Possible flame worthy Q about daycare

Samiantha101

Hello ladies,

For the past 15 months, I have been a stay at home mom. It's time for me to head back into the workforce, and so I'm searching for a center for my daughter.

I'll get straight to my question. My neighborhood use to primarily be Czech, but recently the neighborhood has become increasingly Hispanic. I am not of the Hispanics descent, personally.

Would you consider a daycare where the director and staff are from different cultures/races as yourself? I've been reading the reviews of a particular center, and it seems like children really enjoying it. It's also, supposedly, very reasonably priced.

I've only lived in this city for a short time. Before living where I do know, I was the minority in my community. I found it really hard to adjust to another culture. I am hesitant about enrolling my daughter in this center, to be blunt, because of cultural differences.

I haven't called the center yet. It's close to my home, which is the main reason I'm considering contacting them. I plan on touring several centers. I just wanted to get other parent's viewpoint.

sugarbear0524

The daycare where my son goes is predominately staffed by African Americans, which is a different race than my son and I. I don't care one way or another.  He is cared for properly and loved there and that's all that matters to me.

Samiantha101

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

ebp913

Samiantha101 said:

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

I would be all over this if it was me.  This is the ideal age to learn 2 languages!  It honestly sounds like you just aren't interested though.  

Samiantha101

JellyBellyStar said:

Honestly I think you are coming with a level of bias that will be hard for any provider who is not of the same race as you to overcome.  You have yet to put any true effort into researching the center.  Talk to them before concluding it is a poor fit.  

Edited... 

Honestly, I know, I do...

aglenn

We are in a very culturally diverse community and our day care has people from a lot of ethnic backgrounds working there (Russian, Indian, Asian, etc.).  I think it is actually a really cool learning experience for the kids.  Many of their classmates are from different cultures as well.  I think you should put aside your bias and go see the place.

wychets

Nicb13 said:

 

Samiantha101 said:

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

Ask them. That's the only way you will know.

I don't see the concern that you have and as long as I got a good vibe and liked the staff, I would be happy taking my son there. IMO, exposure to various cultures is a good thing for kids and not something I'd ever be worried about.

THIS. This would be my only concern. Like the PP said I would ask questions because that is the only way you would know. GL!

LoCarb

Having my kids learn two languages is a plus not a negative in my eyes. Check out the center and go with your gut.

laurakaz13

The providers in our center are also of all races. In fact, DD's teachers are African American and Puerto Rican.  I love them and so does she.  I would kill to be able to have her in a bilingual school and will hopefully get her into one when she starts kindergarten. 

I do think your concerns are completely unfounded.  I was actually kind of shocked to read your post. 

lujain

Cultural differences are a good thing.  I am a member of a very small minority group.  If I limited our daycare options to only those daycares run by members of the same ethnic group, I'd have to drive very far away to find one.  DD is the only member of our race at her daycare, and that has never posed a problem for us.  She has picked up a couple Spanish words and interacts with a diverse group of kids.

ASmallWonder

My son went to a home daycare with a husband and wife who spoke Spanish from 10 months to 15 months. Not a long time but we adores them and would have stayed if we hadnt moved. He learned some English and some Spanish and they made awesome diverse food for the kids.

jf198400

I would want to meet a bunch of the teachers to see how well they communicate in English. IMO it is very important to be able to talk to your LO's teachers about any issues or concerns. My Sil has had problems with her DC b/c the teachers are Chinese and their English is not good and hard to understand, it was especially difficult when her son was an infant.

Karla CS

You mention that you plan on calling several centers, so why not at least give them a call?

I'll agree with all the PP's - as long as you're able to communicate well with the DCP, it shouldn't be a problem. If there's something else bugging you on top of that, definitely heed your instinct. Even if it's not he most PC thing in the world, if it makes you feel better, it makes you feel better.

