Having your child attend school where you work.

Lora - posted on 08/02/2009

I think each child/parent/teacher relationship is unique. My daughter will attend Kindergarten where I work b/c of differing time starts in my neighborhood schools. I cannot afford the before/after school care that she would need to go to school where we live so she will ride with me to work. It works better for us and I know her K teacher so well that we have already discussed her and how I want to be treated as a parent of her and not as a teacher. I have worked there for 9 years and most of the teachers there know me well enough to come and talk to me about any problems and needs that she may have. Open communication is key b/c I am their co-worker so I know that it will be a little "weird" but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I have no other way to get her to school if she doesn't go with me and not enough money to pay for after school until I can get her. Maybe not ideal but necessary.

Tina - posted on 08/02/2009

My grandbabies attend the school where I teach and I wouldn't have it any other way. I get to see all their learning, achievments,everything they do.I LOVE IT.

Susan - posted on 08/02/2009

I loved LOVED having all 3 of my sons attend 9 years each at the K-8 school where I taught.Sure..they made me work in the snack bar part of the dance...so I couldn't "look" at them dancing.And sometimes when I had yard duty they'd say,"Mom~ don't LOOK at me" but overall it was wonderful having my colleagues/friends teach my kids, and I enjoyed teaching theirs. it takes a village, ya know :)

Debra - posted on 07/30/2009

I have 7 children and 7 step children...they all attend the school in which I teach. The school has a strict policy regarding this issue. Parents are not to intervene, nor enter their child's classroom during school hours. Teachers who are parents must adhere to the same guidelines as any parent. It is hard to stick to the rules, but it is so helpful. Especially when you as a teacher, have another teacher's child in your own classroom. Rules and guidelines should be followed. It alleviates a lot of stress and problems for the teacher and the parent. The biggest challenge that I have faced, is that I prepare tests and exams for the classes. It is difficult to study with my own children at home and be fair, knowing the test questions for exams in advance. I am always adamant about not having any of my own or step children in my class. However, now that I am caring for a special needs step child, I am re thinking this, because I now feel that I will and can best fulfill the needs of this child,considering the school does not cater to special needs students. Any advice on this last issue, please help!

Linda - posted on 07/29/2009

I teach in a small school with 23 children from K to 8th. (This does not include our preschool of over 100 children.) Not only do I teach, but I am also the principal. I have taught our three girls over the last 18 years. There are many blessings, and it's great to know what's going on in their school. However there is some pitfalls.



Our youngest still goes with me to school everyday. She loves doing it at first, but hates the time I have to be there. I arrive at school by 7am and cannot leave until after 5:30pm. This does make a long day for her, but with the papers and additional responsiblities, it makes it hard to leave.



We had set a goal of leaving by 4:45pm, but that never seemed to work. Her complaint is that she cannot be a 'normal' child. She is not treated any differently than the other children (even my student teachers could not tell which child was mine--treating them all the same). But it is the mind set of having to come an hour early and stay over 2 and 1/2 hours late.

Taneshia - posted on 07/28/2009

Post a reply!

My co-worker is doing the same thing. I thought about it when I first had my child. My school was very big and I did not know all the teachers so I was okay. Well I switched to a small school title 1. I know most of the teachers well or I know all by name face and grade level. So I placed her at another school.I was told by a retired teacher it works best when you have formed relationships with peers and if you don't want to ruin it place your child some where else. Plus it gives the child a area to be free make her own friends and gives you both space. The hard part is not being able to go visit my daughter as often as I wish but I have a very good relationship with her teachers and the administration meaning the entire front and back office.

Kimberly - posted on 07/27/2009

My 11 year old went to school where I worked from K to 5th grade and my 6 year old is now attending the school where I teach and it has been the best thing for me. I am fortunate to attend special occasions in her classroom, we have the same schedule, if I have to stay after school for something unexpected, she is right there with me.... The hardest thing we encountered was when one teacher felt like telling me everything that happened and I finally just asked her, "would you have called me and told me this story as if I was a regular parent?" From that point on things were good.

