Does your LO go to the park with DCP?

MrsWindyCity

DS just started a new daycare today. They ask for a signed waiver to go to the park every day, which DH signed when he did drop off this morning. The kids go to the park holding onto a rope, and the park is about 2 blocks from the center.

I hadn't really thought about it, but now H is making me wonder if this is a good idea. He's worried about the fact that DS might be climbing up high with no one watching him or just in general worried about the amount of kids vs. the amount of teachers and how they make sure each kid doesn't wander off, etc. So, now he has me worried. Our last center took the kids to the park, but it was really more for walks in wagons, and the kids didn't really get out.

So, is this the norm? Should I be worried? 

PeonyPumps

DS goes to an in-home daycare, where she sometimes takes the kids on trips.  They go to the park probably once every week or two, and last Friday, DCP's mom went with (because there were 5 kids total) and they went to the zoo.  I feel okay with her trips there because he and one other little one (about 5ish? months younger than him) are the youngest there, while the older kids are like 4, 6, & 8, so they are a little more self sufficient at running around by themselves.  She can have a hand on each little one and an eye on the older ones and I'm comfortable with that ratio, although she mainly only takes the little ones to the park on days the older LOs aren't there, just to make it easier on herself.

ETA: What is the ratio of teachers to children? 

MrsWindyCity

PeonyPumps:

DS goes to an in-home daycare, where she sometimes takes the kids on trips.  They go to the park probably once every week or two, and last Friday, DCP's mom went with (because there were 5 kids total) and they went to the zoo.  I feel okay with her trips there because he and one other little one (about 5ish? months younger than him) are the youngest there, while the older kids are like 4, 6, & 8, so they are a little more self sufficient at running around by themselves.  She can have a hand on each little one and an eye on the older ones and I'm comfortable with that ratio, although she mainly only takes the little ones to the park on days the older LOs aren't there, just to make it easier on herself.

ETA: What is the ratio of teachers to children? 

I think the technical ratio is 8:1, but usually they at least have 1 assistant so the ratio is more like 1:5ish. However, I don't know if that's the case (and I'll ask tomorrow) because if there are any kids who don't have the waiver signed, they obviously need a teacher/assistant/someone to stay behind and watch them.

The park isn't huge or anything, but it's a city park, in a pretty busy neighborhood, so I'd imagine around that time (~12:00), it can get pretty busy. 

penguingrrl

When I was in Manhattan I always saw daycare groups at the park or coming and going, so I wouldn't think twice about it. In the suburbs it seems standard that each daycare has its own playground, but that clearly isn't an option in a big city, so public playgrounds are what's available.

Playing on the playground is an important part of staying active for kids, so I would be upset if my kid wasn't doing that at daycare.

stdldb29

Our DCP takes the kids to the parks-she actually drives them around to various parks so they do not get bored. I never have even thought about her watching them about stuff like that, I just figured she did. 

Hell, DCP took DD to the pool last week- I'm home all summer but she kept her while I had a workshop.

I wouldn't worry, sounds like they do it all the time with the other kids. 

CoffeeBeen

Since our DCP isn't near a park, they have different fenced off areas with different playground equipment for each class. 

I think I would be worried if they went offsite - but not because of climbing.  I'd be more worried about DS wandering off or getting forgotten.  But those are the kind of fears that come with kids getting bigger and getting more independence.  I'd still let him go.  I bet it's good for the kids to get off site and go for a walk.   

I think you should talk to your DCP about their precautions.  Just say, "This is going to sound silly, but I was wondering if you could tell me about your offiste policies.  I'm a new mom and I worry about DS sometimes.  I see that you guys do a great job with him, so I think I'd feel better if you just told me about how you take the ids offsite."

PeonyPumps

MrsWindyCity:

PeonyPumps:

DS goes to an in-home daycare, where she sometimes takes the kids on trips.  They go to the park probably once every week or two, and last Friday, DCP's mom went with (because there were 5 kids total) and they went to the zoo.  I feel okay with her trips there because he and one other little one (about 5ish? months younger than him) are the youngest there, while the older kids are like 4, 6, & 8, so they are a little more self sufficient at running around by themselves.  She can have a hand on each little one and an eye on the older ones and I'm comfortable with that ratio, although she mainly only takes the little ones to the park on days the older LOs aren't there, just to make it easier on herself.

ETA: What is the ratio of teachers to children? 

I think the technical ratio is 8:1, but usually they at least have 1 assistant so the ratio is more like 1:5ish. However, I don't know if that's the case (and I'll ask tomorrow) because if there are any kids who don't have the waiver signed, they obviously need a teacher/assistant/someone to stay behind and watch them.

The park isn't huge or anything, but it's a city park, in a pretty busy neighborhood, so I'd imagine around that time (~12:00), it can get pretty busy. 

Hmmm, yeah if the ratio is eight 2 year olds to one adult, I would probably have issue with that, there is no way to keep them all safe and/or under control in a public place IMO, but if the ratio is smaller, I'd probably be okay with it.  But I'm a helicopter mama anyway, so take my opinions lightly.   

gimmietimmies

stdldb29:

Our DCP takes the kids to the parks-she actually drives them around to various parks so they do not get bored. I never have even thought about her watching them about stuff like that, I just figured she did. 

Hell, DCP took DD to the pool last week- I'm home all summer but she kept her while I had a workshop.

I wouldn't worry, sounds like they do it all the time with the other kids. 

This is the same with our DCP, she takes them all over. Sometimes they walk to the park by her house (dd4 sometimes hops in the wagon), or they drive to a different park, the spray park, the play groups (there are a few in our town), or the indoor playground. She tries to take them out daily, weather permitting.

Oh, and it's my younger three full time, and another lo dd4's age and right now a 6 year old boy.

 

hmp1

Not his age group. I forgot what age they start doing field trips, maybe 4?

His center has 3 different playgrounds for different ages on site. 

[Deleted User]

P goes all the time.  Not everyday, because they also have a playground on site, but frequently.  They usually bring helpers too, and I never worry about it. 

MrsWindyCity

Thanks for the feedback. DH asked me to "ask the message boards." Hah. The other daycares we looked at all had on-site play areas, so this one is a little different. I was glad he finally got a chance to play in the park vs. just going outside or playing in a small area with a water table or whatever, but then I just started questioning the whole thing after talking to H.

And it was his first day so I really don't know what to think yet - considering they changed  his diaper ONCE all damn day, I don't currently hold them up to the highest of standards.