preschool is not complete without...

For some reason, I don't think a child should be allowed to graduate from an accredited preschool without fulfilling certain requirements.

1) being able to use a public restroom

2) being able to write one's own name

3) growing something from seed

4) mixing colors of paint

5) milking a cow

6) visiting a fire station

With my younger daughter just weeks away from tossing her cap, I've had to consult my list of graduation requirements. Lucky for us, our local cooperative preschool is nothing short of stellar, and works almost all of these into the curriculum.

For example, we recently went to the Pittsfield Township Fire Station.

Field trippers of all ages enjoyed this visit. The kids loved climbing in the trucks and seeing the firefighters' sleeping quarters.

I loved the fire engine red washer and dryer.

How strange to see an otherwise spotless station strewn with boots and laundry, only to realize that these are uniforms in their waiting position!

Kids complied when parents requested small group photos.

The firefighters were friendly and informative. I learned that the station receives 7 calls daily and most of them are health related. One firefighter proudly revealed that he had wanted to be a firefighter since he was 5 years old!

Next field trip: Real Life Farm to milk that cow!