Rochelle - posted on 07/27/2009

My daughter attends a different school. However both schools are in the same district and I am quite close with the principal, curriculum coordinator, counselor, and teachers in that school. I am only a four digit extension or email away from her. I did not want the problems of coworkers treating her different as I have seen them do with other coworkers' children. Fortunately, my daughter is not a behavior problem and loves school. She is very independent and self motivated. Part of the pro with attending a different school is that it lends itself to great dinner conversation as we find out how each person's day.

Erin - posted on 07/27/2009

I am planning to bring my daughter to the school I teach at, I am a kindergarten teacher and I get so upset when I do not see a parent all year because they cannot make it because of work or something else comes up! I think that it is more convenient to have your child there with you so when something does come up you are available to talk to the teacher or the principal!

MELVIA - posted on 07/27/2009

Well, my first three kids started Kdg at my school, and it was fine. As the oldest got older, in about fourth grade, we started having problems with her fourth grade teacher. My coworkers had already told me that my kids should not be at the school, because of the influence that the other kids had been having on them. I finally realized that they were not getting what they needed, and some of my oldest daughter's teachers had started making an example out of her all of the time, so I just took all of them out of the school mid-year. It was not a good experience. The principal was mad because my children were in advance classes, and he wanted those spring test scores that they would yield. After I moved them to a school in my neighborhood, I realized that they had been missing alot. They met friends close to home. Their interactions with teachers and other students was much better, and they learned more. I feel like this situation calls for the saying, "to each his own", but you might want to reconsider. I don't want you or your little one to go through what my kids went through. What type of school do you work at? Socioeconomic status: low, medium, or high

Lynette - posted on 07/26/2009

Best thing I ever did was have them with me...teaching is much different then when you are an administrator (like I am now) my kids don't like that!

Melissa - posted on 07/26/2009

make sure you let the teacher know that while you understand that sometimes you may need to be contacted, you are also at work and do not wat your daughter to be sent to you every time something happens. one of my assistants had all 3 of her children at our school, and one of the teachers CONSTANTLY sent one of her sons to the room. for some reason she felt it wouldn't disrupt our class. make sure you set boundaries. this is something i'm going to have to think about soon, as my son will be starting kindergarten in a couple years. not sure how i feel about it for me...

Nancy - posted on 07/26/2009

All four of my children attended the school that I teach at. The benefits far outweigh any negatives. The benefits are that you know and hopefully trust the teachers, and they know and trust you (hopefully) There are no day care drop offs or rushing to pick them up on time. You hopefully like the school and the policies of the administration. You get to spend more time with your child. The negatives are that some teachers feel uncomfortable teaching a coworker's child and may be afraid to approach you if there is an issue. Also, if there are issues (and at some point with every child there are issues) you may feel a bit embarassed and worry what your coworkers might think about you. Lastly, sometimes planning for lessons before and after school can be cumbersome because you have your child with you. Just find them something they can do quietly, so you can get your work done.

User - posted on 07/25/2009

My son is going into Year 8 (which is first year high school here in Australia), and we have had to make a decision whether to send him to the school I teach at or another school. We have decided to send him to the other school, not because I don't believe in the school I am at, but because I want him to be a normal kid, with non of the disadvantages of having a mum at school. I also need to be able to have a break from my children while they are at school. I think that having him at the same school would mean him popping in all the time and placing demands on me at work that I would not otherwise have. So it is win-win for both of us, he gets to be a normal kid, and I get to be a regular teacher, and that way we can spend quality time at home when we do see each other.

