Dropping Off Your Little Ones at School: Some Sage Advice

First day drop off jitters? Our own Mrs. Stevens gives her perspective on drop off.

As a preschool teacher and a mother I know how hard it is to drop your baby off at preschool that first day! I have worked with children in some way since I was a teenager so everyone thought when I had my own kids it would be "old hat". Well that couldn't be further from the truth. While babysitting and being a nanny did give me experience with certain aspects of parenting, I was not prepared for the emotions! You know that saying about your heart walking around outside your body? Yeah that! Sure I loved the children I cared for, but never this kind of love, protectiveness and to be honest... sheer panic that my husband and I are now solely responsible for this little life!

I stayed home with Lily and I really savored that time together. But when she was about to be 2 I knew it was time to get her into a program, for her to get some socialization with children her age and interaction with other adults outside her little world. (and for me to get a few kid free hours to get stuff done) We researched and found a wonderful preschool about a mile from our home. On the first day of school we were all so excited! That is until it came time for me to leave! The look of panic in her eyes broke my heart and I felt so guilty leaving her. My brain knew this was ridiculous, we fully trusted the recommendations we got from friends. We met and loved the director and teachers. I knew she was going to be fine there...in fact thrive! But boy was that hard. I got down on the floor and started to try to engage her in play, but I knew I needed to go. When I got up to leave she clung to me! With tears in my own eyes I promised her ice cream and a trip to the park after school if she just stayed and played with her new friends. I barely made it down the hallway before I burst into tears.

Later, I was telling this story to a friend who was a "seasoned" mother and she said something that really resonated with me. She said "Girl you need to drop and run! Just hug and kiss her, tell her you love her and walk out the door! As harsh as that sounds you have to realize that she is looking to you to gauge her emotions. If you are crying and hesitant to leave, why would she feel safe? You have to show her that you fully trust the person you are leaving her with and that she will be fine! Its ok to cry but save it for the car!" From the next day on I did just that! I hugged and kissed her and peeled her off of my neck, handed her to her teacher and said "I love you and I will see you after lunch" and walked out the door. The crying stopped (for both of us) after a week or so. She grew to trust and love her teacher and made great friends! And I got to have a guilt free 4 hours!

Meet Your Teacher

Students and parents are invited to visit their classrooms on Wednesday, September 5 between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.  This is a great opportunity to become comfortable in the new classroom, chat with the teachers, and meet other families with whom they'll be sharing the classroom experience.  This is a short drop-in visit; plan on about 20-25 minutes.

Feeding the Homeless

We continue our ministry of feeding the residents of Andrew's Place on the first Wednesday of each month.  You can help by preparing food at home (recipe provided) and delivering it to school, or by joining other parents and teachers at Andrew's Place to help serve at 5:30 p.m.  It is a joy to not only serve the men, but to sit and eat with them, hearing their stories and sharing our own, providing the human warmth and compassion needed by all of us.  If you wish to participate in this ministry or find out more, please contact Jo Harney at jharney@christchurchde.org. 

School Opens on September 6!

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our children for their first full day of school on September 6.  Teachers have been preparing their classrooms, unpacking boxes, sending welcome letters to their new students, and planning for a great year of learning and fun.

Classroom Remodeling!

Wow!  Our new cabinetry in four of our classrooms is amazing.  We have top-to-bottom new cabinets and flooring in the Angels, Butterflies, Lambs, and Bright Stars rooms.  We can’t for you to see it.  The remaining classrooms will be remodeled next summer.

Save the Dates

Save the Dates

October 7 – Episcopal Schools Week—recognition of our preschool children, families, and teachers at the 9 a.m. service at Christ Church.  We hope you will all come!

October 27 – Our 3rd annual Running of the Rams at Hagley—a 5K on a challenging, but beautiful course through the grounds of the Hagley Museum, preceded by a Kids’ Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.  Okay to walk or run!

Serving at Andrew's Place

Yes, we are continuing to serve the men at Andrew’s Place during the summer months.  Our next dinner is on August 1.  Please consider signing up to help with this ministry.  If you’ve never done it before, but would like to try it, please email Jo with any questions you may have.  Here is the signup; we’ll be serving a cold summer supper:

Andrew's Place Dinner on August 1, 2018

CCEP Night at the Museum

Please join other CCEP families, both old and new, for a night of fun at the Delaware Children's Museum on August 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.  We'll provide pizza and child-friendly beverages in the big classroom.  Although the  museum will be open to the public, we will probably have the place largely to ourselves.  Admission is $5 per person for non-members.

From Our Recent Parent Survey

• 95% of parents believe their child is LOVED by someone at CCEP.

• 95% of parents believe their child is THRIVING at CCEP

• 95% of children strongly agree that their child is WELL-PREPARED for his/her next educational experience.

Andrew's Place Dinner

We are once again privileged to serve the men of Andrew's Place on February 7th at 5:00 pm. Andrew's Place is a full service emergency shelter that offers its guests both hospitality and empowerment. Volunteers enjoyed preparing, serving and dining with these gentlemen. The conversations are often eye opening and meaningful. This time of service is always positive and rewarding.