, she gladly accepted our decision that Hannah should move to the next room. It won’t be until the end of the month when a space opens up, which works out perfectly. Instead of transitioning for a week like the kids usually do, Hannah will have the month to work on a few big girl skills and become acquainted with the toddler room.

Hannah will need to learn to sleep on a cot and give up her pacifier for the big move. We are also trying to get her to use the sippy cup more so that she can give up the afternoon bottle. The facility provides snacks in that room and we’ll need to advise what we feel comfortable giving to Hannah (for example, pretzels are challenging when you only have 5 teeth). Clearly none of these issues are insurmountable or valid reasons to hold Hannah back and the move puts her on the same educational track as the other kids her age.

Immediately after speaking with the director about the big move Hannah was blatantly pushed over by one of the other kids who will also be leaving the room soon. The teachers have all ensured me that Hannah can “hold her own” and developed a death grip to prevent toy theft but I still worry that she’s going to be an easy target and get picked on.