Would you stay or go, daycare issue?

[budbeerlady]

Hello, I am so stuck with this I thought I would throw it out on the Dis and see what others think. DD has been at Toddlerville daycare since she was 12 weeks old. Well taken care of, great preschool program. She was very well prepared for kindergarten. Then in Feb the owner sold the daycare to another lady. (Other lady was a parent with 3 kids there, has a business degree but never ran a daycare) The previous owner sent a nice letter home telling she had sold and how she really loved and was going to miss the kids but it was time for her to retire.
But the new owner has had very little communication with the parents. (How hard is to write a letter and photocopy it?! ) New instructers have appeared, I have no idea what the girls names are or what they do there. And the topping on the cake was this morning I drop off DD (she goes every other day) and the door is now on a buzzer system for entry. (We are in the middle of no where, a safe area as far as I am concerned!) I said to her teacher that it will take some getting used to. Her reply is they want the staff and kids to be safe. I get to work and I am wondering what could have happened that they need to be safe from?

I am torn over leaving DD there for the summer or looking else where? I obviously dont care for the new owner but she isnt there very often. The instructor for her room is the same every morning but in the afternoon there has been other girls watching dd when I pick her up. I know someone else owns it and there would be changes made. But if I were a new parent coming in I probley wouldnt choose toddlerville. But i havent been in other daycares for 5 years. Is buzzing someone in normal now? Maybe I am making a big deal out of nothing. Thanks!!!!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I have worked in a day care center for four years..We have a keypad at the door and the parents and workers need to punch the code in to come in. There is also a button that need to be pressed in order to leave the building..

ALso, at our school, there are the main teachers in the c lassroom in the morning and then "floaters" when they leavefor the day...The floaters at are school come in at different times, depending on the day, so they get put in different rooms, depending oin which classroom has more kids and/or needs more help

 

[bananiem]

I used to work at a childcare center as a teacher and director. I have no problem with the keypad entry. They may have a child that tries to escape or a custody battle between two parents where one of them has lost parental privileges. Just one way to keep that parent out.
As for communication...I'd have a problem with that. We always sent out letters and posted who the new employees were and what rooms they would be assigned to. Is it that it was understaffed before or there's been a change in the state ruling on staff:child ratios? If there's a lot of turnover in staff that can be a warning sign. ETA: It depends why they're leaving though. Are old staff leaving because they just don't like the new person in charge or are they leaving because they think something in going on that they believe is harmful?

 

[zagafi]

Honestly, I see that as a positive change(the buzzer entry). There are so many reasons it's a good idea, and it doesn't mean there's been a "happening" to precipitate it--could be a proactive measure!

 

[PlutoPony]

The buzzer system may be a new licensing requirement. They're very common around here.
Bottom line, you're looking at change regardless of what you do. If you stay where you are, you're likely to see some change as a new owner settles in and makes it "her" business. The changes at your existing school are likely to affect the parents more than kids as their routine will likely remain pretty much the same. Is your DD still really happy there - do you feel the environment in her classroom is still what you want for her?? If you move your child you're obviously looking at change there, both for you and your child. Is there another school around that you think would give her something she's currently not getting where she is now? Guess you have to determine which change would benefit your child more.
Good luck - it can be really difficult to feel like you're making good day care choices I know...

 

[mickeyboat]

It sounds to me like the changes being made are pretty standard in the day care industry.

A buzzer system is a great idea for safety - maybe the center had to spend some money on upgrades for tax purposes, maybe there is some new licensing requirement.

The floating teacher thing is also pretty standard as far as I have seen. One local center has the room teacher and assistant(s) come in at 7, and work 8 hours. Local high school students come in for the late afternoon and are there for pick-up. It makes a lot of financial sense, since the center isn't paying the regular teachers overtime to stay until the center closes.

However, I am getting the feeling that you are getting the feeling that something just isn't right at the center. Parents don't usually get strange feelings about something if there is nothing going on. I would definitely pursue it. Does your daughter seem happy there? Can she verbalize what changes are being made to curriculum or the structure of her day?

