Transitioning to a new classroom at daycare - vent

SigmundsGirl

Wow, it is only Wednesday and it has been a long tough week. Evan transitioned to the next room at daycare (18 to 24 month) and on the same day it was the start of the school year so all of the parents who didn't need summer care started their little ones at daycare. This meant 22 new kids spread across 8 rooms (depending on age).

Some of the kids have never been to daycare and some don't speak English. In Evan's class he has a teacher and a teacher's helper (one of the nuns from the church) for about 7 kids. The teacher had a fever yesterday and was out sick, and the nun was on her own with 4 screaming/crying kids and 2 kids running around when I dropped Evan off. It was a total zoo. I had a little girl grab on my legs while she was crying because she wanted me to hold her. I rubbed her back and tried to get her interested in a doll.

In this new class they move to 1 nap a day, where is last class had 2. And they use regular cups during snack time. Evan only uses straw sippy cups because he refuses to hold his arms to drink (but we are working on this-sigh). Monday Evan came home cranky and they had to change his clothes because he spilled juice all over himself. I am fine with him transitioning to 1 nap and learning to use a cup, but being thrown in the deep end was a bit much for him. And there are fewer notes on his daily sheet than I am used to. I understand that as get gets older there will be fewer notes, I just wish they would tapper off instead drop instantly; especially since this is a transition period for him.

On top off all of this, the separation anxiety issues are coming back and he started waking in the middle of the night screaming like he was being torn limb from tiny limb. I hope this phase passes quickly and my happy little dude returns.

Thanks for letting me vent. I feel much better.

TexasHarmony

I wasn't a fan of the transitions around that age either.  Sorry to hear it's been rough. 

Suzi-G-

[[[hugs]]]

It is hard.  We're going through some of the same right now.  Cooper's school doesn't move kids up by age, instead the whole class moves "up" in the fall so he's in a new room with new teachers this week too.  But at least he has most of his old friends with him.  Except his best friend/girl friend changed schools, I think he misses her a lot.    We've been dealing with separation anxiety again for about the past month.  Wheeee it's fun. 

Last time we had separation anxiety issues it only lasted about 6 weeks to 2 months, so I'm hoping that holds true this go round and we're nearing the end.   I keep meaning to talk to his new teacher (she's been teaching 2 year olds for 20 years and has a masters in early childhood education so I'm hoping she'll be a great resource for us during the next year) about the separation issues and see if she has any advice but haven't had a chance.

Mrs.T2006

Sorry it's been a rough transition. We're transitioning and it's still tough!

Hopefully it will get better quickly!

SigmundsGirl

Thanks for the support, ladies. I knew y'all could empathize.

Suzi - It is great that you have a teacher with so much experience you can talk to. I know it is just hard to find the time to actually do it. Drop off and pick up times aren't usually the best time to have these kinds of conversations. I hope C passes through his phase of separation anxiety soon. 

lauroura

My Evan has also moved up this week...to the 12-17 month old room (he's not even 11 months!). But our day care goes to 1 nap in this class and requires them to start using a sippy cup...and we get no note sent home! 

 No advice, I just wanted to tell you I know how you feel. Also, my Evan doesn't seem to have much separation anxiety right now...but he also already knows 6 of the kiddos in his new class.

SigmundsGirl

lauroura:

My Evan has also moved up this week...to the 12-17 month old room (he's not even 11 months!). But our day care goes to 1 nap in this class and requires them to start using a sippy cup...and we get no note sent home! 

 No advice, I just wanted to tell you I know how you feel. Also, my Evan doesn't seem to have much separation anxiety right now...but he also already knows 6 of the kiddos in his new class.

Wow, your Evan is dealing with a lot too. My Evan couldn't use a regular sippy cup when he went into the 12-17 month room so we gave him straw sippy cups, which he uses just fine. He still won't drink from a regular sippy cup unless he is lying down, silly guy.

Looks like we are in the same boat. I hope this transition goes well and quickly for both of our Evans.

lauroura

SigmundsGirl:

lauroura:

My Evan has also moved up this week...to the 12-17 month old room (he's not even 11 months!). But our day care goes to 1 nap in this class and requires them to start using a sippy cup...and we get no note sent home! 

 No advice, I just wanted to tell you I know how you feel. Also, my Evan doesn't seem to have much separation anxiety right now...but he also already knows 6 of the kiddos in his new class.

Wow, your Evan is dealing with a lot too. My Evan couldn't use a regular sippy cup when he went into the 12-17 month room so we gave him straw sippy cups, which he uses just fine. He still won't drink from a regular sippy cup unless he is lying down, silly guy.

Looks like we are in the same boat. I hope this transition goes well and quickly for both of our Evans.

so far he has done well...let's hope it sticks I hope your Evan does well too

kreeper611

C's daycare goes from 12-24mo. But the first month was brutal. One nap...new teachers ..and I had started a new job the same day that required me to leave him almost 12 hours. It sucked but we finally got past ir. I spent a lot of time talking to the director and teachers and that helped.