Along the same lines, when we were trying to decide between two centers, one of the things that knocked one center off the list for us was that they accept Section 8. Is it a PC decision? No, absolutely, not at all. But when you added that factor in with several others, all those factors lead us to pick the other center. 

laurakaz13

jf198400 said:

I would want to meet a bunch of the teachers to see how well they communicate in English. IMO it is very important to be able to talk to your LO's teachers about any issues or concerns. My Sil has had problems with her DC b/c the teachers are Chinese and their English is not good and hard to understand, it was especially difficult when her son was an infant.

I actually think it's funny that we're all assuming the providers don't speak English well just b/c they are Hispanic.  The OP didn't even speak with or visit them yet. 

OP- Diversity is a good thing.  Call and speak with them.  Meet with them.  Then make a decision, but certainly the fact that someone is of a different ethnic origin would not sway me at all. 

bennyandthejets13

What a incredibly biased post this is! Seriously I thought you were joking. You gather they're biligunal but don't know how much English they speak on a daily basis and You came to this conclusion without asking any questions? I'm Hispanic myself and my whole family speaks both Spanish and English and just because we mostly at home speak Spanish with each other doesn't mean we don't know that at work English is the primary language. As other PP stated I could understand your hesitation if you actually TALKED to them and couldn't understand anything they said but you said you haven't even bothered calling the center! Also since you haven't even bothered calling, talking or visiting the center how do you assume they're bilingual or know little English? The workers have Hispanic names? They have brown skin? DH is of Mexican decent and has a Hispanic name and he doesn't know a lick of Spanish! In truly hope you stop judging others who are not "like" you

schumakr

Lurker here, but I had to comment.

I don't understand why you would think a little diversity would hurt your dd. I would love it if my daycare could teach my dd another language. Think of all of the experiences she will get at that center that she wont at others. 

Ultimately check it out, ask tons of questions, and try to make an unbiased decision. 

daisy662

I understand where you are coming from. I grew up in a very non-diverse community. When I lived there, I thought just like you and would have been concerned. At about age 28 I left and moved to a very diverse area. I am now 35 and am very glad that my kids will be raised in a more diverse community. I listen to my friends back home who just have no perspective and it makes me sad. Like pp's have said, go check it out and keep an open mind. Best of luck!

Netty_3

I'm Hispanic and don't speak Spanish....parents felt it would be a hindrance since my dad was reprimanded for it as a kid...wish I did.
That being said LO's school is very diverse with staff and kids from every continent and most religions...they embrace it and have parents share their cultures through food and teaching celebrations. I love he's being exposed to so many different things. Montessori curriculum teaches peace and appreciation of cultural diversity, and I am grateful for that.

RondackHiker

So what terrible fate will befall your daughter if she's exposed to anothe culture? I'm serious. What's the issue with other cultures?

As long as you can communicate with her teachers (and it's ridiculous and offensive to assume you can't when you haven't called tem), I don't get the concern.

Do you know what would happen if they spoke Spanish all day (and as PP said it's offensive to assume they do based off of ethnicity alone) and you spoke English all day at home?

She'd learn both. She may mix up words occasionally when she's little and use the wrong language's word every now and then, but learning two languages is a positive thing.

PP said it's a good thing you're self aware enough to recognize your own bias. I guess I can agree with that, but I can't see recognizing that about myself and not being horrified by my racism. You know nothing about these people but want to keep your dd away because of "cultural differences" (because clearly cultural differences are bad @.@). Are you going to move so your dd can go to school only with people from her "culture"?

aeh72

Where I live, most in-home daycares are run by women of ethnic backgrounds different than ours.  (I have no idea of the ethnic background of the people who own/run larger center-based daycares).

