Daycare issue....Tell me if I'm overreacting over this.

CaraLynn91

I'm fine with my daughter getting dirty, and messy...within reason. She's a child, and I fully understand that it's going to happen...which is why we send extra clothes with her. 

However, yesterday they let the class go outside and play in the mud puddles. First of all, it was chilly out. I don't want her getting sick. Second, she was SOAKED. Her clothes were wet, boots wet inside and out, and they were wiping mud out of her hair and off her face when SO picked her up.

I just find that ridiculous.

Also, when I dropped her off this morning we started the usual routine (they want us to help her take her coat off, wash her hands, etc) while I was helping her wash her hands the teachers were standing around talking while the kids played. One little girl walked up to a teacher, requested her to come play, and the teacher responded with "Honey, I'm drinkingmy coffee."

That floored me. I have worked in childcare and as soon as we clocked on, it was about the kids. We didn't get paid to just stand around ESPECIALLY if the children were requesting our attention. I know how trying childcare can be, and some days you do want to just make small talk with your coworkers, and drink coffee...but that's not what you're there for.

She just transferred into the toddler room, and I'm not so sure about these teachers...they didnt' even introduce themselves to me yet. I introduced myself to them, but they never told me their names or anything. I literally had to ask, "...and what's your name?" I just find it odd that us being new parents to the room, they didn't want to tell me who they are. I emailed the director regarding my concerns, but I just hope I'm not being one of "those parents". 

BelhurstBride

Well, for starters your child isn't going to catch a cold from being out in the cold. Being stuck inside with sick people is how germs are spread. 

If your daycare is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) then going outside for 20 minutes a day, every day (weather pending... obviously not in the rain, a snow storm or extreme temperatures) is part of their standards. Accredited daycares and schools are *supposed* to be dressing children appropriately and taking them outside every day. NAEYC believes it's an important part of a child's development and part of developmentally appropriate practice; schools who fail to abide by the standards can lose their accreditation. 

That said, I really don't think your daughter should have gotten absolutely soaked in mud. How many teachers are their to the number of students? It sounds like someone should have been watching a little bit more closely to watch the mud play, especially in the colder weather. The school should also be doing something to prevent mud issues in their play yard.

The whole coffee bit would tick me off, too. That's not acceptable.  

MoreThanABride

Those issues would all bother me too.

Ago

The mud thing wouldn't bother me at all - outdoor play is very important and it sounds like a great sensory experience.

The coffee thing and not introducing themselves - yes, that would definitely bother me.

acaudill75

I'm kind of a neat freak so the mud thing would be bother me, especially if she was soaking wet with mud in her hair. I stopped sending my girls in the cute clothes I bought for the look and not durability. Now they go to school in whatever won't show grass, mud, paint, etc. stains. I also spend 5-10 minutes in the morning and afternoon talking to the different teachers so that they know I am a parent that cares. Maybe they don't see me that way and roll their eyes, but I will never apologize for being "that parent." I love the fact that DD1 runs in and gives her current and past teachers hugs, because that tells me they paid attention to her and developed a bond with her. If your kids aren't getting the same attention, then I would be concerned too.

1026pumpkin

All of those things would irk me.  I don't usually get upset if DS comes home dirty, because it's a sign he's had a good day.  But if they specifically brought kids outside to play in the mud and got them soaked on purpose, that's ridiculous.  At our DC if they're going to do something very messy (i.e. fill baby pools with jello or do full-body finger paint), the strip them down to diapers or diapers and a smock, and then clean them back and get them dressed.

They should have made a point of introducing themselves to you and getting you oriented when you started in the room, and there is no reason they should be eating/drinking when they're on the clock and kids need their attention.  If it was an in-home DC where the DCP didn't get breaks, I wouldn't mind, but at a center, they have multiple scheduled breaks and a lunch break- no reason to be eating while on the clock. 

acaudill75

1026pumpkin:

All of those things would irk me.  I don't usually get upset if DS comes home dirty, because it's a sign he's had a good day.  But if they specifically brought kids outside to play in the mud and got them soaked on purpose, that's ridiculous.  At our DC if they're going to do something very messy (i.e. fill baby pools with jello or do full-body finger paint), the strip them down to diapers or diapers and a smock, and then clean them back and get them dressed.

