Day Care issues...

Nicole - posted on 10/12/2010

I wouldn't stand for any of it. Pull your child and find somewhere else. My daycare gives daily reports of food ate, when diapers were changed and what was in them and when she napped and any other comments about the day. They encourage the parents to play for a few minutes in the morning if possible and to peek in at any time during the day. There are much better places out there, you just have to look! Good Luck!

Megan - posted on 10/12/2010

I worked in a daycare facility for 8 years and never ever would I have said anything like that to a parent. I think that you should talk to the supervisor and or owner about the issue and if nothing is resolved then I would be pulling my children out.

Kasandra - posted on 10/11/2010

Take your child out of that facility!! Are they DHS certified? Those are not healthy meals..And you should be able to drop by whenever you want and stay. I worked at a daycare and yes, it is difficult to have parents in the way all the time, but once in awhile to observe your child is ok. The daycare I used to work at made every child a daily report sheet to send home with their parent it stated every diaper change, (which should be at least checked every 2 hrs) the breakfast, lunch and what daily activities were done.

Brandy - posted on 10/10/2010

No you are right in your concerns. Remember one thing... They work for you!!!! As a mom of an infant you need to demand a daily report of what he or she eats, diapers changed, moods etc. Again, YOU are paying them for quality child care. Also feeding a child junk food is not okay!!! Stand up for yourself!

Michelle - posted on 10/10/2010

You need to find a new care provider! I run a home daycare and I couldn't begin to think of treating a parent that way! I provide a daily written report to my parents (who want one), a newsletter at the beginning of every month, and I follow a four week rotating menu- which I have given to all my parents. We have special treats from time to time, and I make all the kids a cake for their Birthday's. Otherwise it's fruits and veggies and other healthy foods. I do ask that some of parents don't pro-long their drop-offs, but that's more for the child's sake. In some cases it's better to just drop the child off and go (depends on the child). Hope you fin someone new who can do a way better job with your little one!

Rochelle - posted on 10/10/2010

well my child is 20 month I have put him in a day care yet bcuz I want to teach him a lil more b4 I put him in the care of someone else. i want to show him things about listen and if someone touch him. so what u are saying they r doing is not rite. stand up for yourself just as you have been doing bcuz that is your child and the snack they give dont sound healthy so keep making your childs lucnh bcuz they need your business and let them kno that u should be given the respect u deserve r you can take you child some where else

Amber - posted on 10/10/2010

I have a 7 year old boy, and I've also worked in 3 daycares. I can tell you now, find a new daycare. A good daycare will do anything to accomodate you and your baby. I worked in the nursery with the babies and I had moms pack bottles and written instructions on when and how to feed. At toddler age I allowed moms to bring whatever kind of snacks they felt were best for their own kids. I also filled out daily sheets for each child, and I had 6 babies. Everytime they ate, how much they ate, what they ate, when they slept and for how long, and documented diaper changing times and 'results' of the diaper. As a mother I know it's important to know every single little thing that happens throughout the day. What if he wasn't eating or going to the bathroom? That could indicate a health problem and how would you know if you needed to see a doctor about it if they don't tell you what's going on? All daycares I've worked in have been the same, even up to the older children, document everything and comply with what the parents want. Sounds like you accidently picked a daycare that isn't going to work for you and aren't really doing things they way they should be. You can always check out other places to find the right place.

Rhea - posted on 10/10/2010

Wow, I would find a different daycare. The daycare my kids go to (and have gone to since they were babies) takes their cue from the parents. We dictate what the kids are allowed to eat and other things such as activities (ie. I don't mind my kids playing in the playground at the adjacent school, but other parents don't allow it).

Tell the teacher that you don't want your son eating the junkfood they're providing! It's well within your RIGHT as his mother!!!

Karissa - posted on 10/10/2010

No way. Don't accept the way they are doing things. I would look into other daycare's. You should be able to say goodbye to your children for as long as you want. You are a mother and making sure they are ok. I would also say if they have jerked you around about those reports then that just shows they are not caring or reliable. In fact it makes them liers. You just need to look into other daycare's that actually care for the children they are taking care of.

Natasha - posted on 10/10/2010

Maybe u should think about taking him out

Becky - posted on 10/09/2010

You are that childs mother and if you want to take 2hrs droppping him off do so!! As a mom at a young age I was always just looked over like I didnt know anything but stand your ground!! If i were you i would be looking into a different caring daycare!!

