Childcare Question: WWYD? Long, sorry!

ambmama

So I wanted to get opinions on my childcare situation. DS started at his first daycare in February of this year after being home with a nanny the first year. He did really well and I absolutely loved the daycare. The teachers were consistent, the lesson plans clear and he did pretty well socially. We moved in May and the drive would have been too much for me, so we switched to another school that was awful (I won't go into the big long story), so after about a week he was in a new school (his current one). I've liked the school for the most part - we've gotten him through the biting and hitting stage with proactive plans, I've understood any issue he's had, and other than the nasty case of HFM, things have been fine.

 My one concern I've always had, though, was the assistant teachers were not consistent - between college kids that left and people finding new jobs, I couldn't even tell you half of their names. That was bothersome but acceptable since his main teacher was the same; however, she decided to leave a few weeks ago to go back into a good-paying IT job. I can't say I blame her! So they hired a new teacher who started last week - I was a little uneasy but figured we would get to know her. I just heard today that she quit unexpectedly! So now his room doesn't have a main teacher at all. Granted we are only in a toddler room, but that still bothers me. In addition, I just talked to the Director Friday (funny enough we were talking about the turnover issue) and she mentioned he won't be able to move up to the 2's room until he's closer to 2.5 because the class is full. She said they would start aiming his curriculum at the 2 year old level and support my potty training efforts, but I'm nervous that the teachers and assistants won't really be able to/be committed to doing this.

I've toured other local daycares and honestly there aren't any that I'm really in love with. There are two that are "ok," but one is much more expensive and the other doesn't have a great menu. I'm hesitant as well because at least the kids in the class have been the same, so moving to a new school means new everything. So my options are really: 1. Wait and see who the new teacher is, though it might be a few weeks before there is one. 2. Put him into one of the "ok" daycares and hope it's better? 3. Make the decision to go back to his old daycare and just drive the extra, which would mean much earlier mornings and later evenings, which ultimately means a lot less time to spend with DS. 4. ??

Sending virtual wine (chocolate for the KU'd ones) to any who are still reading this. I appreciate any input!

jobiann

Oh man. Sounds like you need a few glasses of wine to get you through this situation. 

I'd be extremely concerned why there is so much turnover, does the director believe it to be pay related? Or just a bad spot with reliable/dedicated employees?

To be honest, any direction you could go in could be awesome or it could be terrible. It's just a gamble you are going to have to research and select an option and see how it goes. You could chose a new daycare close to where you live and end up loving it! I wish there was an easy answer for you. What does your hubby think?

OhBaby+2013

What does your gut tell you? I find with things like this my gut leads me right. If the old place was awesome maybe you go back. Although it means less time during the week with you that's ok. Just make the time you do have awesome. Trust your gut whatever that may be. Not a fun situation at all. Hang in there

court115

The high turnover would make me really uncomfortable. I agree with PPs: either keeping him there or moving him to an "okay" center could be a huge gamble. I think I might wait it out a few weeks to see how this one shakes out. What does your husband think?

mamom0103

We had a ton of turnover at our daycare in the first year and a half (it's just settling down a bit now). It's frustrating for me but honestly hasn't affected DS at all. I just try and talk to the new teachers as much as possible during pick-up. Turnover is common at daycares here, they don't pay great and many use it as a stepping stone to jobs in the schools.

We've also had issues with DS not being able to move up due to full classrooms. Will your DS be the only one or will his classmates be the same age? I had to fight at one point to get DS a spot, even threatening to leave until they found a way to move him up. I would continue to express your concerns to the director. If the whole class is older, the teachers should be able to adapt the curriculum.

ambmama

Thanks everyone. I felt somewhat comforted yesterday because I went to pick DS up way early for a doctor appointment and he didn't want to leave! He has also started to say his friends names, so it makes me feel like the best decision right now is to wait. I've decided to become a member of the PTA so I have a direct connection to other parents and the Director, so hopefully that will help as well.

@natt1230 Since he is a Dec baby he is in between the ages - there are 4 or 5 older than him right now and the rest (maybe 10) younger. I know a few of the older kids will move up soon. I think you're right - if it ends up him being the oldest with younger kids, I will push for them to move him.