They should have made a point of introducing themselves to you and getting you oriented when you started in the room, and there is no reason they should be eating/drinking when they're on the clock and kids need their attention.  If it was an in-home DC where the DCP didn't get breaks, I wouldn't mind, but at a center, they have multiple scheduled breaks and a lunch break- no reason to be eating while on the clock. 

Last time I did that, I was in college and wearing a bikini...

rlyttle

MoreThanABride:

Those issues would all bother me too.

This! You pay a lot of money I'm sure for them to take amazing care of your child. I think you have the right to overreact over issues that concern your own child.  

12bailey18

Yep, that would all bother me. 

stever

The getting dirty part I'm okay with - DS is outside most of the time at school and is often filthy when he comes home. The inattentiveness, however, is not cool. It's their job to interact with the kids! I feel bad for that little girl that wanted to play

ThatWasAHoot

I'd be mad about the mud thing!  I also understand that kids get messy/dirty, but to let them jump in mud is just not a good idea.  Let the parents deal with that.  I would be so mad if my son was covered in mud if he was in daycare!

 

And the teacher's general attitudes would make me angry, too.  They are there for the children, not for coffee.  And I also worked in childcare before [I do it on my own now-thank god] and in the centers I worked at, we went out of our way to introduce ourselves to the parents.  These people are being trusted with your child.  They should at least have the decency to say hello.

olechka

i think you should talk to the supervisor, i would be mad about all those things. That's the reason I take LO to in home childcare, I want her to be cared for like at home.

AmericanInOz

I think you are overreacting a bit on both issues

HOWEVER if it bothers you, then I think you should speak to the daycare center's director

I wouldn't be thrilled if my dd came home covered in mud either - that sounds a bit ott....

NancyBotwin

With the mud, did she have a change of clothes? I wouldn't mind DD getting wet/muddy so long as she didn't have to be in the clothes for long.

The coffee thing would be completely unacceptable in my mind. 

lrn327

Hmm, the mud thing, well, DS has water day each week at DC, but we have to provide swimsuit, bath towel, etc so that's a little different.  I would prefer that not happen but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.  

THe coat off, hands washing - not a big deal for me.  It's nice to have parents help them transition into the day at DC.

The coffee would tick me off.  I'd bring it up to the director personally.  I've done this type of the same thing on several occasions when it felt warranted.   

dande2129

DS gets dirty at daycare from either playing outside, playing with the "sensory table", painting, etc. They do try and keep them from getting too dirty, but when they do, DS has two outfits, four pairs of socks and an extra pair of shoes that they can change him into. Honestly, I send him to daycare in less expensive, less "dressy" clothes that I don't care if they get dirty.

However, I'd be pissed if it were clear that a teacher wasn't paying attention to a child for no other reason than "drinking coffee." I'd talk with the supervisor about that.

There are teachers that I like, and teachers that I could leave at DS's daycare. Some are more friendly than the others, but it would bother me if not a single teacher had introduced themselves or made it a point to speak with me when DS transitioned into the older toddler room.

I second a PP suggestion to talk to the director/supervisor. You pay money to send your kid there.... you are a customer of their's, and it's important that they know your concerns. 

StefB28

All of it would piss me off... I'm surprised the teachers are allowed to have coffee in the room. Our Mother's Day Out program forbids it, as it could burn the kids.

Smores730

I breezed threw the replies so sorry to repeat things but I teach pre-school at a daycare/preschool facility and can't believe what I'm reading! hah!

We're not allowed outside if there are puddles!?! We have towels in our rooms if there is still standing water on the slides which are sometimes last to dry. 

The teachers should be helping receive the kids, washing their hands etc. not you! It should be expected that you need to go to work, get on with your day, whatever. Coffee is NOT allowed in a classroom along with any other liquid that is hot because it is a liability. I thought that was a standard rule?!

Our facility requires us to fill out sheets that detail our names, what they ate, how they slept, what activities they did for their first few days. We also introduce ourselves the first day and give the parents/child a mini tour of the room. Here's your hook, here's where their papers are, yadda yadda. I would be looking for a new place asap. From what I have experienced with daycares, if it appears to not be running up to par when you are there to see what's going on, it's probably a lot worse when your back is turned.

ByeBabyBunting

I don't think it's anything too major, but if it bothers you, then find a new place