Katrina - posted on 07/24/2009

Hi Clarissa, I am experiencing the same thing. I went back and forth on this last school year while my daughter was in prek and finally agreed that it would be best at least for Kindergarten. I placed her in a class that I know she will be treated fairly and challenged when needed. I also changed grades myself which puts me on the other side of the building this fall. That way I wont see her during the school day and want to check on her as much. I had a long talk with her teacher and found out info. about best times to talk with her and etc. since I will be conferencing with parents, etc. when she is. I still have mixed feelings but am going to try this through the K year and see what happens. Good luck to you and let me know how it goes for you.

Gloria - posted on 07/24/2009

There are pros and cons. My child went to my school and everytime there was an incident, regardless of how minor, someone in the building called me. I think the other teachers were more protective than I. This became annoying, however I was grateful, because I received more phone calls in-house than I would have if my child went to another school, You also become judgemental of other teachers because you want to make sure your child is getting the very best education. Not saying that all parents don't do this but being a teacher in the building gives you a little more in-sight.

Christine - posted on 07/22/2009

My daughter attends the school where I teach (she's going into the 2nd grade) and it works out well. I'm very careful to keep my professional relationships with her teachers separate from my 'parent/teacher relationships. Now, that said I work at a school where all of the teachers are good ones. I don't know what I'd do if I worked at a school where I knew certain teachers weren't very good. I would never want to request that my daughter be in (or not be in) a certain teacher's class just because I happen to have inside information on their methods/practices. The main advantages has been when she is injured or sick I am in the building. There's been many times I bring her to school with a slight cold and will just give her cold medicine halfway through the day. I'd never be able to do that if she went to a different school. You just have weigh the pros and cons and do what's best for you and your child. Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 07/22/2009

My two boys and four nieces and nephews attend the school where I teach. It is the best experience and I would not have it any other way. While my boys are great about not taking advantage of the situation, I think it's always a comfort to know I'm so close. Enjoy the experience!

Kristy - posted on 07/21/2009

I live in one city and work at another. However, since I wasn't able to carefully monitor the situation with my son going to the school district that I was living in effectively, he was kinda dismissed (he has mild learning difficulties since he was born prematurely.) I felt that teachers at the old campus should have been looking out for the signals but they didn't. However, when I brought him to my campus where I work the change was remarkable. Since I was a teacher there, I was able to hand select the teachers there for him and monitor to during my breaks and I was always on call whenever if he got out of hand. You just have to let the teacher know beforehand of whats going on.

Cynthia - posted on 07/21/2009

My daughters have gone to school with me since K until now. I really enjoyed being with them. It was great when they had lunch rewards such as Citizen of the Month where parents come eat with them. I was able because of great teacher assistants to eat with them. Being with them 24/7 sometimes is hard, be sure to get some me time. They are going to the neighborhood school this year because my oldest is in 5th grade and soon to be in middle school. I moved them both to make the transisiton easier. I wanted them to get some friends before moving into middle school. They are excited about the change.

Diandra - posted on 07/21/2009

My daughter will be starting Kinder, as well! I am a little nervous, but also excited for her. She is proud to go to mommy's school and become a Bobcat! I think everything will be OK! And I am just happy they were able to get her in because of the boundaries!!!! It's just easier to have her there with me, since dad is at the fire station for 3 days of the school week!

Meredith - posted on 07/21/2009

I feel the same way you do, even though I have a couple of years until mine starts Kindergarten. But I think I am going to have my child go to the school he is suppose to go to instead of with me. 1. I can get things done and don't have to worry about him (my mom will pick him up from his school) and 2. He want go around thinking he can do what he wants because his mom is a teacher at the school. But I do know teachers that have their children go to their school and as long as you talk with your child at let them know what they can and can't do. And if you do decide to keep her there, have an open communication between you and her teacher.

Angela - posted on 07/21/2009

My daughter graduated in june from Kindergarten at my school. I teach kindergarten and I loved seeing her everyday. I think I got a look at my daughter in a way all parents want to see them, she behaves and plays well with others in a classroom and at recess. Her teacher is a friend of mine. She knew she had to listen to the teacher and do everything the other kids did. I also made sure she talked to the teacher first to resolve tatteling, problems with other kids..I didn't take the mommy role and try to solve her problems.

