My son went to Happy Face at 2.5 as well. He was not potty trained when he started but I think it helped him with the process. We will be returning there in Sept. We really love the all the staff and the families we have met. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more about it. colleencryan@hotmail.com

My son went to the Kid's House Nursery School in Pottersville. They were very good with dealing with the separation. :) It took our son until November to get adjusted!

Good luck!

Hi,

I would strongly encourage you to check out Acorn Montessori's Toddler program.  It took my 2 year old almost 2 months to separate smoothly. The teachers at Acorn could not have been more compassionate and understanding.  Many have been teaching for 10+ years, so they have seen it all and know how to work with both the children (and the parents!) to ease the transition.  In the early days, they would give me a call just to let me know he was doing well and settling in.  It was very reassuring!  Now I barely get a "bye Mom" as he races into class :).

The education is first-rate.  While it may look like play, all of the Montessori materials have been designed with purpose.  For example, in Toddler they use sandpaper letters (which are fun to touch) to learn the sounds letters make which provides the foundation they need for reading later on.  My 5 year old is already reading 1st grade books thanks to the great start he got at Acorn's Toddler House.

No need to be potty trained.  They will work with the child when they are ready(which may be later with a new siblings arrival).

Good luck - I know it is tough when they don't want you to leave.