Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

OK so my daycare center has new regional director that I have yet to meet. Well let me say so far we are not getting off on the right foot.

Today I pick up DC and I notice my DS (14 months) barely napped. So I asked them what happened? Was he ok? etc. So they said well the new director said that they are no longer allowed to shut off the lights and they are not allowed to rock the kids anymore so none of them slept. Certain children were forced to CIO. My DS doesn't need to be rocked, but the screaming kids prevented him from sleeping.

I asked the site director what the regional directors rationale was for the new changes (which she disagrees with).

Why no lights? her concern is "how can you see the children?" OK but there are no shades on the windows. It's not dark. WHy do the children have to have overhead flourscent lights on???

Why no rocking? At first I thought maybe some parents don't like it, but why not ask the parents their preference? NOPE her reason was that it's not good for crib??? OK so leave the wheels on and slide it back and forth.

I feel like writing a letter to this new director telling her that her new rules are not benefiting the children. Not a nasty letter, just an unhappy parent. NO sleeping means 10 cranky babies and 2 exhausted teachers.

Am I overreacting???


UPDATE: So I wrote, what I thought to be a simple letter stating my concerns and requesting a meeting or phone call from this new regional director. You know what I got - a call back from the site director (who I am friendly with.) She basically told me what they already told me yesterday and that she got in trouble because the regional director does NOT want emails from parents.

I went to the owner (who was also CC'd on the original letter) and requested that HE contact me at this point.

2nd update: She responded to my letter to the owner, saying she would handle it LOL. The lights on policy is for the safety of the infants so they can see if they are turning blue or something. While I'm all for safety, this is simply a bit much. Do I leave the lights on in my house to make sure they don't turn blue???

Message edited 8/11/2009 12:19:36 PM.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

I have a feeling you are not going to be the only one writing a letter....That seems absurd and I would be unhappy as well !

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

wow i would write a letter and make a phone call! i'd be upset.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

I most definately would! id be furious!!

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

I would not write a letter, I would make a phone call FIRST thing in the morning... and if that didnt work, I'd plant myself in her office until she met with me

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Posted by bonitachyc

wow i would write a letter and make a phone call! i'd be upset.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

I hate to sound like try to "gang up" on this director, but I do know when my DD was in daycare I chatted with another mom who shared my concern about something and we both separately spoke to the director about the same issue. Things did change for our kids after that - for the better.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Aren't they required to notify you BEFORE they change policies like that? I am an in-home provider and although I live OOS, I know I have to notify my parents in writing of any change in policy...

For example, it has been policy that infants were not allowed to have ANYTHING in the crib with them, not even a blanket. Director felt that since we can control the climate in our homes, it wasn't necessary to have a blanket- all SIDS precautions. Recently, policy changed and infants will either be with no blanket, or in a sleep sack. Parents needed to sign off on which they wanted.

They didn't notify you at all? That would not sit well with me as a mom either. I foresee this new director having more than one 'not happy mommy' on her hands. I would def write a letter, or request a meeting.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Wow! Those are major changes that greatly affect the security a child feels a daycare. Its not like they are changing snack time by 10 minutes...this is major!

I would skip the letter and go directly to the director and have a conversation. A letter wont allow you to have a dialog with her and truly understand why the changes are happening, why they weren't explained to parents and to voice your concerns.

Its outright mean to make those poor babies cry it out when their routine all along is to be rocked or soothed to sleep.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Is she a complete idiot?!!!!

I would be complaining to everyone!!! Is it a non-for-profit? If so you can go directly to the board.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

I think she should have notified parents of the change. While I disagree with suddenly CIO'ing a classroomful of children, I do think that the rocking should be stopped because ultimately it enforces that need for motion. I think she's an idiot about the lights. Every baby sleep book out there indicates quiet & a dark room are essential for good napping habits.

So yes, I would write a letter & cc someone higher.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Your not over reacting...maybe all the parents should right a letter to the director..and to whomever is higher than her...It is not right to just change everything like that...

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

FYI - When Cailen was at his last daycare I told the teacher I was ok with CIO - she informed me that state law (NY) prohibits letting a child cry for more than 15 mnutes during CIO at a daycare facility. Look into that!

If you could research law, that always scares directors into action. Find out where she directed before, google her name and/or other daycares she was out. Facts are your friend!!!

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

Posted by MrsGmomof3

I would not write a letter, I would make a phone call FIRST thing in the morning... and if that didnt work, I'd plant myself in her office until she met with me

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related)

For infants that is a major change in routine IMO and I'd be very upset to not be notified of something like that.

I would call the Director directly. The daycare should be accomodating to the babies routine, not what the Director thinks it should be.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

bump for update

UPDATE: So I wrote, what I thought to be a simple letter stating my concerns and requesting a meeting or phone call from this new regional director. You know what I got - a call back from the site director (who I am friendly with.) She basically told me what they already told me yesterday and that she got in trouble because the regional director does NOT want emails from parents.

I went to the owner (who was also CC'd on the original letter) and requested that HE contact me at this point.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

I would be on the phone if not in her office and if I was not satisfied after that, I would let her know I would be writing a letter to those above her letting them know my concerns and her responses

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

I'd start researching other daycare centers. If the director of my daycare basically scolded me because she got in trouble I'd have a problem with that. In addition, a regional director that doesn't want to hear from parents is not what I am looking for in a daycare center either.

I also remember my daycare telling me that they weren't allowed to let the babies cry in the crib for more than 15 minutes. After that, they had to pick them up.

Sorry you are dealing with this.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response

The site director got in "trouble" because she should be dealing with the parents and not calling out WHO made the decision and "placing blame" elsewhere. They should stand by the decisions made whether or not they actually agree with them. Its her JOB.

Re: Would you write the director a letter (day care related) UPDATED with response