there is a dearth of nursery schools/early childhood centers where we live. we applied for two public school montessori programs here in our fair county, just for fun. BC is in a terrific day care, and we really probably would not move her anyway, but sometimes, you figure, y'know – like NY Lotto – “you've gotta be in it to win it.”

we knew that the chances were slim and none. not only do siblings of already-enrolled students get priority, but kids in the neighborhood get priority in one program. not to mention that 2/3 of the scant slots are for people of modest income (which, in these parts, is $52,000 or less – unbelievable, huh?) so out of a class where there might be 10 three-year-olds, BC has a shot at 3 or 4 slots at most.

can you say “snowball's chance in hell?”

in the spanish immersion program, BC is listed at #12 out of 68 on her part of the wait list. i figured this was next to impossible since this program gets applications from all over our county. statistically, though, she is better off than at our neighborhood school.

at our neighborhood school, BC is listed at #14. out of 14. as in last. of the last.

i am incredibly grateful that BC is in a terrific daycare. i had hoped to move her into something a little closer to home. but frankly, i should be grateful i got her in anywhere AT ALL.

christ. who do you have to sleep with to get your child into nursery school?