Bringing Children 

Bringing Children with you is a very big decision, not to be considered lightly as if it is naturally the best choice (for them or for you). 

We definitely love the children that come.  Children are a blessing and we honor those parents who make the effort -- but it's also not easy being a MIIS student and a (single) parent at the same time.  Every family dynamic is different, but life here at MIIS is very consuming.  Most parents leave their children back home with family -- which has many advantages even considering their absense.  

One wonderful story is of a dedicated mother.  For two years, she got up early every day and Skyped her family, with cameras set up at both ends.  This way she would encourage and read stories to her child as the daughter was getting ready for bed.  Another father had a board game, matched to his son's game board, and together they played rounds as they Skyped.  Unfortunately, not every family dynamic works this well.  Sometimes there is no way to come without bringing the child.  If this is you, we praise you for your courage.

For those who hope to bring your child, please consider this (specifically for pre-high school age):  What would you do if it is pouring down rain, you have to be in class, but you also have to take your child to school, a 45 minute walk each way?   What would you do if it is a holiday for your child but you have to be at your school?  You cannot leave them alone?  In American, we would either hire someone to be with the child or take a vacation day from work.
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Schools for Kids and Transportation Issues:
The schools in Monterey do not have buses for the kids and no public transportation buses will work for elemetary or middle school grades.  There is only one elementary school in the area of MIIS and it is about 1.5 miles from MIIS, about 20-30 minute walk.  It is called Monte Vista Elementary School and the address is 251 Soledad Drive, Monterey 93940 (so you can find it on an Internet map).  The middle school is about 45 minute walk and up a very steep hill.  The high school is very close.  There are some other schools, but children are placed based on where the parent lives.  For these other schools, you would be too far from MIIS to walk and the public buses are $2.50 each way ($5 round trip - every day to MIIS).

School Enrollment Needs:
Each child needs to have the correct medical records.  It will be important that any records brought with you are translated to English.

Each child will need to have certain vaccinations and immunizations.  This is critical.  To get a better idea of what is needed, go to this website.  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/cefimmunization.asp .

General Procedures to get started:
Once you get here, you will need to go to get an enrollment folder.  This can be picked up at any school because they are all the same.  The school needs to tell you what parts the doctor needs to fill out because some things do not apply -- depends on the age of the child.  You will then need to go to a medical clinic that will check to make sure you have all the immunizations and medical exams required.  This should be started as soon as you get here (takes time).  But, you cannot finish and return the enrollment forms until you have a permanent place to live.  This is because the school your child goes to will depends on where you live, and you need proof.  This initial proof will be an agreement between you and the landlord -- something in writing.

Additional information important to consider as you make plans:
It is illegal to leave a young child alone at home.  If a neighbor sees that this is happening they may report it to the authorities.  This may sound like an obvious and natural responsibility of parents, but we have found that some parents who come here do not think of this and will want to leave their child as they go out.  The children's schools do have after-school programs, but they cost extra and may not have openings. 

Finally, MIIS is a very demanding program.  It may require you to be at MIIS seven days a week, including weekends, for different reasons depends on your program. 

Please keep all of this in mind as you think of bringing your children with you -- especially if only one parent is planning to come.