Daycare moms: Teacher Appreciation Day

AutumnBonfire · May 2014

So Teacher Appreciation Day is tomorrow. For those of you with kids in daycare, do you get something for the daycare workers? I didn't last year when DS was in the infant room, but now I feel like I should.

AutumnBonfire · May 2014

I was thinking of buying a big box of chocolates for them to share. There is one main person there for most of the day and then two others when she leaves. Plus two others who take over lunches and days off. We'll make a card with DS's handprint or something.

cuntasaurusrex · May 2014

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

EllaSmella · May 2014

Our daycare does something every day of the week (!), although you don't have to participate in all of them (or any of them). Today was a breakfast item for the staff room, tomorrow is "bring a flower", Wednesday is sweet treats, Thursday is gift cards and Friday is "hug your teacher". I usually do the breakfast item and the sweet treat because I enjoy baking and I'm cheap :-) Being "asked" to supply a gift card feels a little awkward to me, so I always skip that one, but I do gift cards at Xmas (kinda silly, but I just hate feeling put on the spot and want to do thing of my own accord).

rjacques · May 2014

Our Day care does a whole week of teacher appreciation. They have a sign up sheet for parents to participate and bring in an item for lunch one day that week. I may do a little something for the teachers as well from DS. Maybe a small vase of flowers and a card or candles.

starlight0412 · May 2014

aliletz said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

As someone who worked in a daycare before. You actually aren't paying their salary by sending your child there. I'm not really sure where all the money goes but it isn't all to the teachers. They make like $8.50 an hour...if that for some.

abundancenow · May 2014

aliletz said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

I've missed it for the past 4 years!

I did not know this was a thing. Is it posted on Hallmark Calenders or how do you know about it?

I usually bring a tiny gift to the teachers and assistants around Thanksgiving and Mother's Day, I don't do Christmas gifts or end of the year because that's when everyone else does stuff. They do get paid to provide a service, but often daycare workers and assistants are paid very low wages and I will get a gift card or tiny gift, but nothing major.

DS is in public school system preschool the past two years, so it is free for me and they pay teachers very well there because they have certified education requirements, some actually have graduate degrees and are paid 55-75K! So nothing big for them since they are compensated so well.

AutumnBonfire · May 2014

abundancenow said:

aliletz said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

I've missed it for the past 4 years!

I did not know this was a thing. Is it posted on Hallmark Calenders or how do you know about it?

I usually bring a tiny gift to the teachers and assistants around Thanksgiving and Mother's Day, I don't do Christmas gifts or end of the year because that's when everyone else does stuff. They do get paid to provide a service, but often daycare workers and assistants are paid very low wages and I will get a gift card or tiny gift, but nothing major.
DS is in public school system preschool the past two years, so it is free for me and they pay teachers very well there because they have certified education requirements, some actually have graduate degrees and are paid 55-75K! So nothing big for them since they are compensated so well.

I didn't know this was a "thing" either, but I work in a school and this is posted on our school calendars. I lurk on the Working Moms board and they've been talking about daycare presents. I just don't want to be the only jerk who does nothing.

jnnfrrose6 · May 2014

EllaSmella said:

Our daycare does something every day of the week (!), although you don't have to participate in all of them (or any of them). Today was a breakfast item for the staff room, tomorrow is "bring a flower", Wednesday is sweet treats, Thursday is gift cards and Friday is "hug your teacher". I usually do the breakfast item and the sweet treat because I enjoy baking and I'm cheap :-) Being "asked" to supply a gift card feels a little awkward to me, so I always skip that one, but I do gift cards at Xmas (kinda silly, but I just hate feeling put on the spot and want to do thing of my own accord).

Same here. I actually posted about it last week on the working moms board because it's not something I was aware happened, and the email we received was really tacky (though I can't blame the teachers for something the administration chose to do). Here's that thread: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12329211/teacher-appreciation-week#latest

I decided to do a basket with the various items in it and take that at some point this week whenever I remember/get around to it. No way this pregnant momma is going to remember something every.single.day this week. Hell, I walked out the door this morning without DS's bag that had his breakfast, extra sippy, and sheet for the week. At least I didn't get far before I remembered to go back for it.

cookieinva · May 2014

starlight0412 said:

aliletz said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

As someone who worked in a daycare before. You actually aren't paying their salary by sending your child there. I'm not really sure where all the money goes but it isn't all to the teachers. They make like $8.50 an hour...if that for some.

