Some Advice

I, personally, think that such things are less important under the age of, say 3 1/2 than whether the kids are safe and loved and comfortable with the school and teachers.

That said, I also think that it's very important that *you're* comfortable. Day cares down here run the full gambit. I know a number of parents that *love* the daycare that our boys are at after coming from less structured and disciplined schools where the kids don't seem to be getting as much teacher-time and fundamentals.

I've also seen friends pulled out after 3 year-olds can't name all of the states (so I'm assuming that there are daycares out there where they'd get that sort of headstart).

Surprise them a couple of more times.

If you're still uncomfortable, try someplace else. At 2, you no longer have to take whatever you can get.

-Scott (S.'s S.O.)

Hello, I dont have any advice about this but I do know that when my son was in school the had work areas of all different ages. Then the had story time,snack time,they would do sing alongs. I remember when I picked him up from school he wanted to sing the new song to me. Coloring would teach colors and finger painting. I dont know if any of this helps. If things dont change I would find a new daycare.

Dear C.,
I have a son that is 2 and has been in 3 daycares. The one he is in he is so happy there and his teachers are so in tune with him. He is not treated like another kid. You do want him to be happy. Each school I took him to I let him judge it before signing him up. The one thing my I have learned is go to a school that is with the school district. A lot of daycares are daycares. A school (preschool) will keep him busy and learning. Also I have learned to talk with the director. The director is so important at a school. Let me tell you my son goes to school and greets the director every morning and he runs to his class room. I believe if your child is happy he or she will learn a lot more. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more.

Dear C.,

I used to work at several day care institutions before I became a school teacher and I can say that each one is different. If you have showed up unannounced it does not matter the children should be doing whatever is on the schedule. Now do not get me wrong if you are watching several 2 year olds it can become quite interesting with keeping them engaged in many activities however if you walked in on a beauty school session rather than what was supposed to be going on then I would be concerned a bit as well. Nothing to go nuts about but it will keep the teachers on their toes if you speak with the director.

Please keep in mind that you want to also be very respectful and honest with the teachers as well afterall these people are taking care of your child for the whole day and you want him to be and treated fairly.

Every one says stay consistant so I would try to keep her in her own bed. I know how hard this is though I am going through the same thing with my son! I always give in and he ends up sleeping with me!!
I think it may be confusing to let them go back and forth between beds though?

Good luck I hope some gives you the answer!!

L.

Hello,
If you are not happy either & he doesn't want to go in the first place- there's something wrong. Trust your own instincts! We know when something is'
not quite right. That's why we are MOMS. Good luck and God bless you both!
Kathy N.

When I go to p/u my son from daycare unannounced, they are almost always doing what is on the agenda for the day. Yesterday, they were all sitting at a little picnick table doing crafts, the day before they were all sitting in a circle and the teacher was reading them a book. I would be really upset if the teacher was "doing someones hair" and all the other kids were just left on their own. Sometimes they have open play, where they all just run around on the playground, but that is for no more than an hour out of the day and the teachers are always right there watching them all. They may have a kid on their lap if that kid dosent want to play. I would definately approach the director, and ask why does it seem that everytime you come, they are not following the agenda? Try to approach her in a friendly manner as not to start of the conversation in heat. But I would definatley question whats going on or move my kid somewhere else. Good Luck! J.