Angie - posted on 07/21/2009

I searched for a district in which my special needs daughter could attend preschool and I could teach at the same school. It was hard to find but we did and it was mostly a positive experience. There were a few occasions that I was unhappy with her teachers or aides. I was new to the district and didn't want to make waves. I felt I could've been a better advocate for her needs had I not worked there also. Like the others stated, it was wonderful to have her nearby and see her occasionally during the school day. My students got to know her, too. After school meetings were rough sometimes and I felt staff were annoyed to have her around (they were once or twice a quarter.) I felt such peace of mind knowing she was close. We had an emergency at school where we had to go into a soft lockdown. She was brought to my room to spend the rest of the lockdown with me easing my mind tremendously. It was hard to get work down before and after class. This next school year, I will be teaching at a different school in the district and she will be attending our neighborhood school in a different district. I feel a little sad that she won't be nearby but hope it will be a good experience for us. After being able to compare the two preschool years, we will decide where she'll go for kindergarten-with or without me.

Kara - posted on 07/20/2009

I teach kindergarten & my daughter just finished her K yr at my school, The only thing that I had to remind myself was that my daughter has a school life separate from me. It didn't matter if I was there every day and I happened to know everything that went on all day, I still let her have her own school life. An example: I knew a boy had called her names & made her cry at recess. I didn't ask my daughter about it. I let her find the right time to tell me & talk about it. If she didn't want to talk about it, then I wasn't going to bring it up.

Let her have a life at school separate from you.

Gaylynn - posted on 07/20/2009

My daughter went to my school. I just had to set some guidelines for her. Every once in awhile she would show up at my door with a stomach ache, but not too often. It is nice being able to see them as they grow up and also to see them in that environment.

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2009

I think as long as you are not her teacher, she (and you) will be fine. My daughter went to the school that I am teaching at and it worked out. Kids need a break from us as we need a break from them, good luck to you both.

Holly - posted on 07/20/2009

I work in the office of my kids school...I love it and they love it and I get to be part of their everyday lives. We have lunch together and anytime there is something going on in their room I get to be there. They are only little for so long and you'll be glad you got to be a part of the sweetest time of their life.

Shelby - posted on 07/20/2009

I have two sons, now ages 15 and 11. Each of them attended the school where I teach. It was a wonderful experience and I had such peace of mind. I specifically remember on 9-11 going to the cafeteria and just hugging my son. I have always felt it is a benefit to have them where I am. Both of my sons agree that it was a good experience.

Susan - posted on 07/19/2009

My daughter just finished Kindergarten at the school I teach at. It is a blessing to be able to have her there. I love my school and the community it is in and I trust my colleagues with her care and education.

One suggestion I do have is to be upfront and establish boundaries, with your child and with her teacher and other members of the staff. For example, my daughter has asthma. When she would have minor asthma attacks at school, several staff members would come to me during class time to let me know that she was in the health office.
It was somewhat distracting as I would be worried about her and feel the need to go see her even though it wasn't an "emergency". I finally talked with the school nurse about the procedure for notifying parents when a child has had a minor asthma attack at school and let her know that I would like to be notified the same way (note home).

Things got better by the end of the year.

Enjoy it while you can!

Shannon - posted on 07/19/2009

Had all three of mine with me when they were in MS/HS (combo building). Actually got along better with them during those years. Taught two of them in class, went fine. Teachers did come to me quick when there were problems. To my childrens chagrin, I caught them doing stuff they shouldn't and turned them in! They were "normal" kids with normal issues....things went well.

Debbie - posted on 07/19/2009

I teach 6th grade and my daughter just finished 6th grade at the same school. I didn't have a problem; however, she had a few problems. She befriended a girl that I knew some not so good things about and when I tried to disuade the friendship she accused me of choosing her friends. Of course I couldn't tell her what I knew about this girl becuase it was confidential so it became a sticky situation.