I get what you are saying but I think you mean that what is paid does not all go directly to your child's teacher. It is a shame teachers don't get a greater % of the vast amount of $$$ but that is not really up to the parents and it still ultimately is parents paying those salaries (plus a bunch to the organization/profits). We do nice teacher gifts for Christmas and when he changes age levels. This is the first year I've heard of this "holiday".

cuntasaurusrex · May 2014

cookieinva said:

starlight0412 said:

aliletz said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

As someone who worked in a daycare before. You actually aren't paying their salary by sending your child there. I'm not really sure where all the money goes but it isn't all to the teachers. They make like $8.50 an hour...if that for some.

I get what you are saying but I think you mean that what is paid does not all go directly to your child's teacher. It is a shame teachers don't get a greater % of the vast amount of $$$ but that is not really up to the parents and it still ultimately is parents paying those salaries (plus a bunch to the organization/profits). We do nice teacher gifts for Christmas and when he changes age levels. This is the first year I've heard of this "holiday".

Exactly. My money *does* (or, *will*) pay the salaries of those teachers as a result of my sending my child there, whether or not the owners choose to pay them adequately. However considering the vast amount of insurance, facility mortgage/rent/upkeep, materials, marketing, and general costs of doing business, no, of course it doesn't go 100% to the teachers.

That does not at all excuse the dictation of what gifts should be brought in and when.

tourqeyes · May 2014

I was put off by the fact they advertised this on a banner at the daycare entrance. However, I will probably get them a little something.

lynjae2004 · May 2014

I worked in daycare for 9 years, and while I appreciated the parents who brought gifts or cards, it wasn't necessary. No parent should feel like they HAVE to bring gifts to their child's teacher/caregiver. That said, what meant the most to me were the cards I received letting me know they appreciated me & my efforts with their infants/toddlers.
As a PP said- the pay is horrible. The owner of the daycare center I worked at said that you had to be a little crazy to work with other people's children. It takes a lot of love & patience!

cakebatter27 · May 2014

aliletz said:
So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

I think it's dumb. I worked in a preschool, I nannied and I've taught school. I hate how you should send your child's teacher a gift. It's your JOB to teach. Why do you need a gift for doing your job you already get paid for?

Our director or principal usually would buy bagels etc. I don't think parents should buy anything. If a teacher goes above and beyond a little note is always appreciated.

cuntasaurusrex · May 2014

cakebatter27 said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?
I think it's dumb. I worked in a preschool, I nannied and I've taught school. I hate how you should send your child's teacher a gift. It's your JOB to teach. Why do you need a gift for doing your job you already get paid for? Our director or principal usually would buy bagels etc. I don't think parents should buy anything. If a teacher goes above and beyond a little note is always appreciated.

I'm not at all opposed to recognizing a job well done. Hell, even a gift at the holidays is fine by me- I remember my mom gave some beautiful gifts to my teachers. It's just going too far to now have a Hallmark holiday for it with a schedule of gifts, and to be reminded of it by the school/daycare/whatever, just.. no.

hollylynnanderson · May 2014

My daughter attends an in-home daycare with two daycare providers. I will be sending each of them a mani/pedi gift certificate on Friday as a small token of my appreciation. They do a fabulous job, and I have such peace of mind sending our daughter to them while my husband and I are at work. They work incredibly hard, and they care for my child. To me, that comfort and peace of mind are priceless. I'm happy to give them a little something that will allow them to pamper themselves for an hour.

That being said, my daycare did not advertise Daycare Provider Appreciation Day (which is this Friday) or send anything home requesting certain gifts on specific days. I find that to be tacky, and I'd be put off by that.

katnipeverclean · May 2014

Well, FFS. This is a thing? Damn it all to hell. One more thing I have to keep up with.

I think I'm going to go with a starbucks gift card or something.

Soon2BMrsN · May 2014

cakebatter27 said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?
I think it's dumb. I worked in a preschool, I nannied and I've taught school. I hate how you should send your child's teacher a gift. It's your JOB to teach. Why do you need a gift for doing your job you already get paid for? Our director or principal usually would buy bagels etc. I don't think parents should buy anything. If a teacher goes above and beyond a little note is always appreciated.

Exactly this. I am a teacher and don't get the big deal. I don't need extra stuff to let me know I'm doing a good job. And it makes me all the more irritated that I'll be expected to come up with something to take to daycare.