Kristin - posted on 10/09/2010

As a preschool teacher I would advise you to look at your parent hand book and see what it says about the daily reports I feel they are very important, I have never heard of weekly or monthly reports of my five years in day care. This is the way we communicate with the parents. They are obviously not on healthy choice program with there food I would not want my son to eat that junk either. Even as a teacher I would not feed the children that junk it just makes there jobs harder. I do understand that he would want what the other kids want that's how kids are unfortunatley. If I were you I would looking else where. When/If you do make sure you look at the child cares lunch menu or go to a facility that has you provide your childs lunch.

Tiffany - posted on 10/09/2010

Also, I don't think switching day cares now would be an issue. If you are concerned with it though, just sit in the first hour he is there for the first time so you can assure yourself everything is going smoothly. Just because you are young, doesn't mean you should be treated like you don't know what you are talking about. You have maternal instincts, use them...don't let someone else make you think you are overreacting because you are definitely not. Things may be going well now because there is a sub, but they won't stay that way when the sub is gone. Talk to friends or coworkers that use daycare and find out who they would recommend. You can also google up daycares in your area to see how they are rated. Good luck and stay strong! You are doing what's right for you and your child.

Tiffany - posted on 10/09/2010

You are not asking too much at all! They should not feed your child anything that you do not approve of! It does not matter if your child wants what the others have, they should be well equipped to deal with that. I can not believe they feed the kids that crap! Don't let them feel like you are overreacting. They shouldn't be feeding the kids that AT ALL. They are there to take care of your child while you can not, and that includes to help them learn to eat healthy. They have certain guidelines they have to follow by law, and I am CERTAIN what they are feeding them is not okay. Even if it was okay, if the parent says NO then it is no. I would look up the laws in your state and report them if they are breaking them. There is NO reason they should not be giving daily progress reports. Especially if you printed it up and all they have to do is circle. A daycare provider is supposed to take care of your child and keep you up to date on EVERY thing. I would be livid. I think you need to find yourself another daycare asap and let your current daycare provider know that they overstepped.

Kayla - posted on 10/09/2010

I would change daycares no questions asked!! search for the ones on the food program!! i dont kno where you are but im in Kansas and you dont find many daycares that arent on the program! the most important thing is that you always tell your child bye i love you and i will see you (ex. tonight at 4) or if u are in my situation my sons dad gets him every wednesday and everyother weekend, so on dads weekends we (my husband and i) say bye Nathan I love you! i will see you monday! have a great weekend with dad!!! never let anybody tell you that you cant give kisses and be in a time limit...screw that! i would be turning them in too!! you should look up new daycares and check them out..i LOVE daycares with daily sheets! i prefer them!! good luck!

Kristina - posted on 10/09/2010

she is 3 now, she was only one then***

Kristina - posted on 10/09/2010

Oh my! I had a terrible problem with the daycare care I put my daughter in when she was three and I will never put my child in daycare again bc I had about the same problems you have and its crap we are that childs parent and we should have every right to know everything! I wasnt that demanding but my child has asma and I also have her eat healthy bc I myself eat organically as much as possible and im a veggie.. I took my daughter out of daycare asap and I am considering even home schooling her starting this up coming year to stay away from that problem again. Hope this helps but just know that you should never feel ashamed for wanting to know anything about your child. you have the right to know.

Amanda - posted on 10/08/2010

They need to accommodate you. You are paying them!!! What if your child was lactose intolerant or a vegetarian> Would they not be able to accommodate that? They would have to. If I were you I would request to speak with the director.

I use to work in daycare and my class was 1 year olds and I had 6! I never had those issues at all and I hated when the parent could care less about their children's day. I could never leave my children all day and not want to know what the day was like for them, so why would a preschool teacher expect you not to care?

I would be livid!

Tiffany - posted on 10/08/2010

Well, first of all, YOU are his MOTHER. Aren't they supposed to make you feel comfortable leaving your child there all day?! And they should do reports daily. It's only normal for a parent to want to know how their child's day was. As for the lunches, aren't they supposed to provide nutritious lunches? He is only 1, why would they even think of giving him junk? I can't believe that the teacher even said anything about you packing a lunch. That's absurd! and I would take all the time I needed to say goodbye to my son. They must not understand that you are a caring mommy who actually cares what your son eats, and who doesn't just like to drop your kid off and run. You need to get a new daycare. I understand rules, but you're the Mom and some things should just be your call.

