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Daycare center mommies - a question for you
This is for the moms whose kids attend a daycare center, not a small family daycare....
Can you tell me about the center? Are you happy with it?
What is the room like when you pick DC up in the evening?
My daycare center is having serious staffing issues. Serious. Cailen was in 4 different classrooms today. When I pick him up in the evening, I never know which room he is going to be in. When I finally find him, he's with much older kids,and the kids are acting like complete lunatics. The staff that are in the rooms are young. Tonight, 2 of the staff were lying on the floor in the book area, and not really interacting with the kids. They didn't even say hello to me when I picked Cailen up.
Cailen comes home happy, but I'm concerned this may not be good for him in the long run, and I really don't want him to pick up some of the behaviors I see going un-addressed in these rooms. I love his teacher in his original room, but he is rarely in there anymore due to coverage. Because Cailen is big and sturdy, he is the one that gets sent to the older rooms, and I feel it is not really fair to him.
I'm torn, because the director is a friend of my dad's. I get a very small discount each month (negligibly small, but every bit helps) and the thought of going somewhere new makes me uncomfortable. I have recommended my daycare to many people because there was a time I loved the teachers and the care Cailen was getting - but he was in the infant room and things were more consistent then. Now that he's a toddler, it really is concerning me.
Are all daycare centers like this? Am I being unrealistic thinking it would be different somewhere else? I do not want a family daycare. I think Cailen would be bored in a home. He likes that classroom environment. But is it like this everywhere?
Message edited 11/12/2008 8:20:23 PM.
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Posted 11/12/08 8:18 PM  |
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DancinBarefoot
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a questions for you
Liza DD is not yet in daycare, and although I'm sure you know this, I feel like I should point out that staffing issues like you are mentioning are serious violations. In fact, since I started reseraching daycare facilities I have crossed off any place that had a staffing ratio violation.
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:21 PM |
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Liza DD is not yet in daycare, and although I'm sure you know this, I feel like I should point out that staffing issues like you are mentioning are serious violations. In fact, since I started reseraching daycare facilities I have crossed off any place that had a staffing ratio violation.
Actually, they are very good about their ratios, but that is why Cailen keeps on having to move - if there is a 3:1 ratio in his room, and he's number 4, he has to move to another classroom...
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:23 PM |
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KateDevine
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Christopher is not in daycare anymore, but he was in a center and no, it was never like that. While he was there he went from infant a to infant b and he would be in either of those rooms when I picked him up. And sometimes I was the last one there, but NOTHING like you described happened.
I understand what you are saying about liking the center, maybe speak to director and remind her that Cailen is NOT a big kid and if they can't deal with their staffing issues maybe he needs to go elsewhere
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:26 PM |
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KateDevine
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Liza DD is not yet in daycare, and although I'm sure you know this, I feel like I should point out that staffing issues like you are mentioning are serious violations. In fact, since I started reseraching daycare facilities I have crossed off any place that had a staffing ratio violation.
Actually, they are very good about their ratios, but that is why Cailen keeps on having to move - if there is a 3:1 ratio in his room, and he's number 4, he has to move to another classroom...
But he shouldn't be #4, he isn't old to be.
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:30 PM |
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Tine73
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by KateDevine
Christopher is not in daycare anymore, but he was in a center and no, it was never like that. While he was there he went from infant a to infant b and he would be in either of those rooms when I picked him up. And sometimes I was the last one there, but NOTHING like you described happened.
I understand what you are saying about liking the center, maybe speak to director and remind her that Cailen is NOT a big kid and if they can't deal with their staffing issues maybe he needs to go elsewhere
Ditto for me. I usually pick DD up at 6-6:30 which is considered "after hours" for my center. I know exactly where to find her each evening. Depending on how many babies are left sometimes the room is dim and the babies are chilling out relaxing and other times the light are on and they are playing or sitting in high chairs eating cheerios.
I think you should definitely express your concerns with them.
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:36 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Nope, not like that in DC's center.
I think the staffing is more consistent than in other centers due to a few perks they provide (tuition assistance, etc.). Since they started there have been staffing changes but the lead teacher in each room has stayed the same.
