Childcare clubs a week before 4th birthday?

[Aanna]

Hi!

Has anyone had experience with how strict the on-site childcare clubs are with the 4 year old lower age limit? My mom REALLY wants to take the kids to Disney this next December, but my son doesn't turn 4 until December 26th. I know we could hire a babysitter for a grown-up night out, but my son and his older sister would probably be happier at the club than stuck in our hotel room for 4 hours.

Should I postpone the trip until January (and disappoint my mother) or do you think he will be close enough to 4 for it to be OK?

Thanks so much

 

[Kacey467]

I totally think it would be ok. I have never had any experience with this, but on other aspects where age is stated, they have never been strict. We got my niece into disney the week after her third birthday, I have friends that have done the bibbidi bobiddi (sp?) boutique at 2 1/2. I think it is just a guideline. If you think your son would be happy and like it, I don't think it would be a big deal at all.

 

[LittleDickensDesigns]

I asked a similar question a couple of weeks ago because my younger son will be 3 weeks shy of four when we go and I was told they are pretty strict about it because it has to do with state laws regarding child care ratios.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

I asked a similar question a couple of weeks ago because my younger son will be 3 weeks shy of four when we go and I was told they are pretty strict about it because it has to do with state laws regarding child care ratios.

Unfortunatly that is correct. Different ages have different requirments for liscensing. My guess is it is much easier and probably less expexpensive(think adult/child ratios) for the 4 and up crowd. I know at the preschool I work at, we are not supposed to share the playground time with classes where more of the kids are 30 months and over with classes where most of the kids are under 30 months.

 

[Alesia]

I asked a similar question a couple of weeks ago because my younger son will be 3 weeks shy of four when we go and I was told they are pretty strict about it because it has to do with state laws regarding child care ratios.

Yes, it does.

It also has to do with insurance.

Some places, although not necessarily Disney World, will let it slide if they are within 30 days of the cut off. You can always ask, but be prepared for a "no."

 

[blessedby3]

I have never used this service (and most likely never would), but how would they even know exactly how old your child is? Do you have to show a BC or something to get them in? Just curious...

 

[RMulieri]

They are very strict on the age and potty trained thing. It is not Disneys rule to break.They have to follow state guidelines for daycare.It truly is for safety reasons.They need to have so many caregivers for a certain age group.They do not ask for "proof" per se .But they did ask my daughter how old she was when we dropped her off.They also ask DOB and other info when reserving and dropping off.

 

[livndisney]

Personally, I would not do it. As others have said it is a MAJOR state licensing issue. Not only can the center get in trouble for being over ratio, but even bigger trouble for caring for a child outside their license. They may not have a license to care for a 3 year old. I am sure they don't have the staff to care for a 3 year old. In my experience the state does look at "he is only XX days from four", they see "he is three".

That being said, perhaps looking into a in room sitter would be a choice for you. www.kidsniteout.com

They accept children 6 weeks and up. They don't have to "sit" in the room. With your permission they are allowed to take the child around the resort or even to a park.

 

[Aanna]

Personally, I would not do it. As others have said it is a MAJOR state licensing issue. Not only can the center get in trouble for being over ratio, but even bigger trouble for caring for a child outside their license. They may not have a license to care for a 3 year old. I am sure they don't have the staff to care for a 3 year old. In my experience the state does look at "he is only XX days from four", they see "he is three".

That being said, perhaps looking into a in room sitter would be a choice for you. www.kidsniteout.com

They accept children 6 weeks and up. They don't have to "sit" in the room. With your permission they are allowed to take the child around the resort or even to a park.

I'm really not trying to break any rules or get anyone in trouble, so it seems the concensus on this is a overwhelming "Not possible."

I have already had positive experience with Kid's Nite Out and am pretty familiar with their rules. We were really just looking forward to the kids having a chance to experience the clubs.

Certainly we're not the first family to have to skip Christmas at Disney. We'll live.

Thank you all so much for your experience and knowledge

 

[LittleDickensDesigns]

I'm really not trying to break any rules or get anyone in trouble, so it seems the concensus on this is a overwhelming "Not possible."

I have already had positive experience with Kid's Nite Out and am pretty familiar with their rules. We were really just looking forward to the kids having a chance to experience the clubs.

Certainly we're not the first family to have to skip Christmas at Disney. We'll live.

Thank you all so much for your experience and knowledge

I didn't think you were trying to break the rules. I totally understand how you feel because I'm in the same situation. I was hoping to have my boys do the pirate cruise. My older son is 7 and I KNOW he won't do it alone, but he would go if his almost 4yo brother was there. And the 4yo is more daring about this stuff. He's been potty trained for eons, is extremely verbal, and acts older than "3". He's always around bigger kids. It's a bummer he can't do it because he's only 3 weeks shy of four, but I do understand the state rules on it. I guess that's why they have them. I know if they asked my son how old his is he'd say three.

 

[Aanna]

It's a bummer.

Most definitely a bummer. Maybe we should look at the bright side. It is an excellent reason for you and me to plan another trip in the very near future. For our children's sakes, of course.

 

[jodifla]

I have never used this service (and most likely never would), but how would they even know exactly how old your child is? Do you have to show a BC or something to get them in? Just curious...

You'd have to lie on the paperwork. They ask for the birthdate, along with allergies and other information. Then you have to sign that piece of paperwork.