Nikki - posted on 10/08/2010

I think this daycare isnt the right fit for you and your child. Can you look into other ones, they cant even do the smallest things to make sure your both happy. At my sons daycare he gets a full report everyday; what time he ate and snacked and everything he ate and how well( and they have a huge assortment of healthy food) , It lists when he had water or milk, everytime they changed his diaper, his moods, all the activities he did and what time he napped. They also get all his things ready for when I get there, and call me to tell me how he is. I was in there today and they had just changed him and he pooped so I went to change him again(n he loves to go ina clean diaper and they were like no no let us do it, I insisted and they even felt bad, they go out of their way to make sure tht he is taken care of. When I leave him he will cry for a few minutes and they pick him up let him walk through the halls do everything ...... if he doesnt like the food they have they offer him another alternative, they put him to sleep whenever he wants and soothe him by singing his favorite lullaby or reading his favorite book

YOU ARE PAYING THEM TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SON.......... THEY SHOULD BE AT LEAST FOLLOWING WHAT YOU ASK, AND IT IS VERY MINIMAL AND IF THEY CANT EVEN DO THAT ( sorry caps lock) then i think you need to find somewhere that puts your son first

Christina - posted on 10/08/2010

If I were you, I'd be finding another day care because it sounds like this day care center is up to no good. First, they said they would give you daily reports that turned into weekly reports that turned into monthly reports! That is riduculous. If they said you were going to get daily reports, then you should be getting daily reports, even if you have to demand them! Secondly, the day care head stated in not so many words not to bring his lunch because we wants to eat what the other kids eat. What a crock. As this child's mother you have every right to pack this kids lunch. If Ms "I'm In Charge of Your Kid While You're Away" doesn't like it, then be honest with her and tell her you don't like the food she provides for the kids because you feel it isn't nuturious enough and as along as she is providing sugary unhealthy food for the kids, then you will continue to pack your kids lunch until she changes her menu. Also tell her that you don't want her giving your child anything sweet without your prior consent. Yes it is HER day care but that is YOUR child and you have every right to limit what food he eats at day care. If she gets mad, TDB. Stand your ground. Just because this day care provider is older than DOESN'T mean she has the right to boss you around. Thirdly, if you want to take a few extra minutes to drop off your child, then that ain't none of her business. The next time that happens, you take a little extra time to drop off your son and she says your being "DISRUPTIVE," then take your son and leave. If this person has the attitude of "it's my way or no way" then she should not be working with small children. I would also file a complaint against her, you could look into how would file a formal complaint, and let them know your concerns. Then I would try ti find another daycare center for your son. Do as much research as you can and when you find one you like, go and interview the staff. Find out everything you can about the staff and day care center in and of itself. Good luck sweetie! I'm sorry your son' day care experience has been a bumpy one. I hope it gets better!

I'm sorry for a couple of the words that was in all caps. I wasn't trying to yell at you, I'm just upset at this daycare worker!

H.J - posted on 10/08/2010

Sarah I don't know where you are from but here in Australia children in child care centres are in whats called the Start Right Eat Right program which means the cooks at the child care centre have to get the menu approved by a government agency. Check the licencing requirements for the centre. This is a private centre because you described the director as the owner of the service. I say find a community based service which is run by the families for the children. You should be getting daily reports. Your child should not be getting fed those foods at child care. (In Australia you can't feed those foods in child care). Check if the service is accredited if where you live has an accreditation system. But above all report the service and find a new one your child hasn't been going there for very long so you can make the change now while your child is little and the disruption is minimal. We have an open door policy at our centre where parents can come and go from the centre as they feel they need. Parents can ring and check on children as they feel the need. If your service feels you are disrupting the other children when you take a few minutes then this is not the kind of service your child should be attending. Get your thoughts out there and if they don't do what you are asking as his parent then rip him out of there faster than they can blink!

Kristi - posted on 10/08/2010

I am with you on that one! What in the world do we young moms have to do to be taken seriously! I have 3 kids..i have been a mother for 4 years and I STILL have people trying to tell me whats good for my kids and what is not. If your daycare provider will not allow you to pack the healthy lunch you want, and they will not report his daily activities, then you need to speak to them and make it known to them your issues. Then if they still do not listen and complain, switch providers. I have a 3month old who attends a daycare and i require them to write down every time she has a bottle, everytime she gets a new diaper, when she slept and for how long. I also have a 1 1/2 yr old who goes to the same place and I want to know what she has for lunch and for snack, how long she napped for, when she got her diaper changed, and her overall mood of the day. When I pick them up, they are ready to tell me every answer to all of the questions. I am paying for them to watch her so for my money i deserve to get what i want. the way i see it is if you go to a restuarant and you dont like the food you dont go back so if you dont like who your trusting to watch your children than why would you continue to go there. There being very rude for ignoring your requests, especially on the lunch part since all of the things they provide are very sugarey.

