...no pressure at all, right?
When I hugged and kissed my daughter goodbye at drop off on her very first day at Pearson, I felt like my heart could break in half. She had never been in any care outside of my home, and I'd never left her with anyone other than family - and suddenly, I was walking out the classroom door without her, leaving her with new friends and teachers I barely knew. My stomach was completely in knots as I cheerfully assured my sweet, only somewhat hesitant girl that I'd be back soon, smiling and waving to her as I left the classroom. Naturally, I promptly hid in the cubby area in order to spy on her for a few minutes longer.
What I saw through the hall window warmed my heart and was the exact reassurance that I needed. My daughter was standing in the centre of the room, checking out her new surroundings and eyeing the paint station. While I watched to see if she'd look for me or cry, Mrs. Owen walked up to her with a big smile and encouraged her to get started on a painting. I could see my daughter smile back and say something shyly, and Mrs. Owen sat beside her and engaged her in conversation. I watched her paint for a few minutes, Mrs. Owen by her side, and saw that she was happy. She was comfortable, she was enjoying herself, and she was going to be fine. Later, I would understand that she would be so much for than fine - she would grow to love everything about Pearson, from the toys and activities to field trips and snack and above all, her teachers and friends. It would become a second home to her, and a favourite place to be.
We have been so lucky that our daughter's education started at Pearson, and I am so thankful to the teaching staff of Fiona, Johanna and Allison for being such a nurturing, positive presence in my child's life. You have contributed to her emotional and cognitive development, to her love of music and playing outdoors, to her confidence, and to her sense of fun. I know I speak for all Pearson parents when I say thank you for all that you do for our children and our families - you truly are the best, and you are appreciated more than you could know. How lucky we are to have found this school and this wonderful community - you have exceeded expectations and made a lasting impact in our children's lives.
Here are some testimonials that other current Pearson parents have shared:
"We have always heard about what a wonderful nursery school Pearson Co-op is. I'm very happy to report that Pearson has lived up to it's reputation! I was a little worried about the transition to a new place but our son LOVES going to nursery school. The staff are so warm and welcoming, the room is so bright and fun, and the activities he does are both educational and exciting for him - perfectly catered to his age and abilities. We couldn't be happier with our choice to send him to Pearson Co-op Nursery School. We have already enrolled our second for the program in the fall. Such a safe and happy place for our children to learn!"
"Our daughter has been excited to attend school every since her first day at Pearson Co-op! The environment is safe, accommodating to all of her interests and most important, the staff are enthusiastic with the children as priority. Additionally said, very caring and professional at the same time! The classroom time spent has an excellent balance of fun play-creative time, along with education specific to her age of development! Confidently said, very strong recommendations to anyone considering registering their child into Pearson! Thanks to the staff, Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Mackay and Mrs. Wielhouwer for a GREAT first experience to her educational years!"
As the school year ends, we say thank you to these teachers one more time and then farewell, see you soon - some of us will be back with returning preschoolers or younger siblings, and others will drop in to say hello, but it's surely not goodbye. And with that, best wishes to teachers, parents and children alike for a safe and happy summer - we'll see you again!