Did you post about this ownership change once before, because it is ringing a bell with me? I think last time I suggested you think look into becoming a parent board member, or part of a parent advisory panel (if there is such a thing at your daycare). You will get a lot more information about the standards and practices at the center, and the philosophy of the owners. Is there some sort of parent handbook you could read? At the very least, I would consider asking the director/owner to meet with you, and give you an idea what the general plan is for the center's future. Mention your confusion with the changes, and your desire to be better informed about what is going on.

Good luck.

Denae

 

[grlpwrd]

Change is always hard even for me.

I think even if you may have a personality difference or difference of opinion with the new owner or because it is an abrupt change or it isn't being run the same way I think the main priority is how well the kids are being cared for. Are they progressing and are they well taken care of? Even if you stated "I obviously dont care for the new owner.." I would not let that get in the way of the caring for the children. Then again it is purely understandable and natural if you feel that way. I just think the kids should come first.

As for the buzzer I think it's positive change.

GL!

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

I believe that a buzzer/entry system is very standard these days. Every center I looked at (almost four years ago) had one. And has been stated before, it really is a good idea, and for reasons that you might not think about (custody battles, etc.). Ours also has accounting information and tracking so that you can tell how long your child spends there (averages and such).

The others are correct that you are looking at changes no matter what. Only you can decide what is comfortable for you and your child. I faced a change in administration while I have been at the center my kids go to. I have loved both directors, but for different reasons. And it did take a little getting used to when that change came along.

 

[Aidensmom]

I wouldn't worry about the buzzer, I would see that as a good thing.

But if you feel uncomfortable having your daughter there, I personally would look around at other places and see if I found one I felt more comfortable with.

 

[budbeerlady]

Thanks everyone, ! My first reaction was "What happended?" Some of my problem is a personality conflict with the new owner, I will admit that. (The previous owner was very personable and genuinely a nice person. I get alot of fake with the new one.) And a few non-child issues have upset me. A former teacher (she had taught there for 8 years untill Nov.) passed unexpectedly in early April, the staff wasnt given time off to go & it was business as usual. I had expected the doors to be closed so everyone could attend her funeral. And her kids are always roaming around the place, so dd wants to know why she cannot go play all the time like them.

Bottom line is she has always been well cared for and safe. Its the irritating things that are getting to me that I need to get over.

 

[gris gris]

I've been BEGGING our daycare to get a buzzer or keypad. Anyone can walk right in and this drives me crazy. I even complained to the state about it but I guess it's not required. Our owner also does not communicate at all - just sticky notes once in a while. No emails, no newsletters, no nothing. If there's a big announcement they write it on a piece of paper and tape it to the door. This drives me crazy.

However, DD is well taken care of, she has great friends, has learned a ton, is very happy and it would break my heart (and probably her teachers) to remove her from her daycare.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Like others, I see the buzzer as a positive change. I've never seen a daycare without either that or the keypad entry. That goes back 9 years, and we live in a "nice" area as well.

It sounds like your dd will start kindergarten in fall, is that right? Will she be done with the center at that time? If so, it might not be worth putting her through the transition to a new daycare just for a few months, then another transition in fall, since you seem to find the other issues more irritating than really reflective of the care she's getting.

Oh, and I always made it a point to introduce myself when someone new was in the room when I picked up my dd, and ask questions like, "are you new here?". It looked like I was just being friendly, but really, it was a good way to get info about who was watching my dd.

Good luck.

 

[jehender]

I agree - the buzzer is a good thing - no matter why it was put in.

As for the daycare, I am a big believer that you should feel 100% comfortable with your daycare. Remember, it doesn't hurt to shop around. You can always go interview with other daycares and decide if you might like something else better. The current place doesn't have to know you are doing it.

Always remember - A good daycare can turn bad and a bad daycare can turn good. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. These are your kids and only you know what is best for them!!!