Cinthya - posted on 07/19/2009

I am a new teacher and my 3 children will be attending where I'll be teaching. I am excited about having them close to me and I am praying everything will work out just fine. I'll be teaching kindergarten and my daughter will be in a kindergarten classroom as well! I am hoping she won't give me a hard time about wanting to be in my classroom.

Alexis - posted on 07/19/2009

My husband (data specialist) and I (Spanish teacher) were concerned about our son attending school for the first time this coming school year where we worked. We spoke with my instructional coordinator about our concerns regarding him being too young to understand that I'm not "mommy" during class. She agreed and was prepared to have him attend a different special during the hour his class would be taking my class.

Bridgette - posted on 07/19/2009

I have always taught at the same school that my children attended. I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been blessed to be able to teach at 2 smaller K-12 schools. The only problems I have encountered are that you have some teachers who want to tell you too much about your childs behavior and some that don't tell you enough because they don't want to cause problems. I think someone else has already given some very good advice about approaching your child's teacher at the beginning of the year and making your expectations clear. I have always said that my children are to be treated like any other student with the exception being that I am always there if the teacher does need to talk to me.

Natascha - posted on 07/19/2009

Both my children attend my school and I love it for many reasons!!! I know every detail about their teachers and since I am a teacher they do probably get extra attention if they need help. It maybe somewhat favoritism but I don't care if it's my child. Education is key to everything. I do have to make it clear and did so from the begining that this is my job and I am not Mommy at school. I love when there is a little problem their teacher can just call me like a headache or bump or scrape .... I just give them Tylenol from my purse and move on. I don't have to leave work to take them home. I do definately give them space and only acknowledge them in the hallway if they do me. My oldest didn't really like to have me around...but youngest loves the attention that his Mommy teaches at his school. I just took cues from them...After school, they stay in my room and do homework or play on computers till I'm ready or finished with my meetings. Really helps that our Principal's son is in Kinder at our school too, So she totally understands.



It really is a good thing....I also know everything about their friends so I can direct which way they go somewhat. My oldest is off to intermediate next yr. with a good solid foundation on his own....I love him and will miss him.



Good luck!!!

Angie - posted on 07/18/2009

this is hard ..I had to make the same decision and decided to have my son attend our local school instead of my school....I felt that my son would not have anonymity at my school...I had another teacher's child in my class and everyone knew who he was and who his mom was...other staff members would tell this child "you shouldnt be doing that..I m going to tell ur mom"..I also had other nosy teachers ask about his behavior and academic progress...I want my son treated like any other child...I have to say it was awkward having to tell his mom about problems w/ behavior etc...I think children of teachers that attend the same school have to deal with other pressures that other children do not have to worry about:)

Jeanie - posted on 07/18/2009

My daughter just graduated from the high school where I work. She enjoyed having me there because I was so accessible when she needed quick money for the school bookstore, extra food at lunch, or last minute obligations. I was there to check on her missing assignments when she was sick and to conference with my co-workers about her progress. My older two children also "didn't mind" having me there either. My son was in the Special Ed program with a learning disability. His teachers could come to me with immediate concerns, and I could give them ideas or vice versa. I truly believe being there with my kids was a win-win-win-win situation. I had wanted to homeschool them in the beginning but could not due to my single working mom status. Having them where I was teaching helped me to be there for them more than I could have been at any other job. You won't regret it, and neither will she. God bless you both.

Windy - posted on 07/18/2009

My boys went to the same school I worked at when they were in the 4th grade and I would never do it again. Everyday and I do mean everyday there was someting negative said aout one or both of them. It became so bad that I considered transfering them to another school. It got really bad. The next year they went to a different school even though I still worked at that one.

