Who: Severus and Romana When: Tuesday, January 22 Where: Preschool What: Interview Rating: Low Status: Complete!
Severus wanted to get Daisy into the best preschool they could find in the fall. She’d be turning 3 in September, so getting her into a good, twice a week preschool program was a must. He didn’t want her to spend too much time away from home, but Daisy was already spending quite a bit of time at daycare, so she was ready to start preschool.
Severus dropped Daisy off with the sitter, then drove to Romana’s work and picked her up so they could go to the Preschool interview together. “This is supposed to be one of the best programs in the state,” he said, letting her into the car and climbing into his own seat to drive them across town. “Then again, if you don’t think she’s ready, we don’t have to put here in school here.”
Now that Daisy was feeling better, and they could focus on the whole preschool thing, Romana was starting to relax. Well as much as she could when they were trying to get her into a good school. She didn’t remember going to preschool herself, but maybe that was because she didn’t. Things were done differently now-a-days anyway. She wanted her daughter to get the best education possible.
Leaving work, she was glad to be picked up as they headed to the interview. Right. Nothing to be nervous about. “I’m very sure that she’ll get in. She’s a bright kid. We don’t have anything to worry about.” Though it half sounded like she was trying to tell herself that. “I think she’s ready. Well as ready as you can be. I mean.. ready to go have nap time and play time.” For her, preschool was only like having a glorified babysitter.
“Of course she’ll get in.” Severus said, smirking a little. He glanced over at his wife and reached his free hand down to squeeze her knee. “I’m not worried.” Okay, maybe he was a little. He shook his head though. “Remember, this is more an interview for us to see if it’s a good fit as it is for them. It’s a very good school, comes with great recommendations, but if we don’t like it at first glance... there are other places where Daisy can go play and nap.” He agreed with her about preschool. But preschool was the doorway to Kindergarten, which led to elementary school... then high school... then college...
It was a good thing that one of them wasn’t worried. She’d never really been on an interview before for something like this. “Our child is a genius. I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Right, it had more to do with them than Daisy. Which was good in a way. “I suppose you’re right, we should make sure that Daisy will like it there. I guess I’m just a little scared for her to go to school at all. She’ll be away for the first time..” Romana sighed a bit. She didn’t want to give up her daughter. Even if it was necessary for her to go to school.
“Well, she’s already in Day Care. And she loves it. They do arts and crafts and play games and whatever else.” Severus said, reassuring her. “She’s going to make friends and feel safe and have fun wherever it is that she goes for Preschool.“ He turned down the road that the Preschool was on, and got stuck at a red light. His hand found hers, and he lifted it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.
“I know, she’ll be just fine. And it’s not me losing my little girl forever.” Even if it felt like that sometimes. She gave his hand a squeeze and smiled at her husband. “I’m glad you’re here to keep me sane. Thank you.” They could do this. Things would be fine. Romana leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re a fantastic father.”
“No, of course not.” He knew how she felt, as he had the same fears. He had to be confident, though, or at least sound like he was, to keep his own fears at bay. “She’s going to love us more for giving her these opportunities.” Severus added, turning into the preschool’s parking lot. He pulled into a parking space and turned off the car. “And you’re welcome. It’s going to be fine.” He smiled softly, turning to look into her eyes. “You’re a wonderful mother.” He added, lifting her hand to kiss her fingertips again, then leaned in and kissed her lips. “I can’t wait to put another baby in you.”
Being confident, even when you weren’t was a good idea. She was going to have to try more of that. “I hope she does,” Romana agreed with a nod of her head. And hopefully not throw it away. Not that she thought Daisy would, but kids would do what they wanted. She kissed him sweetly and blushed. “I can’t wait for you to either. Perhaps when we get home, we can try some more.” And with that, she hopped out of the car so that they could go inside and get this interview started.
“Ooh.” Severus climbed out of the car after her, and followed her up into the office at the Preschool. His hand slipped into hers and laced fingers with hers as they walked. “I think that’s an excellent idea.” He added, then squeezed her hand as he let them into the office.
She thought that might pique his interest. For now they could behave. Romana held onto his hand and gave it a squeeze. “So do I.” Once inside the office, they had to wait a few moments before being let in to see the person who ran the pre-school. She smiled and told the couple to sit so that they could answer some questions.
Severus asked a thousand questions. He’d done a lot of research online about what he was supposed to ask, what documents he needed to see, and what the facility should look like. They were able to talk a bit about the parents’ expectations, the teachers’ expectations, and what the school had to offer. So far so good.
