Convinced there had to be a better (read: cheaper) way when it came to preschool, last night I spent some quality time on my computer and did some extensive research. How much, exactly, is letting Bumpus play with construction paper and little rounded scissors a few hours a week, actually worth to me?
Thankfully I did find three promising places. One is a Jewish temple preschool which didn't have rates advertised but got stellar reviews; I'm going to visit them Monday. There are also two church preschools in a really good area a few miles away that also got great reviews and one has their very cheap rates on their website. I'll give them a call for tours as well. None of these places accept kids under 2; which is starting to be ok with me. Really "preschool" shouldn't be until about three or four anyway; all of this is a luxury I really can't afford. But I will certainly know more about my situation by next March - broke or not, new baby or not. I can hold out until then, for sure. I'm glad I have time to sort all this out and get on some waiting lists. I'd hate to have to make a choice like this under duress.
Of course I wish it were that simple. I requested a Day 10 ultrasound for next Friday. This being the first real cycle, I may still be SOL - thin lining, no ovulation. I've decided not to take Femara right now until I know what's going on. And even if I do actually release an egg in a couple of weeks, there's no telling if it'll be viable or not (or as mentioned if it'll be all wonky like the first egg my chicken lays after a long hiatus). I need to steel myself for the possibility of small, "immature" follicles again. Well, then at least I'll know to take Femara again. So, there's a plan! Now countdown to next Friday and we'll see what we can see.
One thing to consider while looking at childcare/preschool is what all is included. When we signed up for daycare, I was a bit annoyed that the one I liked best was also the most expensive. However, at the time I didn't realize that they provided diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, breakfast, lunch, and a snack. Now that Isaac is home with me for the summer, I'm starting to realize just how many diapers he went through all these months at daycare!
ReplyDeleteThe preschool I choose for Elena is in a Jewish Temple...my brother refers to them as "church basement preschools" & their costs are much better than the centres...especially if you're looking for just a few hours a couple days a week.
ReplyDeleteGlad AF is flowing & this cycle can be a go for you!
My niece also went to a church basement for part-time preschool and seemed to do fine there. She also attended a one-week preschool program through the public school system each summer. I think it was pretty affordable.
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious so after the age of 2 probably wouldn't want a church-based one. We will be stuck with plain old in-home care until he's old enough for free school, for the most part.
I'm thinking of sending Finn to a church basement type preschool when it's time to send him, that's where I went. :)
ReplyDeleteHooray for flowing AF!