Lisa - posted on 10/08/2010

i think if you are unhappy there you should find a new daycare. You are not asking too much. I run a dayhome and I cant believe they are getting away with the things you have listed. I have a child who can not eat what I make for the other, so her parents bring food for her and it is not an issue with the other 5 kids i have. The youngest I have is 20 months, so the daily reports are allitle different, I let them know if the naps were longer or shorter than usual, or if they have had more BMs than normal that kinda stuff. You have every right to know what has been going on and to ask for whatever info you want. If their not will to share than its not a good enough daycare for your child. You should not apologize for taking active interest in your son life. I know finding a new daycare is not easy for you or your son but it might be worth it in the long run. Good luck with everything!

JoE - posted on 10/08/2010

No way you can be disrupting the other kids! I spend between 10-15 minutes picking up my daughter every afternoon and in that time I find out everything I want to know as well as read it on her wall chart. It also helped in getting to know the staff better and putting my mind at ease that my child is in good hands

Sarh - posted on 10/08/2010

Even if he does want what the other kids are eating... they shouldn't be eating those things in a day care! I would contact your local Better Business Bureau. If the "sub" has no problem getting him to eat his own lunch I have a strong feeling it is not your son who wants what the other kids are eating, but the teacher who just feeds it to him. They should and I believe have to have an open door police. Where you can go in at anytime you want, I would strongly do so and try to hide yourself from both your son and the teacher so he doesn't get excited and want to leave and so the teacher will not act differently.
If he is one yrs old he should adjust very well and will probably like a different day care better. I'm not sure if you feed him donuts and stuff at that his teacher is at, but that is your decision and you are mom, but any day care provider in their right mind would never give a 1 yr old donuts and JUNK! To me, I can see exactly why there are only 2 other children in his class at this day care and yes at another day care he will get the attention he needs and more then likely BETTER attention! For his age group there is a 4 to 1 ratio... 4 children to 1 teacher (I believe that is what it is.

Sarah - posted on 10/08/2010

no it is not a private day care. and the worst part is my son's teacher IS the day care director/owner! I have talked to her about it. She is the one telling me he wants what the other kids have to eat. and she is also very inconsistent. a lot of the time she isn't even there in the afternoon when i pick Kole up so i can't ask her how his day was. She never tells me when she won't be there. Thats why i started printing out daily reports for them and so far they have been filling them out. His teacher hasn't been there for a few days so he has a sub and she seems to have no problem getting him to eat his own lunch.
i'm worried if get a new day care for him how will he react? being 1 i don't think it will take him long to readjust but going from a class with two other children to a different day care with a bigger class... would he be getting the attention he needs?

Ashley - posted on 10/07/2010

I think you need to change daycares that is not normal in any way and they are not doing there job properly first of i worked in a day care second my son is in one you need to meet with the superviser even if you are changing and let her or him no what her staff are not doing. Ok the luch'es should be if they are feeding the kids follow the Canadian if your in Canada food guide. Second it is normal to get a daily update with young children and expected by most parents did you receive a book from them with all there info in like what they stand for most daycares will give you something telling you there guidelines if not then they arnt following protocol. And your age has nothing to do with them not doing there job so please do not alow them to step on you ask other day cares how they operate so you can judge how yours is running personly i would find a new one as soon as possible not as easy depending on were you live but you want someone you like and respect and vis versa to care for your child. good luck and let us no how it goes

Lori - posted on 10/07/2010

Sarah I work in the 2yr old class in a child care center. I understand how you feel also being a mother myself. They are there to take care of your child, they should be fulfilling YOUR needs and concerns as a parent. If they cant do this they aren't concerned about the best interests of your child. If you are uncomfortable with how they treat you and your chil,.my opinion would be to search elsewhere for a center that has your child's best interest in mind. I've neer heard of "monthly reports" I think they were pulling u along. Stay strong and assertive don't give up. You being young should have nothing to do with the respect you deserve. I wish you well.

Lacye - posted on 10/07/2010

you may be a young mom but you are his mom! i would definitely talk to the teacher about your concerns. If she doesn't listen, go to her boss. you have every right to tell them what you want your son to have and what you don't want him to have! and her telling you you take too long to say good bye in the morning? omg! that is horrible! i would talk to her boss.

