Hi Everyone - I am a mom of a 14 1/2 month old boy who currently is in an infant daycare program. The teachers and director told me they would be transitioning him from the infant program to the toddler program at 15 months. They start at 12 months by transitioning from the crib to a mat for naps, go from 2 naps to 1 and get him use to the toddler schedule. He just started walking over the past few weeks and has been transitioning ok to the nap schedule. (sometimes he would rather sleep earlier) They have yet to bring him into the toddler room. when I asked the director the first time - she said that he would move over at 15 mos. When I asked her the second time - she made it sound like they would transition him over after 15 mos. This morning, they started transitioning a boy to the toddler class who is about 2-3 mos younger than my son. At this pt, I think he is the oldest in the class full of 6 mos and younger babies. The infant sheet always says he plays by himself and they say he is a very well behaved quiet kid. My concern is that he is not getting a lot of his days sitting in a class of babies. What should I do? Should I be concerned?
Thanks for your responses. I talked to the assistant director (only b/c I made my daily call to check on him and she picked up the phone). They put him in the toddler room yesterday for the first time and said he did very well. My husband picks him up and said that he was a big hit w/ the teachers and kids. We are very excited that he will be in this new classroom starting 10/20. (when he will be exactly 15 mos) They do a lot more activities with the kids and I think he will enjoy it. Thanks again for your help!
is it due to lack of space in the toddler room? maybe a child in there was supposed to move up or leave and your child was going to fill that spot and that child is still there for some reason?
i would talk to the director and tell her your concerned that he is always playing alone and not getting enough from the room he is in.
Hi M.,
I understand your concern. I work in the toddler program at a day care center.
First of all I'm not sure why you were told that your son would start transitioning at 12 months and now being almost 15 months still hasn't started transitioning. It seems they are doing everything to get your son ready for the toddler classroom. Sleeping on a mat, having one nap etc. yet haven't followed through with what they have told you.Have you asked why your son still hasn't visited and why this other child has been moved up instead when you were told that your son would be moving up at 15 months old? My biggest concern is for your son's development. It sounds like he is bored being in a room full of infants. I know by 15 months the toddlers at my center are very bored in the infant classroom and are so happy to be in the toddler classroom. Although it takes some adjust for them they really enjoy being around peers their own age and playing with developmentally appropriate toys and doing developmentally appropriate activities. They seem so proud to be a "Big kid". I think you should talk to the director about you concerns. Good luck. : )
I don't think you should be concerned just yet. I think if he is doing well with little ones than that is great. Older kids maybe a little too overwhelming. Toddlers as they get older get a little more hands on, so your toddler is safer in a class full of "babies." I'm sure they will transition him in time when he is better able to perhaps interact with older kids. Kids at this age do play by themselves. My son is 16 months old but is now just interacting with older toddlers and can handle himself better than just a couple of months ago.
Having worked in a center setting for numerous years as both a Infant/Toddler/Preschool teacher and assistant director, I can assure you there are many factors that will often determine how and when children move up to the next age group. Age and readiness are certainly factors, as well as space availability (as someone mentioned) and the child's schedule. Perhaps the other child is part time and was able to fill the opening they had in the toddler room (???).
I would definitely keep open communication with both your child's current teachers on his progress, as well as with the director. Even if there is not room to accomodate him full day yet, perhaps there are times during the day when number are a bit lower and would allow him time to begin mingling with his friends-to-be.
Another option of course, is to look for home-based care where he would be interacting with a wider age range since family childcare are not limited to caring for just one age. Good luck to you and your little man!