Kabee4 · May 2014

This thread makes me pretty upset. I am a teacher and I work my tail off. I do not expect gifts. This is teacher appreciation week. That being said a parent organizes the other parents and gets gifts for the teacher. They do go a bit above and beyond with expectations. At my old school I mostly got handmade cards and an apple and i was thrilled with the thought.

And while parents are saying they don't want to do anything for teachers. I feel like I'm in charge of 16 kids mothers for Mother's Day. I've spent a lot of money so my kids can make "memorable projects" for their moms. This isn't something that I have to do. You aren't my mom. I certainly don't get paid enough to spend the money and time it takes to make 16 individual projects so each mom feels special. I do however love holidays and making people feel special. If I can make one mom happy and feel special then the time and money is worth it.

rattlecanqueen · May 2014

I got my son's preschool teacher, a reusable cup with chocolates and a note.

If you don't want to thank the people who take care of your child 8 hours a day in motherly capacity, don't. as a teacher, who has taught/worked in schools, in classrooms from infants all the way up to sixth grade, they don't have contests on who got the bestgifts for any holiday or appreciation day, won't hold it against you our your child. But it's nice to hear a "we appreciate your willingness to wipe my kid's poopy butt, wipe their nasty snot, love them...and thanks for teaching them social and academic skills" and yes they are taught from birth.

Teachers don't teach for the fame and certainly not the fortune. I look at my students as my extended family. Yeah, there are really horrible teachers, but even just a nice email, note, or conversation goes a long way.

cakebatter27 · May 2014

Kabee4 said:
This thread makes me pretty upset. I am a teacher and I work my tail off. I do not expect gifts. This is teacher appreciation week. That being said a parent organizes the other parents and gets gifts for the teacher. They do go a bit above and beyond with expectations. At my old school I mostly got handmade cards and an apple and i was thrilled with the thought.

And while parents are saying they don't want to do anything for teachers. I feel like I'm in charge of 16 kids mothers for Mother's Day. I've spent a lot of money so my kids can make "memorable projects" for their moms. This isn't something that I have to do. You aren't my mom. I certainly don't get paid enough to spend the money and time it takes to make 16 individual projects so each mom feels special. I do however love holidays and making people feel special. If I can make one mom happy and feel special then the time and money is worth it.

All teachers do a lot that goes unnoticed. But it's a thankless profession. No one goes into the teaching field thinking they'll be a millionaire. As far as complaining about having to spend your money, the answer is simple. ..don't do it.

I dunno. I AM also a teacher and I hate the idea. No other profession gets a whole week dedicated to doing their job. FFS. I'm ready for UO.

GoodStuff05 · May 2014

While I agree it feels a little awkward to be told to provide a gift/treat, I will say that the teachers at my DD daycare deserve the $15-$25 gift card I'll throw them for being essentially, her mom away from home. Not to say that school age teachers don't have it as hard, but I definitely appreciate the massive amounts of snuggling, singing and mothering they do at the baby and toddler age. The peace of mind I have every day knowing she is safe, happy and thriving are worth the cost of three lattes or whatever the simple gift card gives.

Kabee4 · May 2014

cakebatter27 said:

Kabee4 said:
This thread makes me pretty upset. I am a teacher and I work my tail off. I do not expect gifts. This is teacher appreciation week. That being said a parent organizes the other parents and gets gifts for the teacher. They do go a bit above and beyond with expectations. At my old school I mostly got handmade cards and an apple and i was thrilled with the thought.

And while parents are saying they don't want to do anything for teachers. I feel like I'm in charge of 16 kids mothers for Mother's Day. I've spent a lot of money so my kids can make "memorable projects" for their moms. This isn't something that I have to do. You aren't my mom. I certainly don't get paid enough to spend the money and time it takes to make 16 individual projects so each mom feels special. I do however love holidays and making people feel special. If I can make one mom happy and feel special then the time and money is worth it.
All teachers do a lot that goes unnoticed. But it's a thankless profession. No one goes into the teaching field thinking they'll be a millionaire. As far as complaining about having to spend your money, the answer is simple. ..don't do it.

I dunno. I AM also a teacher and I hate the idea. No other profession gets a whole week dedicated to doing their job. FFS. I'm ready for UO.

I wasn't complaining about the money I am spending because I do it because I care. FYI It's also nurses appreciation week.

alyss0nl · May 2014

DS's daycare teacher has been amazing since filling in when his old teacher left. As a teacher, it's nice to know that people still think of you and say thank you for helping my child grow. I'll be bringing cookies tomorrow

BBColt78 · May 2014

cakebatter27 said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?
I think it's dumb. I worked in a preschool, I nannied and I've taught school. I hate how you should send your child's teacher a gift. It's your JOB to teach. Why do you need a gift for doing your job you already get paid for? Our director or principal usually would buy bagels etc. I don't think parents should buy anything. If a teacher goes above and beyond a little note is always appreciated.

