Teacher visits?

[tinaw]

Does anyone else have to put up with this?
At DD's school (Private School) when entering kindergarten the teacher visits each students home. I feel like I am under inspection and find this a total intrusion of privacy.
I guess it's not absolutely mandatory but I don't know of anyone who has refused this request. I have been told teachers used to do this years ago but no one I know has heard of this in years. My DM suggested it was to meet each family and have a sense of the childs home life.
I think it's rude of her to invite herself to everyones home. I don't feel like I should have to feel like I need to meet her standards or whatever her reason for "visiting". I think if she wants to meet me she should invite me to her home or set up a meeting at a public place, perhaps a restaurant. As a matter of fact, How would she feel if I wanted to come and "visit" at her house. Maybe I want to check her out.
I don't want to rock the boat, as there is only 1 kindergarten teacher and out of fear that she might take it out on DD (willing or unwillingly)

Has this happened to anyone else?

Does anyone have any insight into this that I am missing?

Should I say my piece or bite my lip?

P.S. DH thinks it's rude but would never say anything to anyone.

 

[Mary Anne]

Wow that teacher must have a lot of free time to visit every home. How many kids are in a class?

Nope nothing like that is done here and to be honest, I would not be doing it if it did.

 

[tinaw]

There are only 15 children in a.m. and 15 in p.m. It is a very difficult school to get into. They only take 30 out of 80 preschoolers.

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by tinaw
Should I say my piece or bite my lip?

It is a very difficult school to get into.

I'd bite my lip. Or find another school. If this is the school policy, and you're that offended by it, why do you want your child to go there?

And it seems like you're taking this out on the teacher, when she's just doing part of her job.

 

[tinaw]

It's not part of her job. The headmaster (who by the way, is new) told us it's something she really like to do and has done for years. She has to 70 at least. I'm not sure if he was trying to warn us or what.

 

[Mary Anne]

Well if it is that difficult to get into and you've made up your mind that is where you want your child to go, I think you do have to go through with it.

Just as an aside, did they tell you all about this when you were checking out the school to begin with or after you were accepted.

 

[bsnyder]

tinaw

I misunderstood what you were saying...I thought it was part of the school policy.

Still, if it's not something that's normally refused, and you really want your child to go to this school, I'd just do it. It also might help your DD's adjustment to the new teacher, if she gets to meet her on her own turf first, as opposed to the first day of school in the classroom.

 

[tinaw]

She went to preschool there but I don't ever remember hearing about it until after she was accepted. The school is a great school. I loved the preschool preogram and I have heard wonderful things about the kindergarten. I just don't agree with this part of it. I would love to know how it got started.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by tinaw
It's not part of her job. The headmaster (who by the way, is new) told us it's something she really like to do and has done for years. She has to 70 at least. I'm not sure if he was trying to warn us or what.

If it's not required, I would not agree to the visit.

 

[bsnyder]

I just had another thought....with regard to my suggestion that it will be easier on your DD to meet the teacher in your home first. Maybe that's why the teacher does these visits?

The first day of kindergarten can be a difficult transition for some kids....I kind of like the idea of being able to have my child meet the teacher for the first time here at our home, where my child is most comfortable.

 

[tinaw]

That's a good point bsnyder. I never thought of it that way. But, I still don't like it Am I being difficult at this point?

 

[tinaw]

By the way, They have already met, several times. Granted, not one on one but in a group setting. I am trying to appreciate the fact that the teacher goes out of her way to met the famlies( I'm sure she's not paid for it!!!) I am just uncomfortable with her choice of venue.

 

[bsnyder]

I don't know that you're being difficult, but I do think you are needlessly worried that the teacher is going to somehow be judging you and finding you lacking?

If she's been a teacher there forever, and the school is that great, then I doubt that's the motivation for her visits.

I hope your DD has a great year in kingergarten! They grow up so fast!

 

[Mary Anne]

For what it's worth, I don't think you're being difficult.

 

[tinaw]

I'm not worried about her finding us lacking. I guess, the best way to put it is, I find it offensive that she assumes that she has the authority to call and expect to be allowed in. She didn't ask, she left a message to call her to set up our home visit sometime within the next 2 weeks. I don't know maybe/probably I'm reading too much into this, but I feel like I'm being bullied in a way. My home, is my home. It is a private place where we invite our loved ones and friends. Not a place where people call and tell me they're coming over wether I like it not.

 

[Cindy B]

my kids former elelmentary school did it for the first grade teachers.

It was nothing to worry about!

He was such a nice guy, and he and my son just sat down and he went over the schedule and other stuff.

It was fine, and no it wasn't a home inspection. It was maybe a half hour long

 

[bsnyder]

I see your point, tinaw.

You mentioned in your first post about "meeting her standards" so I got the impression you were worried about that.

Sounds like maybe she's very authoritative and set in her ways. I've know teachers like that, and yes, they can definitely rub me the wrong way too.

but I agree with what you said here....

I don't want to rock the boat, as there is only 1 kindergarten teacher and out of fear that she might take it out on DD (willing or unwillingly)

 

[tinaw]

Would I be "rocking the boat" if I asked her , when I call to schedule the visit, why exactly does she do home visits? Perhaps if I knew what her reasons were I wouldn't have such a hard time with it. Or does it sound like I'm trying to cause trouble?

 

[bsnyder]

I was going to suggest talking with her about it....in your best "non-confrontational" tone of voice. I don't see how that would be rocking the boat. I know I'd be interested to hear what her rationale is for the visits.

 

[Mary Anne]

I see no reason why you couldn't ask. It is your home and you have a right to know.

I am also wondering if the headmaster also doesn't approve but can't do anything. That worries me more then the home visit as it tells me the teacher calls all the shots no matter what.