An answer of sorts...

I dropped off my stuff in our little room Tuesday afternoon and then zipped back out to my car for a bottle of water. I was trying to hurry because it was almost time for the bell to ring, releasing the horde.

I was turning to come back into the building when our principal, heading the other way, called my name.

I stopped, figuring I had at least 30 seconds before my kids started showing up.

Hadn't seen him since I got back from my vacation, but even though I've been dying to find out what's going on with the idea of my former employer  (Assholes, Inc) taking over childcare in our district, I didn't want to bug him. I figured he'd eventually let me know.

He said, "I didn't want you to think I'd been avoiding you."

"I didn't," I told him. "I know you have a lot going on."

"So, here's what I did at the meeting," he told me. "First, I understand that they're wanting to pilot a program at one school in the district to see how it goes. I told them that I don't want them doing it at my school, as we already have a successful program and we don't want it to go anywhere. If they allow this company to open programs in our district, it won't be for quite awhile. Definitely not this year. And I know for sure it won't be next year, either. I'd like to keep your program going."

I thanked him and told him that's what I want, too.

"I'm happy here, It's a second home. Everyone has been so helpful to me and to my program and what I do. I feel valued and supported here."

"Yeah, I told them I wasn't looking to make any changes here. I don't know a lot about that company, but I am acquainted with a couple principals in your former district, and I know they're not thrilled with their programs. They said the quality that used to be there has gone downhill a bit in the past three or four years."


Huh. What a coincidence. That's when Fluffy and her Cavalcade of Cunts came in and ruined everyone's programs.

"I worked for them for twelve years. And it may be unprofessional of me to say so, but I feel that they're inherently disrespectful of children. I want no part of them."

He didn't say anything about that, but that's okay. I also told him I'd be willing to have people from the district come and observe my program, "Anytime."

He told me that won't happen this year, or maybe not even next year. So we'll see.

Meanwhile, I will fill out a bunch of 'project objective' sheets. I learned a long time ago to translate everyday activities, games and kid fun into something educrats can understand. Ever since Caustic (one of the bitches from my old job) came in to see my program the first time and said scornfully, "They're not learning anything. They're  just playing!" (OMG that woman was a hag...) I've been aware on some level of what my kids are doing and what sort of educational standards we're achieving. Not that I care, I know they're happy and learning just like my own kids did... by pursuing the things that are interesting to them.

I won't bother the kids with it, but when educrats show up, they like to think that kid keepers are practicing coercion with the kids. Making them learn something.

'Cause we don't want to waste even a moment of educational time, now do we?

I'm quite capable of talking about my program's educational value and demonstrating that the kids are learning. I make sure to use the phrase 'stealth learning' and act like there's nothing more important than forcing kids to do it.

It's funny. Although it's bigger than my butt, I'm pretty sure my cynicism doesn't show on the outside. However, sometimes I feel like the people who aren't able to see it must be missing a good portion of their attic insulation.

So we'll go on with the program, the kids will keep having fun, I'll keep track of what they're doing on paper in a binder and continue to let them have a good time.

And at least for the rest of this school year and probably next, in the same place I've been doing it.