Sarh - posted on 10/07/2010

OMG!!! FIND A NEW DAY CARE!!!!!!!!!!! Day cares have a nutritional program in which they have to follow and those things are NOT part of it!!! My mom used to run a day care, so did my aunt, and my daughter was in a day care. That is not right at all. You are not asking TOO much AT ALL!! DEFINITELY DO NOT LET THEM DO AS THEY WISH!!! You are most definitely in the RIGHT! I would not trust my child there!

Jaime - posted on 10/07/2010

I wouldn't take him to daycare, especially not that one. Those people obviously don't care what you, as the mother, think should be done with your child. I'd find friends and family to take care of the baby while I'm working. It's cheaper and safer, most of the time. Also, a child is less likely to be around unruly kids and start behaving badly him or herself.

Jen - posted on 10/07/2010

It sounds like you didn't find a good day care. My daughter used to get daily reports in the infant room and then they stopped until she just moved into the 2.5 year old room. When the rooms in between stopped the reports I would ask how her day was when I picked her up. Our day care does not provide meals so I always back my daughter's lunch. Her day care even sends out a list of suggested snacks and lunch items. I have seen some of the things these kids eat and I'm glad that I get to provide her lunch and snacks. Her school also has the options to buy daily meals and even though the options sometimes include McDonalds or Taco Bell they also include healthy snack options.
If you can't get the teacher to verbally give you a daily report or stop badgering you about his lunch, I would look for a different provider.

Katie - posted on 10/07/2010

Is this a private day care? I've worked for a few daycares and we were required to do daily reports. I agree with Sarah D. Look around for a new one, this one sounds a little fishy...

Sarah - posted on 10/07/2010

wow, thank you so much ladies! I wasn't sure what i should do, but you guys are right. I'm gonna start looking for a new day care pronto.
♥

Kelli - posted on 10/07/2010

Girl, get yourself a new daycare... you are paying them to care for your son... they will take care of him how you want or you'll take your money elsewhere. You are definitely not asking too much, and them feeding 1 year olds that crap is ridiculous. They should have no problem whatsoever with you wanting a daily report on your son, and they should respect the fact that your child is only one year old and you need time to say goodbye. Oooooh I'd be ticked!!!

Lady Heather - posted on 10/07/2010

DEFINITELY not asking too much. That is just crap. Monthly reports??? Maybe if he was in high school. And the food thing? omg. That would be enough on its own for me. They should be providing proper food, not a pile of junk. And parents dietary wishes absolutely must be met. This place sounds awful and I would definitely look elsewhere (as hard as I know that can be).

Hendyne - posted on 10/07/2010

I'm at my daughter's daycare now, so I know what they eat. If you do not like the kind of foods that they provide you have the right to bbring your own. Some daycare donot provide the daily report and this why you speak to that teacher yourself.

Jodi - posted on 10/07/2010

They should be at least giving you verbal reports everyday on how long he napped, bowel movements, what he ate and how well, any extra good behavior or poor behavior. it's not something you should have to ask, it should just be being done. As for the lunch issue, they should be providing healthy,well balanced meals, and if they're not and you're sending a healthy lunch with they should keep their mouths shut about it and think about improving their menu. Treats or unhealthy snacks should be kept to once or twice a week maximum.
Every kid is different in their needs and if your child needs to take a few extra minutes before you go, then it is their job to distract the other children while you take care of your child's needs.
You are not asking too much, never stop caring and find a new daycare pronto! Sounds like they're doing a pretty crappy job and when/if you do leave, make sure they know WHY so that perhaps the next mother who walks in doesn't have to go through the same things as you. Best of luck.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 10/07/2010

I've worked in daycares and preschools. I would look for a new one. Daily reports are a must. Especially at that age. Parents need to know what is going on with their child during the day. When you look for a new one you will know what questions to ask and what is important to you (like healthy meals and snacks).

Alyssa - posted on 10/07/2010

I don't think you are asking too much!! It is your child and your a paying for him to go there. I had a problem with my son's babysitter when he was younger. She would feed him stuff that he couldn't have and such. I started sending his meals with him. Needless to say he is not going there anymore due to the fact she wasn't doing what I told her to do. Long story short, my son had a dairy protein allergy and she was feeding him stuff his little tummy couldn't handle. Which in turn made him sick and grumpy. I also wanted him to eat healthier stuff like fruit, veggies, etc... and she too was feeding him cookies and not so healthy stuff all the time.
I think if you are that unhappy with him going there, you definitely need to find another day care or sitter. That's what I recommend! They should also be sending a report home EVERY day. Not just once a week or month.

Good Luck and hopefully you can find something soon!
~Alyssa M.
www.sandamaliska.blogspot.com