As for the communication thing, we make a special point to find out who is in charge in the afternoon and get a daily report from that teacher. Our center has a lot of aides in the afternoon also, but there is usually one in charge who got a report from the morning teacher. It works out well for us and keeps us in the loop. I also call and check anytime I have concerns. I also make it a point NOT to tell them if I have to pick up my kid early for an appointment or something. I use that time just to see what they do when the aren't expecting us. Of course, I plan on the pickup taking a little longer those days.

 

[clh2]

While it is very, very sad that one of their teachers passed away - I would have been furious had the daycare been closed for the funeral. Not all parents have the flexibility with their employers to take off for the day "when my daycare is closed due to a funeral." However, that does not stop you from going to the funeral/visitation on your own.

 

[Beth76]

I have to say that I don't really agree with your concerns. While it might seem heartless you can't expect the whole place to shut down for the day to go to a funeral. How many parents would be put out by that? It's not like it would be "funeral leave" for them. That's not good business. Visitation is usually in the evening, I'm sure people could have gone to that if they wanted.

I see nothing wrong with the buzzer thing. Yes you live in a safe area, but even safe areas can be vulnerable. You would be up in arms if anything happened and they had taken no precautions. Is it really that big of an inconvenience?

Different teachers in the afternoon are "floaters", like others have said. The fulltime people are probably there very early in the morning and they leave in the early-mid afternoon. The floaters are probably part time high school students who come in to take over the rest of day.

I'm not sure what kind of communication you're lacking. You can always ask your daughter's teacher any questions that you have.

Bottom line, if you're not comfortable there then by all means find someplace else. But honestly, I wouldn't have a problem with any of the things your're concerned about.

BTW, what does your daughter think of the place? She might not be comfortable at a new place. She's been going here her whole life so far.

 

[GJM]

I would never even think of putting my child in a daycare that didn't have a buzzer or keypad. My daycare you have to be buzzed in.

And I agree, they can't shut down for a funeral. If they did that in my DS school I don't know what parents would do.

My DS daycare was sold when he was about 3 and he was going since an infant. It seemed that nobody was happy at the start and alot of parents left to go other places. I even thought about it, but the one teacher said just give it a chance they are going to make alot of good changes. I'm glad I stuck it out. I like the new owners you can always talk to them and they did make changes for the better.

But you have to be comfortable where you send your child.

 

[budbeerlady]

I love it when my problems seem to solve themselves! My Dd's fav. teacher just called me she had been let go by the new owner to bring in new owners niece. I was upset and irritated since the great staff has been why I love the school and why dd is still there. So I asked what is she going to do? She didnt know but by the end of the 20min conversation it looks like she will be watching DD for the summer. I know she will be well cared for, safe and I will be informed of what is going on! I am so excited I hope it all works out!

 

[bananiem]

I'm glad it worked out for you, bbl.
I have to say though, when my friend and director of a center died of breast cancer the center was closed for the morning to go to her funeral. It opened at 1:00 for that one day. Only one parent complained (and the center had 150 children) and there were MANY parents and children at the funeral. Her children had been at the center too so many of the children had known her and her children.

 

[CEDmom]

The buzzer is quite common and may have been something the new owner was required to do in order to be up to code. The previous owner may have been grandfathered from it.

Honestly, if your DD is safe and happy I wouldn't make a change since she'll be starting a new school in Sept. anyway. Too much change can be hard on a kid.

 

[shortbun]

Because your daughter has such a short time there and will be making the K transition next year, I'd stay through the summer. The only other thing I would consider would be to hire a really energetic highschooler or college girl to come and play all day at your house so your daughter could have the summer off. We were WAY OVER our childcare center the summer before our son went to K, so we hired two girls to play and it was wonderful!!!! My son got to sleep in, he had all kinds of "field trips" because these girls were not the type to sit around-museums, the pool, shopping, parks, bike rides and so forth. Why not consider it?
Just read your last post, nevermind! Lol! Hope your daughter has a great summer!