2nd guessing daycare choice

RedZee

We chose a daycare pretty quickly. I had seen a few places last year and saw a few more this time around. We chose the Y because it's close to home so easy for either of us to drop her off, they have outdoor and indoor play space, they have music time and a nature program. We've heard really good things about it too. We didn't realize how many people we knew who went there!

Today I started the phase in. We were there for the morning. I was disappointed in the teachers. There are 2 toddler rooms. I thought one of the teachers in the other classrooms spoke in a really nasty way to the kids. One of the floaters also did. In her room, the teachers were fine (I liked one of them a lot). My main complaint about her teachers is that they are not really literate. None of them were able to read the words in the children's books in the classroom. They also don't seem to really name many things in the classroom. It seemed like they just spent most of them time telling the kids not to do things. By the end I felt like she learns way more from me on a given day than she will there.

I don't know if I'm just being super picky and freaking out about leaving her. Also, there was another kid who started recently who just cried and cried the whole time and it really upset me (I spent a lot of the time crying to, I'm embarrassed to say). The only other places that might have spots right now are kind of annoyingly out of the way.

Why is sending her to daycare so freaking hard for me?!

skibi83

I'm also having second thoughts on my daycare. I started paying for daycare at the end of the month, and now the board wants us to pay in advance each month. Really.... How do you come up with an extra five hundred magically?! If we don't get "caught up" they aren't going to let her go anymore. I'm super annoyed. I looked at a new daycare today and fell in love. I hope I can figure out how to afford it. It's a little more expensive, but the hours are more convenient and they expect me to pay at the end of the month. I hope we can get her in. They also are much more organized and the kids only have tv time occasionally it's not on during nap time and when you first show up.

skibi83

RedZee I think it's hard for everyone. If it really bothers you the inconvenience might be worth it.

MarSamWhitney

Wait, these are actual teachers that cant read the kids books? I might find another place, especially if you are looking for a learning environment and not just a day care. Thats nuts.

SweetHurricane

There is no way I would pay money for an illiterate person to "teach" my kid. It may not be a big deal at this age, but eventually they will need to be learning ABCs and such. Sounds like they are taking on more of a baby sitter role than a teaching role. I'd keep looking if I were you.

RouensDream

RedZee:

We chose a daycare pretty quickly. I had seen a few places last year and saw a few more this time around. We chose the Y because it's close to home so easy for either of us to drop her off, they have outdoor and indoor play space, they have music time and a nature program. We've heard really good things about it too. We didn't realize how many people we knew who went there!

Today I started the phase in. We were there for the morning. I was disappointed in the teachers. There are 2 toddler rooms. I thought one of the teachers in the other classrooms spoke in a really nasty way to the kids. One of the floaters also did. In her room, the teachers were fine (I liked one of them a lot). My main complaint about her teachers is that they are not really literate. None of them were able to read the words in the children's books in the classroom. They also don't seem to really name many things in the classroom. It seemed like they just spent most of them time telling the kids not to do things. By the end I felt like she learns way more from me on a given day than she will there.

I don't know if I'm just being super picky and freaking out about leaving her. Also, there was another kid who started recently who just cried and cried the whole time and it really upset me (I spent a lot of the time crying to, I'm embarrassed to say). The only other places that might have spots right now are kind of annoyingly out of the way.

Why is sending her to daycare so freaking hard for me?!

Trust your instincts. If they talk to the kids that way in front of a parent, you can guarantee they are worse when a parent isn't there. Seriously, I have been teaching for over 12 years and I have been in a LOT of classrooms. I would drive out of the way to make sure my kid was in good hands while I'm at work. I wouldn't put her in that environment. And seriously, if they can't read... 0_0 They have no business teaching kids. 

I am also looking around for the right daycare. It is really hard. One place came highly recommended and I did NOT like it at all for the toddler room. They let a kid scream and cry at the door with no response from any teacher. A baby was on the floor with her face pushed into a toy and the wall. (The lady who was showing me around quickly picked the baby up.) There were babies unattended on the changing table and high chairs (not strapped in). I was horrified. I saw no interaction between the teachers and kids. It was lame. So, I'm still looking. 

I hope you find something soon that works. 

RedZee

I really wish I could bring someone with me who is less emotional about all of this. I really don't know if I'm just seeing things as being worse than they are or if these are really issues. One thing is that I'm used to being around people who love her or care about her so they will anyway be treating her differently than teachers/caregivers who are at their workplace, KWIM?

I'm hoping to speak to a couple of the people I know whose kids have had these teachers. Around here, once you register you are required to give 2 months notice of cancellation. I would hope that since she hasn't officially started yet they might let us cancel before starting, but I doubt it. Also, I start work Monday so to find a new place and get adjusted to it might not be that realistic.

I mean, she's little and I'm not looking for a program with an intense curriculum. I want her to play outside and interact with other kids, and I think she'll be getting that chance at this place (it's hard to find a place with a great outdoor area).

In the worst case, she'd be there for a few months while we find another option. I don't think it will mess her up. Dang, this is so freakin' hard!

CaniacMom

Trust your instincts.  You have a good idea in trying to talk to some of the parents at this center.  As long as this center seems clean & safe you can use it until you find the perfect place for your little one.  I can't believe they require a 2 month notice of cancellation.  Daycare is tough.  One of the important criteria once you get past licensure, safety, cleanliness in my opinion is that there be a low turnover of staff & children.  That tells me that the teachers are generally happy working there and the families are generally happy with the care their children are receiving.