My son goes to a licensed in-home daycare run by a Hispanic woman, and all the other ladies who work there are Hispanic.  The only question/concern relative to their ethnicity I had when picking them was making sure someone who spoke English was able to give me feedback about DS's day.  The owner speaks perfect English but the other two ladies only speak minimal English.  If the owner isn't there for some reason at pick up or drop off (which is rare), I can communicate well enough with the other ladies to convey and receive any necessary information; if it was something I wanted to talk in more detail about, I'd call or talk to the owner the next time I saw her.  The minimal language barrier has never been an issue for us.

DS LOVES his daycare and we love them like they are family.  It's such a warm and nuturing environment. I say don't let cultural backgrounds keep you from what could be a great center.  

Some extra pluses to our daycare - DS is learning Spanish words and he's eating home cooked food with spices that are different than what we use - I actually think he thinks our food is boring sometimes! I love that he's developing a palate for different flavors.

 

RondackHiker

Estwd2 said:

laurakaz13 said:

I actually think it's funny that we're all assuming the providers don't speak English well just b/c they are Hispanic.  The OP didn't even speak with or visit them yet.

Who's this "all" you're talking about? Almost everyone here agrees that OP's fears sound ridiculous.

I think some people also said they'd be okay with any other culture, as long as they could communicate. So not so much assuming the care provider wouldn't be able to communicate as saying as long as they could communicate they'd consider the daycare.

aeh72

Samiantha101 said:

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

I just posted a response to your first post but I need to comment on this one too.  My son is in an in-home daycare that sounds similiar to what you are considering.  I'm fairly certain that the ladies who work there speak Spanish with each other during the day and speak both Spanish and English to the kids.  Don't freak when I tell you this (and I fear you might) - but my son's first real word was agua and to this day (he's 17 months), he uses agua for water (and really any drink) exclusively.  He's never said the word water.  He uses other Spanish words regularly too.  Do I think he's never going to learn the English words? Absolutely not.  Do I love that he's learning a new language? Absolutely!!

Do you research on daycares (any daycare you consider) - interview with them in person, check their inspection and violation histories with your state licensing agency, check references- and then pick the one that feels right for your child and your family.  But don't rule out what may be a caring, safe, nuturing enviornment for your child simply on the basis of someone's race/ethnicity.  You'd be doing your child and yourself a disservice.

financialdiva

I think as long as you can communicate with your provider, there is no issue with their ethnicity.

RondackHiker

Estwd2 said:

RondackHiker said:

Estwd2 said:

laurakaz13 said:

I actually think it's funny that we're all assuming the providers don't speak English well just b/c they are Hispanic.  The OP didn't even speak with or visit them yet.

Who's this "all" you're talking about? Almost everyone here agrees that OP's fears sound ridiculous.

I think some people also said they'd be okay with any other culture, as long as they could communicate. So not so much assuming the care provider wouldn't be able to communicate as saying as long as they could communicate they'd consider the daycare.

Right, but it seemed to me that most people said something along the lines of "Don't assume they won't be able to speak English 'well enough' without talking to them." Not that "Yeah, you're right. They might not be able to speak English well enough because they're Hispanic." Unless I missed it. But I didn't see it.

I think we're agreeing. I don't think anyone said that they wouldn't be able to speak English because they're Hispanic. I was wondering if perhaps laurakaz misinterpreted people saying they'd consider it as long as they could communicate.

I may not be explaining clearly, sorry!

cecilyandgautam

OP - have you recently come to the US? Sounds like your home country wasn't very diverse and the new settings in the U.S. overwhelm you a bit. I get that what's new and foreign can be scary, but I hope with time you'll reach out and get to know some of your new neighbors who come from different parts of the world. You'll be pleasantly surprised. 

Regarding Hispanic childcare providers, none of us here can tell you whether this specific center is any good. To the extent that one can generalize, children are valued and cherished in Latin American communities. Perhaps you could say that about most cultures, but regardless, I would not hesitate to contact this center based on what you described. 

Samiantha101

Thank you for your opinions and insight. I have taken them into consideration. I'm still very much in the preliminary stages of finding care for my daughter.