Holy crap.

My job to is stroll through the curriculum as fast as I want and not necessarily give a rats ass who stays with me and who doesn't. Not required to work through my lunch to help kids who are struggling. Not required to buy Christmas gifts for kids whose parents cannot afford it because I don't want them to be left out. Not required to pay for two kids field trips out of my own pocket today. Not required to literally hold a parent's hand as they deal with the death of a spouse. I get paid to teach what politicians want me to teach. That's it.

I don't want gifts or need gifts, but I love the notes I get this week from parents. They keep me motivated.

melissaquinn106 · May 2014

aliletz said:
So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?

You mean the gift of basically raising your children every day for half the year so you can work and provide for your household? Or you must mean the gift of providing a positive role model and confidant for your child to look up to? Or could it simply be the gift of knowledge to help your child succeed?

As a high school teacher we don't get gifts, nor are they expected. But every now and then you get a student, or a parent, that goes out of their way to express that the hard work you put into helping mold them/their child into the person they become is appreciated. And it comes when you least expect it, and it makes everything you do worth it. Even when there are people in this world who think teachers get too much money to work too few hours.

With that said, as a parent or a soon to be parent you should be grateful that your child is being taken care of when you are not able to... Oh and thanks for the salary, couldn't do it without you

alyss0nl · May 2014

BBColt78 said:

cakebatter27 said:

So this is a thing? Is there ever a "I pay your salary" day where they give you gifts?
I think it's dumb. I worked in a preschool, I nannied and I've taught school. I hate how you should send your child's teacher a gift. It's your JOB to teach. Why do you need a gift for doing your job you already get paid for? Our director or principal usually would buy bagels etc. I don't think parents should buy anything. If a teacher goes above and beyond a little note is always appreciated.

Holy crap.

My job to is stroll through the curriculum as fast as I want and not necessarily give a rats ass who stays with me and who doesn't. Not required to work through my lunch to help kids who are struggling. Not required to buy Christmas gifts for kids whose parents cannot afford it because I don't want them to be left out. Not required to pay for two kids field trips out of my own pocket today. Not required to literally hold a parent's hand as they deal with the death of a spouse. I get paid to teach what politicians want me to teach. That's it.

I don't want gifts or need gifts, but I love the notes I get this week from parents. They keep me motivated.

Hmm this sounds familiar... Because it's what we do as teachers. We do so much more than teach the curriculum.

nolongerdinks · May 2014

I taught for 7 years before staying home with my girls. Now I'm on the parent side (of preschool). The little things mean the most, I think. I always loved notes from parents or students. (And a gift card or coffee never hurt!)

That said, I did not do "gifts" per se for my daughter's teachers, because there's nothing worse than getting a gift you know you'll never use but know that someone spent money on. So, on Monday morning we took them coffee from Starbucks, tomorrow, my daughter is giving them a note she wrote, and on Friday, I am dropping off lunch from Panera. $5 coffee and $10 lunch is still only $15, which I would spend on a gift anyways, and is likely more appreciated than something that will gather dust.

I attached pics below of the notes in case anyone needs ideas. My older daughter is 4, so she wrote parts herself, but you could even write it in yourself and have your child dictate...could be really funny/cute for younger kids.

BBColt78 · May 2014

nolongerdinks said:

I taught for 7 years before staying home with my girls. Now I'm on the parent side (of preschool). The little things mean the most, I think. I always loved notes from parents or students. (And a gift card or coffee never hurt!) That said, I did not do "gifts" per se for my daughter's teachers, because there's nothing worse than getting a gift you know you'll never use but know that someone spent money on. So, on Monday morning we took them coffee from Starbucks, tomorrow, my daughter is giving them a note she wrote, and on Friday, I am dropping off lunch from Panera. $5 coffee and $10 lunch is still only $15, which I would spend on a gift anyways, and is likely more appreciated than something that will gather dust. I attached pics below of the notes in case anyone needs ideas. My older daughter is 4, so she wrote parts herself, but you could even write it in yourself and have your child dictate...could be really funny/cute for younger kids.

Very cute ideas. I can tell you, when a parent shows up with coffee for me, I literally want to cry. It's so thoughtful and really just makes my day. Love it!

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