The Preschool Program

I teach in the high school of a public system. I teach in one of the largest school districts in Texas, a district struggling financially, and yet maintaining top standards in the education offered. Bragging? Maybe, but I can back it up with numbers on paper.

I'd rather tell you about the preschool program at the high school. Teens in their junior or senior year can apply for a two hour lab class to learn about early childhood professions. Their test subjects? 3 & 4 year olds! For $90 a month, three days a week, all day, my son & about 30 other kids got to get the most amazing experience. When I took David to his first day he cried, so what, everyone does. He has never been in any form of daycare or nanny service, but always had one of us at home with him. He had no concept of things like friends, sharing, games, or how to sing, dance, play make-believe, or anything. Granted, he was not neglected, he knew his letters, colors, shapes, and even quite a bit of sign language, but he had no interest in numbers. By December he had a best friend & a girlfriend. He writes his name, counts in 4 languages, and let's other people hold his huggie.

What's my point? In an age where everyone complains about things not being good enough, I just want to point out that some things are still amazing! While there are those out there who will always complain, I choose to see the best in ourselves. My son is the product of a public school system filled with teachers who are products of the public school system. If he can learn & grow this much this fast, then there is no stopping him & I have nothing to complain about.

Remember, I am also a teacher in this system. I have seen the nasties come out in my years teaching, but I have also seen the most amazingly compassionate and loving people trying to rock cradles in the right direction when no one else will. Contrary to popular belief, this world is NOT going to hell. I have faith in mankind that we will continue as we have done, seeing & correcting our mistakes just as these preschoolers who arrived full of fear but felt their way through to a beautiful final program.