We do not have any family near us, and to be honest, we just don't really have much family at all. With that in mind, wherever we bring our daughter, the staff will be a big part of her life. The only people my daughter sees on a regular basis is my husband and myself. Perhaps, I've over thought some things and would be better off looking at it from another angle.

mexicolombiana

Wow.  That is all.

RondackHiker

mexicolombiana said:

Wow.  That is all.

I know, right?

litzo27

Just to touch on the language issue (cause the other parts I really don't know what to say given that  I'm not sure I understand what the concern is).

Both my sons started daycare around 20-22 months without speaking any English. They learned within months and at the same were able to retain Russian which we speak at home. So they are fully bilingual. I think that's a great thing. Even if her center was fully Spanish speaking (there are full-immersion centers) it doesn't mean that she would start speaking Spanish with you. Kids are great in compartmentalizing - one language for daycare, one for mommy, one for daddy, etc. It's really quite a wonderful thing. If you concern is being able to communicate with the director and staff then pay them a visit and you will see.

IBackBevo

I spent my early years in Laredo and Nueva Laredo.  The culture/race issue never even occurred to me.  In fact, I never even realized I was the only white kid at my school. Never even occurred to me.  One day, as an adult, I saw a picture of my first grade class and I stood out...but, at the time, I didn't even realize the other kids were a different race from me.  I do remember the other kids speaking Spanish sometimes and not knowing what they said, but I also picked up some of it, too.  Not enough to be fluent, though.

PunkyBooster

I would. We actually wanted a nanny who could speak other languages and who came from a different culture but we did not find a good match.

Ds has a teacher now who is from Mexico and speaks only Spanish to him. I love his little perfectly accented Spanish words. They are so darling to listen to.

GL!

RissNRuss

I looked at a center that was bi-lingual. The reasons we turned it down had nothing to do with cultural differences. It was primarily because of the hours and the fact that the owner/director could barely speak English (I need to be able to verbally communicate with the person caring for my child). The center we chose has a very diverse staff, as well as a diverse group of parents/children, and I think that will lead to my daughter being an open and understanding woman one day- and not judging based on ethnic background. We are a "mutt" family of many backgrounds- a lil "American Melting Pot"!

laurakaz13

Estwd2 said:

I actually think it's funny that we're all assuming the providers don't speak English well just b/c they are Hispanic.  The OP didn't even speak with or visit them yet.

Who's this "all" you're talking about? Almost everyone here agrees that OP's fears sound ridiculous.

Several people brought up language concerns in their replies.  Several!  Go back and read the replies.  It's ridiculous since the OP didn't even meet or talk to any of them. 

court115

This wasn't even something that I thought about when I picked LO's daycare. I picked it based off of how I felt when I walked in there and what their reviews were like. We are from a different descent than our LO's main teacher and until right this second, I never even gave it a second thought. She is excellent with him and she was excellent with my nephews when they were in her class. She also has two little ones at the same center who are the sweetest little girls you'd ever meet. She's obviously doing something right. We adore her and so does LO. And personally, I would love it if he learned to speak another language in addition to English while he was little. I wish I had been exposed to a different language at a young age.

You need to do what you feel comfortable with. If you aren't comfortable with it, then don't do it but I think you should at least talk to these people.

jaimevogt

I had a similar situation, but where the staff was Chinese, like you my main concern was the language. If my LO was spending 50 hours a week in another language that I didn't speak fluently (in this case hardly at all) I do think it would make a big difference in my choice.

I did consider that it would be a really expanding experience for my LO, so I may consider it after he starts speaking..maybe at 2 YO...

I don't think that's racist. 

skibunny59

Samiantha101 said:

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

I am Cuban.  Both my parents were born in Cuba but my brother and I were born here.  We never went to daycare although my parents worked (we always had a nanny who also spoke Spanish) but I just wanted to comment on the language issue.  Introducing a second language at an early age is so important.  My first language was Spanish as a baby.  I actually didn't learn English until I was in pre k but I picked it up really quickly.  I never struggled in school even though English wasn't my first language. 