Lana - posted on 07/17/2009

I do have a comment. Our daughter attended school where I worked for two years and I loved it. I got to see her on breaks and liked having close contact with the teachers. It was great. I am a Preschool teacher and she was in 1st and 2nd grade until the elem. and H.S. closed at the end of last year. Boo Hoo!

Erin - posted on 07/17/2009

How comfortable are you with the staff and admin? I have had the experience of my child treated terrible to prove a point teachers kids should not be trwated differently. Complete nightmare and I transferred her out. 5 years later and she still remembers. I have also had a wonderful expereice with my child even at my own grade level. The teacher as fair and compassionate. The admin is very hands off and supportive. As far as specialized treatment-would you walk into your moms work and everyone act like they didn't know you? It would be offensive. There is a balance and all should be kept positive for your child. They really are your first priority-not your career.

Becky - posted on 07/17/2009

I can tell you that if you see your child being disciplined or taught in a way that doesn't jive with your own beliefs... it's very hard. I had to step back, evaluate the situation, then approach her teacher after I'd thought it all through. It can be hard, but I've had other situations in which I was so glad that my child was in my school! Good luck!

Natasha - posted on 07/17/2009

I have two children who attended school with me for the past 3 years. My son is moving up to intermediate school now and mybaby boy will be coming to pre k. I think there are many positives and negatives to having them with you. One thing that did work quite well is making sure that the teacher you choose for your daughter treats her as if you are any other parent. No walking down to your classroom, updates everyday, etc. This way your child will feel a lot more comfortable and she can be independent. Make sure you are prepared for how other children might treat or respond to her bc of who you are. I enjoyed the experiences of easily being able to attend school functions with my children. I started them off at our neighborhood school, but eventually I decided to move them with me. That's what worked best for my family. I don't know the demographics of your school, but my children were exposed to a different climate at the school I work at which is in a economically disadvantanged area. But as with any other school or area in our world today you just have to talk with your child and have real conversations about life!

Patty - posted on 07/16/2009

Those are great tips, Katy...especially about the conferences!

Patty - posted on 07/16/2009

My son has attended the school where I teach since kindergarten, and I LOVE it!! Not only do you get to see them during the day, but you also get to hear about the little things that are going on that you might otherwise miss. He's going into 7th grade, and still give me a kiss as our lines pass each other in the hall :)

Angie - posted on 07/16/2009

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. My son will be starting kindergarten at my school this year, too. I teach 4th grade. I look forward to those moments where I get to see him walking in the hall and how we get that time together before and after school. He did struggle a bit in pre-k, so I am a little nervous about how this year will go. It's nice to see so many moms have done this and that it's been successful.

Zerline - posted on 07/15/2009

This is the best age to have your child at the same school where you teach. My two older children, which are now in college and a senior in high school, both were at the elementary school where I taught for 4 years total. I taught the oldest for 4th grade and the youngest for 2nd and 4th grade. It had its challenges but I do not regret it. Just make sure you establish boundaries with your child, other children(because you are her mom other students will like to tell on her unnecessarily), teachers and other staff as needed.

Laura - posted on 07/15/2009

Love that idea Katy

Katy - posted on 07/15/2009

I've taught a colleague's child and there are some things we established that worked really well for us.



1- if something happened that I would contact any other parent about, I told her. I was very careful not to tell her about things that happened just because it was convenient. This helped with fair treatment of all students.



2- I made sure that my primary "official" communication was with the other parent. So, dad came to conferences and then reported back to her.



3- She respected me as the teacher and let me handle her child during school hours and I respected her as the mom in non school hours. If we were working together after class was over and he was in her care, if there was inappropriate behavior, I didn't intervene in that. During the day if she saw us in the hall and I had a problem with him, she walked on by without stepping in.



So if you can get some clear guidelines established with your child's teacher about how you will communicate and what expectations are of each other, it should be a great year!

Laura - posted on 07/15/2009

My children have attended the school where I teach. I thought it was great. We had great teachers and still do and there was nothing to worry about.