As much as the main focus of Everything Erica is food, every single day, I get questions from you all about Elia. Specifically, what classes she is enrolled in, where she will go to preschool and what her child care situation is.
Today, I’m opening up about ALL of it.
I want to take you back to the beginning (since I think it will be really helpful to provide context) and start at age 4 months. Up until that point, I was home with Elia full-time while (trying) to work. What got me through that time was taking Elia to classes at Bubbles Academy. We absolutely loved the Babies Music Class there! Well, she didn’t know she loved it at the time, but Mommy sure loved the mental break. It’s perfect for ages 2-6 months and was a great way to break up my day as a stay-at-home Mom. Once we made the decision to hire a nanny, I felt so comfortable knowing my daughter had her routine down with Bubbles (they offered this class 4 out of the 5 days) and there would be some level of consistency in her life.
As a quick side-note for new parents, I also wanted to highlight the fact that Bubbles now offers a really cool new program called, “4th Trimester Village“. This was the program I NEEDED as a new Mom (so sad I missed the boat). It meets once a week and they bring in expert guests on topics like sleep, feeding, car seat safety, self care, mom health, as well as unique bonding experiences like baby’s first music class, sensory art, and mom & baby yoga.
Once Elia started crawling at about 8 months, we had her in the Crawlers Music Class and from there, the walkers. Most of these classes are all the same in context (music & education), but the philosophy behind them helps develop their unique skill set during that age range. For me, as much as I loved the classes, what I loved even more was the bond Elia was creating with these teachers and the affinity I saw growing in her eyes every time we walked into the school
Now, let’s get to the reason you’re here…Preschool! Back when I was growing up, your parents basically picked your school, dropped you off, you cried a bunch and a few days later, you were acclimated. For me, there was something about just leaving my child and letting her “acclimate” that completely freaked me out. Call me a crazy mom. I realized it is probably more for me than her, and that’s OK! I knew she would have been fine, but I was hoping to find a more gentle option.
Low and behold, Bubbles Academy has a gentle Preschool Prep program and it’s INCREDIBLE.
The day Elia turned 18 months, we enrolled her in the “Grown Up and Me Class”. This class is very similar to a traditional Preschool class, but the parent or caregiver actually goes with them. It’s really awesome because they have a chance to get used to the classroom/curriculum and you have a chance to see what’s going to go on every day. This class is good for kids ages 18-months to 36 months, however we “graduated” out of it in about 6 months and started Elia on the next level at 2 years old.
The next step in the Preschool Prep process for us was Bubble’s Academy Early Independence class. This is a VERY similar class to the Grown Up and Me, but the care givers sit along the side of the room. I remember the first few classes, Elia would run over to me and stand by me (my biggest fear), but within just a couple of weeks, she almost forgot I was there. I loved this so much because it truly felt like being a fly on the wall and watching your child develop. We stuck around here for another 6 months and then headed to the last prep class level.
“Gentle Separation” is the final level in the Bubbles Academy Preschool Prep program. This class is exactly like the Early Independence Class except the parents leave the classroom (but stay in the building). I remember the day we left Elia for the first time, my heart was in my stomach. She didn’t even think twice about it. She ran into the class and had no idea I wasn’t there. She was so used to the school, the teachers, the curriculum that she just felt right at home. It was a huge relief and the most fun and gentle way to ease both of us into this process.
Elia is now currently enrolled in three days of Gentle Separation and two days of the 2s Preschool. Starting in the summer, I’ll be sending her to Bubbles Academy for 5 days a week at their 3s Preschool. It’s SO exciting.
In addition to the Preschool and Prep classes she took, I also had Elia enrolled in SO many other classes. They have a reasonable package where you can get an unlimited amount of music/movement classes. We did everything from Ballet to Art and even tried a Tap Dance Class. It also gives you access to unlimited Open Play which is a total life saver when you want to get out of the house (but it’s too cold in Chicago to be outside). All in all, Bubbles Academy has been a one-stop shop for all Elia’s educational AND recreational endeavors.
As a parent, you just want the best for your kids. You want to help them choose the right path and I just hope this blog post can help you find an educational track that is right for you and your family!
Love always,
Erica
Congratulations to Bubbles Academy! I agree with all of Erica’s comments. I took my granddaughter to all of Bubbles classes, and she is now enrolled in their preschool five days a week. I am amazed with all she knows and is able to do, having participated in this arts-integrated, play-based culture since birth!
I use Pearachute Kids and literally, a couple of minutes ago, I signed my son up for the Grown Up and me class!! It must be meant to be! Thanks for the information!!!