big box

As of late, my FB feed has been blowing up with new moms discussing their dislike of "big box" daycares and how they're desperately searching for a nice small place for their child. Careful not to take offense to their ignorance of so called "big box" daycares, I can't help but feel a tad bit defensive. Mind you, this is coming on the heels of Sydney's first real cold, and a bout with Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, which is, no doubt, daycare initiated (grr).
Being a parent is a sensitive subject. How you parent and all that goes with it is even more sensitive. The first lesson I learned as a new mom was to never, ever (like Taylor Swift EVER) judge a mom. Whatever you need to do to keep the train moving, by all means. Seriously, by all means. So I try not to say much about OUR childcare situation or how we do things, because it's what works for us and that's the story. I'm feeling compelled, however, to discuss our Bright Horizons experience, in defense of the "big box" daycares.

When I walk into the center everyday, I'm greeted with "Hi Jamie! Good morning Sydney!" by literally, everyone I've ever met, even if it was just once. They know us! Even after day one, I had this experience.

mom forgets warm clothes for buggy travel,
sydney is forced to cross-dress.

Prior to walking into Sydney's classroom, I pass a 4 ft bulletin board for Infant 1 (her classroom) that displays pictures of the kids engaging in various activities, based on the primary learning focus for that week. For example, a sensory experience they did with bubbles, water, textures, etc. Every child from the classroom is featured. This board exists for every class in the center. Also posted outside her classroom is a weekly menu of the ORGANIC and locally sourced foods the children can be fed that week.
I then I have to either slip off my shoes or put shoe covers on to avoid tracking in any dirt.



Once inside, we are both greeted warmly by her teachers and cheerful music.
Her day typically consists of story times, rides in the buggy, which are clearly one of her favorite things, crafts, playing with musical instruments, snoozing and lots of tummy time. Sometimes I think she's being exposed to more there than I could ever give her at home on my own. That may be because I'm a lazy person by nature and would overuse the exersaucer or play gym, but there is no denying that her days are robust and stimulating! She's also given plenty of social time, which cracks Evan and I up. We've been hearing quite a few stories as of late about her chatting it up with her male classmates. Evan's working on getting his concealed weapons permit (although I don't condone gun use).

Ok, climbing off my soap box now.