My mom watches my daughter while I'm at work and she talks to her in both Spanish and English all the time.  Honestly, I think it's an wonderful thing for my daughter.  For me, I think it's important that she's bilingual.  Heck.  I would love it if she knew 3 languages.  

skibunny59

aeh72 said:

Samiantha101 said:

I think the biggest concern of mine would be language barrier. The staff are, from what I gather, all bi-lingual, however I have no idea how much English versus Spanish would be spoken daily. My daughter is in the early stages of learning to talk. Some think introducing a second language early on is the way to go. I agree, however I am still a bit hesitant. I imagine a there will be other parents that speak only Spanish. While this isn't a real big deal, it's still in the back of my mind. Idk, I think I am going to 86 this center from my list.

I just posted a response to your first post but I need to comment on this one too.  My son is in an in-home daycare that sounds similiar to what you are considering.  I'm fairly certain that the ladies who work there speak Spanish with each other during the day and speak both Spanish and English to the kids.  Don't freak when I tell you this (and I fear you might) - but my son's first real word was agua and to this day (he's 17 months), he uses agua for water (and really any drink) exclusively.  He's never said the word water.  He uses other Spanish words regularly too.  Do I think he's never going to learn the English words? Absolutely not.  Do I love that he's learning a new language? Absolutely!!

Do you research on daycares (any daycare you consider) - interview with them in person, check their inspection and violation histories with your state licensing agency, check references- and then pick the one that feels right for your child and your family.  But don't rule out what may be a caring, safe, nuturing enviornment for your child simply on the basis of someone's race/ethnicity.  You'd be doing your child and yourself a disservice.

I think that's awesome that your little guy is being exposed to Spanish.

laurakaz13

PrivacyWanted said:

Estwd2 said:

I actually think it's funny that we're all assuming the providers don't speak English well just b/c they are Hispanic.  The OP didn't even speak with or visit them yet.

Who's this "all" you're talking about? Almost everyone here agrees that OP's fears sound ridiculous.

Several people brought up language concerns in their replies.  Several!  Go back and read the replies.  It's ridiculous since the OP didn't even meet or talk to any of them. 

I just went back and the only one who said language was a legitimate concern was jf198-something or other.

Didn't OP mention it being a concern like the second post? I went back and realized I "loved it" which I blame on my fat thumbs FTR I don't. And I speak Spanish fluently. I'm not Hispanic. My coworker is Hispanic and doesn't speak a lick. Appearances can be deceiving

Yep!!!!  That was my point.  OP did actually state that she was "worried about language" and other posters addressed it.  I don't know why on Earth this PP was so offended by it.  Sigh. 

aeh72

jaimevogt said:

I had a similar situation, but where the staff was Chinese, like you my main concern was the language. If my LO was spending 50 hours a week in another language that I didn't speak fluently (in this case hardly at all) I do think it would make a big difference in my choice.

I did consider that it would be a really expanding experience for my LO, so I may consider it after he starts speaking..maybe at 2 YO...

I don't think that's racist. 

I've shared my son's experience in a couple different posts, but in response to your concerns, I just wanted to let you know that my son is in a daycare where they speak a lot of Spanish and he's learned several Spanish words but he learned twice if not three times as many English words. He's been at this daycare since he was 3 months old and hearing Spanish spoken regularly has not impacted his ability to learn English at all.

Reilly626

I only care if they are loving good people. If you are that biased hire a Czech nanny from abroad.

Samiantha101

Reilly626 said:

I only care if they are loving good people. If you are that biased hire a Czech nanny from abroad.

That's your ONLY prerequisite?!? Really? I know some good loving people, who have made some really poor decisions, that I would NEVER let watch my child.

And for what it's worth, I'm not Czech. I was explaining my neighborhood, but you may have understood that if you actually read my entire post.