I would be very concerned if I had to go "find" my child everyday. I've never had to do that. All children 2 and under stay in one wing of the building. In our center if you are dropping off early or picking up late then 2 and under is combined but only for the first hour and last hour the center is opened. Could that be the reason why they are doing it? To stagger the hours of their staff so during some hours they combine rooms?
Message edited 11/12/2008 8:38:12 PM.
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:37 PM |
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
Nope, not like that in DC's center.
I think the staffing is more consistent than in other centers due to a few perks they provide (tuition assistance, etc.). Since they started there have been staffing changes but the lead teacher in each room has stayed the same.
I would be very concerned if I had to go "find" my child everyday. I've never had to do that. All children 2 and under stay in one wing of the building. In our center if you are dropping off early or picking up late then 2 and under is combined but only for the first hour and last hour the center is opened. Could that be the reason why they are doing it? To stagger the hours of their staff so during some hours they combine rooms?
In the morning yes, it always was like that - but it was at least all in the same room. Now, he stays in his room for the morning, goes to the bigger room for lunch and naptime, is there after he wakes up, and then goes into another room for the evening (I get him around 5:30)
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:43 PM |
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jerseypanda
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Amanda
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
DS is in a daycare center. I will tell you that it is similar to you, but maybe not to that extreme.
If we get to the center first thing in the morning or if we pick him up late, there is one other room that he will be in. And it is a room where he is actually older than the other babies. So if I get to his room and the lights are out, I know exactly where to go to get him.
In addition, when we first started going there, I found the staff in DS room to be not as friendly as I would expect. DH felt the same way. But then again, I am on the extreme side when it comes to my happiness and friendliness so maybe the staff was just not matching my level of enthusiasm. But over the last couple of weeks, I have found them to be warming up a lot more. There is still one girl in the evening who is not the happiest person on the planet, but the rest of the staff have been making up for her.
Liza, I know it is so hard. I hope you can come to a decision that puts your mind at ease... whether he stays at this center or goes to another one!
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:44 PM |
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firsttimer
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
Nope, not like that in DC's center.
I think the staffing is more consistent than in other centers due to a few perks they provide (tuition assistance, etc.). Since they started there have been staffing changes but the lead teacher in each room has stayed the same.
I would be very concerned if I had to go "find" my child everyday. I've never had to do that. All children 2 and under stay in one wing of the building. In our center if you are dropping off early or picking up late then 2 and under is combined but only for the first hour and last hour the center is opened. Could that be the reason why they are doing it? To stagger the hours of their staff so during some hours they combine rooms?
Sounds like a great place - where are the located if u don't mind? Sorry to hijack!
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:45 PM |
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Mom-of-one
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
I just started at a new center & am pretty happy with it. My dd's teachers are young & play with the children. Sometimes, when I pick DD up in the evening, she's been moved to a younger room, but that hasn't happened in a couple of weeks. Today, for example, there were 2 children in the room - the teacher was holding my dd and stitting with the other child, who was having a snack.
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| Posted 11/12/08 8:56 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by firsttimer
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
Nope, not like that in DC's center.
I think the staffing is more consistent than in other centers due to a few perks they provide (tuition assistance, etc.). Since they started there have been staffing changes but the lead teacher in each room has stayed the same.
I would be very concerned if I had to go "find" my child everyday. I've never had to do that. All children 2 and under stay in one wing of the building. In our center if you are dropping off early or picking up late then 2 and under is combined but only for the first hour and last hour the center is opened. Could that be the reason why they are doing it? To stagger the hours of their staff so during some hours they combine rooms?
Sounds like a great place - where are the located if u don't mind? Sorry to hijack!
It's a small center that takes the children of employees first and some community members if there is room
Unfortunately, there is a significant wait list.
I was on a wait list for 11 months (while on leave and a SAHM) and we were #1 on the list the entire time. I knew one person who called to get on he wait list as soon as she got her BFP... I'm not kidding. DC's love it there and love their teacher but unfortunately, there is a long waiting list and employees get first priority.
