DS1 goes to the local elementary school to receive his services in a classroom environment (early childhood class). It's a small class and there are about 6 teachers/therapists/etc.
He also attends daycare a few days a week since this class is only 1/2 days and I work. So I have a lot of gifts to buy (plus for the teachers that DS2 has in daycare).
I don't want to be cheap when it comes to DS1's actual school teachers though--as they have helped him tremendously and are amazing people. I just have no idea what to get and what amount is appropriate. I was thinking a gift card and a hand written thank you. What denomination of gift cards are you giving, if you are giving them.
Re: If your LO is in "school" for their services--- need gift ideas
I am in contact with the other parents at Nate's school where he goes 2x a week. We took up a collection and bought a VISA card for the Family Ed department and told them to use it for a lunch someday. We will probably do something similar again. One option would be a gift card for Panera, Starbucks or even a grocery store close to the school. I think 10-15 dollars is plenty for a gift card. MirandaH is way generous at 25!
I am sure the "bump standards" on teacher gifts would change if everyone else had as many therapists and specialty educators as our kids do. This is just one other area that comparison with the Mompetitors on this site will only make you feel bad.....
You just made my day! Thank you- well said!
it's true though. Actually when I saw $25 I was like "ugh oh......" --I'd LOVE to do that but not sure we can afford it. I have 6 teachers in his "school class"---and although 3 aren't completely active with him--there are three that are his primary and therapists. Then he has 3 at daycare...and then DS2 has 2 at daycare. Of all years for money to be tight.
You are so right. For "normal" situations---and for those who are rolling in the bucks--great. BUT not only do I have his "tools" to buy to help with sensory and speech but he has multiple severe food allergies so the food for that is insanely expensive. BUT on the other hand---these teachers are doing things I could never do for him. They are priceless.
My new "mom" blog: http://realityofamommy.blogspot.com
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Notes:
Baby #2 MC June 2008
Baby #3 Born April 2009
Baby #4 due date February 2015
Baby #2 MC June 2008
Baby #3 Born April 2009
Baby #4 due date February 2015
We have about 12 teachers and therapists to gift. We are going homemade, except for a few small things that I have picked up over the course of the year for certain teachers and therapists.
I come from a teacher family, and I honestly do not think any of us feel one way or another if we get or do not get gifts from families. I would feel awkward accepting gift cards or anything expensive from most of the kids I teach. I would not want to think of my students' families doing without so they could acknowledge me for doing the job I chose to do and enjoy.
And it would really make me feel bad if I thought a family felt that they needed to spend a lot on me so I would do an "extra good" job with their child.
While I am at it, I will also say that, as a teacher, the best thing parents can do to make me feel appreciated is to supply me with a child who is clean, fed, well-rested, has manners, and brings his homework completed. That is worth so much more than a Starbucks card!
That's my .02, for what it is worth. And my home-made gift is holiday hot fudge sauce, which they can eat with a spoon, pour over ice cream, re-gift, or toss out with a smile. It's the thought that counts, and that is what we can afford.