The woman stood from her desk and offered to give them a tour.
When Romana had questions too, she asked them politely and seemed satisfied with the answers. They would have to talk about it though. Seeing everything and getting documentation was good though. She needed to trust anyone who was going to take care of their daughter. She smiled and got up from her seat to go on the tour.
“Thank you very much for showing us around. It’s a nice place you have here.”
"Thank you," the woman said with a smile. She turned down the outdoor corridor. "We have two classrooms, one for our two to three year olds, and the other for ages four and five. After that they go on to kindergarten."
Severus followed along, looking closely around at the hall and the doors. The woman led them through the younger classroom and to the playground outside.
Romana scrutinized everything that was around. To make sure that it was safe, and to make sure that it was fun. She wasn’t quite sure if there was something going on, but something didn’t seem all that right to her. But she’d keep quiet until they left. It was a nice place, but she didn’t know if she liked it.
“And how many children are in the classroom?”
“Six per teacher,” the woman replied. “We have three teachers in the two to three year old classroom, and two teachers in the four and five year old classroom. Right now enrollment isn’t full, so we have fifteen in the younger class.” She explained. The children were outside playing on the equiment. It was loud.
Severus frowned a little as he watched some girls playing on the swings. It didn’t seem like adequate supervision to him, but he was taking it all in. He’d make judgements later.
Hmm. Six wasn’t that bad. It was going to get worse as she grew up. Six wasn’t bad at all though. Perhaps though since they were young children, it was a little much. She didn’t really know what the average was. Something to look up. “And what’s the policy on security?” Apparently she’d been thinking the same thing.
“The kids are all signed in by a parent or guardian, or registered adult. And they must be signed out by someone on their emergency contact sheet. Make sure if you have someone picking your daughter up, they broke government issued photo id.” She said. “We’ll match that to the list to make sure whoever comes is okay to take her away.”
She turned to lead them back inside. “The bathrooms are through here. She’ll need a stack of diapers with her name on them, and spare clothes in her cubby.”
Severus followed. He was used to the idea of someone else changing his daughter’s diaper, as they did it at day care. But still, this was new. And these people were strangers.
Okay well that wasn’t too bad as far as making sure that their kid was going to be safe. Maybe it wasn’t optimal security, but it wasn’t horrible. “That’s good to know,” she agreed looking a bit relieved. As far as everything else that Daisy needed, it wasn’t anything she hadn’t thought of before. “Of course.” That girl needed to be potty trained anyway. She wondered if they did that here. Hm.
“Thank you for the tour. Is there anything else we should know?”
"I can't think of anything." The woman said with a smile. She'd been very friendly, though possibly a little distracted. She was desperately trying to fill the empty spots in her preschool, and at the same time trying to coordinate teachers and get everything set for the year. No wonder she was distracted! "But if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to call."
Severus reached forward and shook the woman's hand. "Thank you. We'll be in touch."
Romana smiled along with her husband, and then shook the woman’s hand. “Yes, thank you very much.” She let the woman walk them back up to the front and then left them to their own devices. Once they were back in the car, she hm’d. “What did you think? I’m not sure that’s the right place for Daisy.”
“I don’t think so.” Severus turned on the car and started out of the parking lot. “I agree. There were some parts that I liked, but some that I didn’t.” He added, then listed of a few of each; things he thought were good and things he thought needed improvement.
“Maybe we’re being too judgmental. I mean I know no place is going to be completely perfect. I guess we should start making lists of pros and cons of each place?” She offered with a shrug. There had to be something better for their kid than this place though. “What if this is the best one?” That was a scary prospect.
“A list of pros and cons is an excellent idea, Love.” Sev said, thoughtfully. “Then we’ll have a better basis of comparison to make a more informed decision.” That was the most logical way of doing things, he thought. “I doubt this is the best place. And if it is, then perhaps we’ll leave Daisy in daycare and hire a personal tutor. Or something.” Severus gave a little shrug of his shoulders as he drove. “We should get some lunch before I take you back to work,” he added.
“Lists are always good,” she agreed with sincerity. And a comparison with all the facts laid out would help them make the right decision. “That’s definitely a choice too. We can look up how much tutors cost and if there are any in the area.” Though she’d have to go to school sometime, right? “Sure, take me to lunch before we go back. Good idea.” She kissed his cheek. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.