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| Posted 11/12/08 9:06 PM |
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EtWaFM
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
I don't think it is like that everywhere- but switching to another daycare won't guarantee that it will be better. I understand your concerns, and it makes sense to seek out some other daycare center options.
In my daughter's daycare, in the morning, before 8 AM, all of the kids, toddlers and up, are in the big kid classroom. It is a little chaotic, but my DD seems to like watching the older kids, and they love her- she has her own fan club, where the little girls call her name and hug her when she arrives. The saving grace is that I trust the teachers there are keeping a close eye on the kids, especially the smaller ones. One of the AM teachers is always DD's main teacher. In the afternoon, if I arrive after 5:30-6, usually I will find DD in the infant room (she is 19 months). She has the opposite problem of Cailen- she is small and petite, (just made 21 pounds), and they always put her with the infants, not with the 2 year olds, when the class has to be split. She would prefer to be with the older kids, and sometimes cries when she has to go to the infant room. Maybe they would switch him to the infant room if you ask?
Good luck!
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| Posted 11/12/08 9:20 PM |
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nrthshgrl
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I knew one person who called to get on he wait list as soon as she got her BFP... I'm not kidding.
Yup that was me. Loved that daycare!
I have had my kids in three daycares. It wasn't like that in any of the three I was in. There was usually adjoining rooms. For the most part, the only time they were moved to another room was when I dropped off early (again, younger kids stay with younger kids; older kids with older kids) or picked up in the late evening. They were in 1 of 2 rooms. During the day, unless they were transitioning a child into another classroom, they stayed put.
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| Posted 11/12/08 9:24 PM |
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MrsBumbleb
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Christine
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
FM
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| Posted 11/13/08 5:58 AM |
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lmb03
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L
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Sometime our daycare combines classes in the evening if coverage is an issue. It doens't happen too often, but when it does they keep like ages together. I think it matters and think maybe you can address it with the owner. Good Luck 
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| Posted 11/13/08 6:40 AM |
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by EtWaFM
I don't think it is like that everywhere- but switching to another daycare won't guarantee that it will be better. I understand your concerns, and it makes sense to seek out some other daycare center options.
In my daughter's daycare, in the morning, before 8 AM, all of the kids, toddlers and up, are in the big kid classroom. It is a little chaotic, but my DD seems to like watching the older kids, and they love her- she has her own fan club, where the little girls call her name and hug her when she arrives. The saving grace is that I trust the teachers there are keeping a close eye on the kids, especially the smaller ones. One of the AM teachers is always DD's main teacher. In the afternoon, if I arrive after 5:30-6, usually I will find DD in the infant room (she is 19 months). She has the opposite problem of Cailen- she is small and petite, (just made 21 pounds), and they always put her with the infants, not with the 2 year olds, when the class has to be split. She would prefer to be with the older kids, and sometimes cries when she has to go to the infant room. Maybe they would switch him to the infant room if you ask?
Good luck!
He loves the older kids, and they all like him, but they just act so wild and there isn't the best classroom management - I'm concerned when he IS that age, is he going to behave like that?
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| Posted 11/13/08 6:42 AM |
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Charly
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
I've had my share of issues with turnover and ratio's! It's frustrating, but DD was never put in a room with the older kids - if anything the babies and it's never for a full day just an hour here or there until they can shuffle the teachers around and combine classes.
Have you spoke to the director?
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| Posted 11/13/08 7:50 AM |
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krashnburn
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
There are times at daycare that I come pick him up and he's in another room (always on stage up--they won't put the kids who are walking and all over the place in with the younger kids). If a lot of kids were gone and they condensed rooms, that's how they do it. For the last 2 weeks though, they've been short staffed in his room since a teacher quit and gave 2 days notice and they haven't refilled her position. So DS has been spending most of the time in one room up. It's OK with me because I love the girls in there and the kids are on the same schedule.
As far as the types of teachers go, when we were at our first daycare. I felt that way--they sat around and did nothing but chat with each other and on their cell phones. This place is sooooo mcuh better! I have loved all his teachers (except one who was only in the room in the late afternoons and would just sit there and stare into space while the kids did whatever. Iw ould often walk in the someone would be crying and she's be fiddling with the radio or something). The girls at this place are young too, with one or two older girls who are maybe 28-30, if that. But even all the young girls are great with the kids anf very responsible.
