OT: School opinion needed

[Cyn]

I hate putting this out there for everyone but I can't get this off my mind and would like opinions...

My daughter has been at a Montessori school for over a year now. We have always loved it and never doubted our choice until lately. Since Christmas, I have noticed my daughter has not talked about her teacher at all, quit practicing her sounds (phonics based), and when I ask her how her penciling is going she says she doesn't do that anymore. Huh? So I started making it a point the last week to ask "So was Ms. ..... there today?" and she says no.

Well, today I get a letter saying her teacher has left a while back and after a search they have not been able to find a certified montessori teacher. So they are promoting an aide to the teacher position. What????? I pay a ton more for this school than regular school and now she is getting this person with no background but daycare?

I was already getting annoyed with all the junk food and sweets even though this school supposedly has a no candy, no junk rule. We went to fall festival at the school and my daughter was given a piece of candy everytime she did a game. She doesn't eat candy at home. Snacks have been donuts some days and it there is a birthday they come home with candy, cake and various junk foods.

I want to just pull her and put her somewhere else. What do you think? Is this worth cutting bait and moving on?

Cyn

 

[mjmoon]

If you are paying extra for a service that isn't being provided.. I'd say move on. If they tout healthy eating yet always provide junk food for snacks, what other things have they promised and stopped (or never) delivered?

Having said that, if it is only special events (festival, birthday, etc.) where sweets are being given, I wouldn't pull her out on that alone. The certified teacher leaving and not being replaced is bothersome to me. Especially because you weren't notified of the change.

Is this PreK or older?

 

[roscoepc1]

Part of Montessori's "draw" is that they train teachers in their methods, and it is unique, and costs a lot to train someone. That's why it's so darn expensive! That being the case, I would find an aide being "promoted" out of desperation unacceptable.

Jmho. I'd be looking at other schools...

 

[mjkacmom]

I sent ds10 to a montessori preschool, and it cost me close to $600 a month - I would've had a fit if #1 the teacher left and I wasn't informed and #2 an aide got the position only because they couldn't find a qualified teacher.

 

[sk!mom]

The teacher situation would be reason enough for me to start looking for a new school. You're paying for a certified teacher and that's what they should provide.

The food issues would bug me if they claim to provide healthy food and then serve a lot of junk but I might not leave over that alone. I would bring it up to someone though. It may be difficult to find a place that provides only healthy choices- no junk.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

You are paying for schooling to be taught by a certified, trained teacher. The "new teacher" may have learned skills from working in the Montessori school, but that does not make her a qualified teacher. She may be get along with and know the students or even be able to carry out the teacher's plans, but this does not mean she is able to teach the class permanently. If she was the same person responsible for overseeing the class since the teacher left it doesn't say much that your DD was not being encouraged to continue with her work. If you could find another placement, RUN! Keep in mind that it may be difficult for DD to leave her friends though...but at the cost (both not working and $$) it will be worth it IMO.

As far as the sweets go...just seems to be more ammo for your decision.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I would definitely be annoyed that a teacher left and the parents weren't notified. My son is in preschool 3 days a week and I always ask him when I pick him up how his day was, what teacher did he work with (there are 4), etc. Plus I'm sure he would want to know why one of his teachers just suddenly wasn't there. As far as promoting an aide, I'd want to know their qualifications. There is a big difference between an aide with no formal education or training and someone who has the college degree and other training. Maybe the aide is qualified but there wasn't a position open before now - at least she has been at the school and has seen how the classroom works. If the aide doesn't have the qualifications for the job then I would seriously consider pulling my child or look into other options for next year.

As far as the snacks go are the treats all the time or just once in a while? My sons school only serves healthy snacks but I think a lot of that is b/c there are some pretty severe food allergies so the choices of what they can serve are limited and I think parents are scared to bring anything - at least I am. I actually wish they could have treats maybe once or twice a month but one of the children has a touch allergy so any treats would mean he would have to sit at a separate table.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[ilandrazdsw]

I would definitely be annoyed that a teacher left and the parents weren't notified. My son is in preschool 3 days a week and I always ask him when I pick him up how his day was, what teacher did he work with (there are 4), etc. Plus I'm sure he would want to know why one of his teachers just suddenly wasn't there. As far as promoting an aide, I'd want to know their qualifications. There is a big difference between an aide with no formal education or training and someone who has the college degree and other training. Maybe the aide is qualified but there wasn't a position open before now - at least she has been at the school and has seen how the classroom works. If the aide doesn't have the qualifications for the job then I would seriously consider pulling my child or look into other options for next year.

This is a very good point and if the case should have been noted by the school on the letter home. Knowing the qualifications (just a simple words like licensed or certified teacher or specialist) could put parents' minds at ease.