I just wanted to say that if you look hard enough you can sometimes find part-time daycare. Dd only goes to daycare 2 days a week and I only have to pay for those 2 days and not a penny more, which has been a lifesaver! Most places don't allow it but every now and then you will find one that will work with you. You usually have to ask though as I know they didn't just volunteer that information to me. She will be going everyday starting in August though and then I will be paying the full amount. I still manage to get all of my homework done too (and I do have tons usually) but I do it after she goes to bed or dh watches her so I can get it done. It can be done if you make some compromises. As far as needing to go every day for the consistency, I think that depends on the kid. Dd adjusted rather easily but I know some kids that did need more time so it just depends.
What exactly is the Nemo ride like btw? Sounds intriguing!
Anna went part time too (when I was working part time.) She went 2 days a week, I paid $35 a day, and didn't pay for days I didn't take her (like sick days.) It was an in home day care and the provider was very flexible with us (I loved her.) If I go back to work I will check and see if she has opening before looking any other place. As a rule though she didn't do that. She was a friend of a women who I used to be here kids preschool teacher years ago. Most other places (and centers) only took part time if there was another person to share the week with (you went T,TH, the other person M, W, F) You also had to find the person to share yourself. This is true at the center I used to teach at before having kids. I also had a number of children who were part time (3 and up they let you go with out sharing, as long as there were opening.) Some kids are used to it fast, others going part time was hard for them since the other kids were there every day. It really depends on the child and situation. It doesn't hurt to look around and ask, after all the women who did our child care didn't normally do what she did for us. Just with Tess's back ground consistency is key for her. In fact I would ask about the turn over rate for employees and if they keep the same staff with the same kids instead of bounce them around.
Oh Icebrat, I forget to say, it does sound like Tess is ready to potty learn. She just needs some motivation. Jelly bellies made a world of difference for Lily she had no interest until I offered her some to sit on it. Rewards and positive enforcement is great. Just make sure you don't do negative enforcement (punishment of any kind for mistakes or not wanting to do it.) and you should be fine.
Spoliers if you don't want to know about the ride, don't read.
The Nemo ride is a dark ride in a clam shell. It isn't fancy, but just well done. The theming is great, the que is long, but looks and feels just like the beach. They project Nemo and others on to the Aquarium and use technology to make it all look very good, fast moving and fun. Nemo bops around, kids love to "find him". It isn't scary, but there are some tense moments.You ride on the Currenent with the turtles. Lots of fun all around. Now if they could just redo Journey Into Your Imagination and get it right too, that would be great. The end is funny with the starfish in the tank too. You leave it wanting to ride it again. (we did 3 times over the whole trip.) The interactive section next to it is closed (where you could pet rays etc...) The CM said it would be a new wonderful theater in a few months (should be open when we come back in March.) The Area with the Sharks is still open. Along with all the other old area's.