That being said, after seeing the difference in my two daycares, I would not deal with a daycare again where the teachers didn't care and my DSs best interests weren't being put first.
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| Posted 11/13/08 8:05 AM |
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jcbrownie
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jennifer
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
DD is in a daycare center. The room at the end of the day is always neat. And there are always new peopel in the room. DD doesn't seem to mind. I think it's good for her to get used to new people.
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| Posted 11/13/08 8:09 AM |
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twiceasnice
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Are all daycare centers like this? Am I being unrealistic thinking it would be different somewhere else? I do not want a family daycare. I think Cailen would be bored in a home. He likes that classroom environment. But is it like this everywhere?
I know you mentioned NOT Home daycares but I just wanted to let you know that your interpretation of a Home daycare is not the same for all providers. Some are VERY structured, teach Pre-K and are pretty much mini schools for up to 12 kids. My experience they are cheaper and I have never seen any staffing problems. Actually I haven't experienced any problems. This is a Link to to a Home daycare I wanted to use but since they are not in my school district I chose a different one. The school district was important because the buses go to their house for pick up and drop off.
Podge Lodge
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| Posted 11/13/08 8:41 AM |
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Ang-Rich
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Our daycare center is wonderful. In the evenings Lucas is either playing in the room with the other kids, working on a craft project at the poker table (last night they used finger paints to make turkeys with their hands) or he's running around in the indoor playground.
And one of the pm teachers just quit but we saw no change in the structure. It was handled very well - very smooth and Lucas' routine has been maintained.
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| Posted 11/13/08 8:49 AM |
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
I started DD in this particular center at 3...they are considered a school at that point, but they start with infants and go to 5 years old...
When I would drop her off early in the morning, the nursery and pre-k kids would be grouped in the same room for breakfast until around 9, then split off to their own rooms. After 4, the same group of kids who needed to be picked up during extended hrs. would be grouped again for movie time...
During the day though they are always in their age-grouped rooms (same with toddlers and infants)...I believe toddlers and infants stay in the same room all day.
I'm very happy at this center...will be sending DD#2 there at 13 months when I return to work.
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| Posted 11/13/08 8:52 AM |
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Rycois
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
Ryan is a FT daycare facility. I picked this one b/c it is on its own piece of land and not part of a shopping center - which I really liked (b/c the playground is actually in a yard rather a parking lot). And, I loved that they bring the kids outside a lot - Ryan ends up doing most of his napping in the stroller outside.
There are 2 teachers for the 5 kids in Ryan's room. One is "eh". It's obvious this is not her passion. I've had some issue with her attitude but I love the Director who is also Head Teacher in his room and when I voiced my concerns to her, she seemed to respond in an appropriate manner quickly.
DH usually picks up DS around 4:30 but sometimes pops in earlier when he gets off early - he likes to see what's happening when he's not expected. Ryan always seems happy. We had a little issue with how they were recording his naps/feedings, but since I voiced concern it seems better.
He is always in his room. There are 2 teachers that are there when I drop him and when DH picks him up there is a younger woman who apparently comes in at 4PM to close (and DH gets him 4:30 latest so for the most part, he is with the same 2 women all day long). I have seen floaters from other rooms - but the bigger kid room is almost part of Ryan's room, so they're all familar faces to me, and to him (he smiles when he sees them).
Honestly, I'm happy. I think they could be a bit more organized, and they don't have the newest coolest toys, but Ryan is usually only there a couple of days a wk so it's fine - so long as he's well cared for.
Message edited 11/13/2008 9:28:45 AM.
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| Posted 11/13/08 9:26 AM |
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JenBenMen
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Jen
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Re: Daycare center mommies - a question for you
DS is in Tutor Time in Brooklyn. It is not the way you described at all. Granted its not perfect, but there are many separate areas for different age groups and I have a good idea of where he is each day
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| Posted 11/13/08 9:27 AM |
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