After a long break, I am back with a new post.
The Berkeley is in full autumn weather, but it is not too cold. The long awaited finale of the presidential campaign in the US is coming soon. A campaign office for Hillary Clinton is located not far from us, where volunteers call people to persuade people to vote. We watched all TV debates. Nice entertainment, interesting parts, but generally the level at times was in quite bad taste.
I do not see a lot of banners in support of either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. I saw a lot more for Bernie Sanders, earlier during the primaries. In the frontyards I spot far more those supporting candidates for the new mayor of Berkeley.
Dean has already received his ballot vote by mail. He will vote not only in the presidential elections, but also in local referendums. For example, for or against raising the tax on sodas and cigarettes, or in favor or against maintaining spending on public schools in Berkeley. It’s hard to keep track of them, so the Democrats sent us suggestions on how to vote.
Last weeks I was also busy with searching for help to care of our much loved, but also a very active and curious, daughter. We are alone in Berkeley, therefore I decided to find a nanny who could play with Rose for couple of hours a day. I was looking for help through the popular USA webpage www.care.com, where you can find people willing to clean your house, care for the elderly, or pets. For an an extra fee you can receive a criminal background check. We, however, did not opt for this option.
I placed my job offer and contacted the girls living in the vicinity. Nanny salary in our area ranges between 15 and 25 dollars per hour. After several personal interviews, I found a wonderful help. Rose smiles when her babysitter comes in the morning to take her for a walk to the playground. She usually comes back very tired, but happy. At the beginning I was nervous to leave Rose, with a person whom in the end I met online, but now after more than a month’s experience, I am very happy. We are very glad that Rose is in contact with other than her parents. I can finally take a shower without company 🙂
I started also looking for a place, where Rose could play when she is bigger. It is not easy. Those which look clean and friendly are very expensive. Sometimes there are cost over a thousand dollars per month. You can save by choosing 2, 3 days per week, or just half a day. So far I saw only two places, including the German-English bilingual daycare, located in the home of the teacher.
In December I have an appointment in Little Village preschool, which proudly announces on the website that it has been declared a nut-free place.Too bad. Rose loves nuts, but I still have high hopes. I also saw a lot of co-op offers where parents are involved in running the nursery, which significantly reduces costs.
I would like to find a place that is neat, in which the toys do not pour from each corner, that is close to our home, and where Rose could develop friendships with peers and teachers.
This year, I read an interesting book The Importance of Being Little, What Preschoolers Need From Grownups about the challenges which US preschools are today facing (from age five children in the US start school in kindergarten). Author Erika Christakis points out how important simple play is important in the life of small children, similarly relationship with teachers, taking walks outside during day, and not just learning abc songs. But for all that you have to be ready to pay.
It is a pity that the little children are divided into those that can play a better, larger interior and into those the ones that have to be satisfied with a concrete and plastic playground without much green space.
The issue of helping parents with childcare costs is mentioned shyly in the presidential campaign. During the debates I heard about financial support plans only Hillary. Yet the proposal to spend “500 zł for every even second child ” like in recent Polish election, is still very far.
Last week we celebrated Halloween too. Rose went in the morning with her nanny to Halloween themed party. I asked o take some pictures. One of them, I add below.
Hillary Clinton’s office in Albany. There were also signs in Spanish. I asked for a sticker. It turned out it cost 2$, and I had not one penny with me..
We can see many posters like this here.
Leaflets, and small, thick envelope with a ballot vote.
The cost of this preschool was very attractive, but I wasn’t convinced by the rest.
And here is a photo of Rose taken by her nanny:)
Happy Halloween! Chocolate cake from Whole Foods for the occasion.
Our sweet little witch ready for Trick and Treat. She was very into her role. She come back very happy.
Autumn in Berkeley. Before and after rain.