I am in a sticky situation....at least it feels like one to me. My family and friends on the other hand feel like there is a clear cut solution to the problem. I work at an Learning Center at my church (which by the way I love attending !!) and my 2 year old also goes to school there 2 days a week. I was gone one day from school to go to a dr. appointment and my little girl stayed there while I was out. I got back to the school with about an hour to go in the day...spent time helping my co-teacher clean up, and get the other kids ready to go home. When I went to pick up my little girl, I asked the general questions...how was the day, did she eat well, no biting right? I then asked if she took a nap. I was told, yes, that she was put to sleep in the restroom inside a pack in play. Note: this restroom is where DIRTY diapers are/were kept. I was a bit taken back by this. From what I understand she was put there because she was distracted. I know that one of my fellow teachers told her teachers that I would not like her to be there and they proceeded to put her there anyway. I have had other issues with my little girl in this class in regards to how she is handled during nap time, the issues were addressed and we moved on. I just don't know if I can move on from this.
My question is this: Should I quit working there and not take her back to the school? (I can not continue to work there if she is not there because that presents a childcare issue for me.) I know she loves the teachers and has a GREAT time with the kids in her class, but I feel that there was a COMPLETE lack of respect displayed for my daughter as well as myself. I was very upset and sent her teachers an email trying to get some sort of explanation...no response...that makes me even more upset.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
First I want to thank everyone for their help! After many hours of prayer, I decided to talk to my daughters teachers and hear what they had to say. It's funny how your perspective changes when you actually open your ears and heart to hear what/how someone was thinking. Her teachers were/are very remorseful~ in tears. I was told that they would never intentially hurt my child and that they care for her deeply. We talked about the situation and decided that two rooms would be combined during naptime. One room is for the sleepers, and one is for those who choose not to sleep. Those that stay awake will be entertained. I think things are going to be much better!! So, I am glad I am staying, I think Hailey will be ok, and I think that all of the other children who do not sleep will appreciate the changes that I have help make! ;)
They need a separate, adjoining sleep/quiet room. Our church has such in the nursery area. sometimes an email type approach gives the impression that you don't want a response if you're not willing to sit and talk face to face. They need to understand much of what others have already mentioned: safety, CPS, health concerns, etc.
Putting a child to bed in a bathroom is not only gross, but REALLY dangerous! What if she was able to climb out of the packnplay and get into the water? Scary! I would NOT go back there!
My child would not be going back there, and the Learning Center would know why. I would be tempted to contact CPS or possibly some other organization, but I'm not sure who would be appropriate. The "no response" is completely unacceptable. I am a high school teacher, and I can't even imagine the trouble I would be in if I did not respond to an upset parent. This definitely needs to be addressed, and I would not continue to work there or take my child there. I'm so sorry you are in this situation. Hopefully you can find another place where you and your child can both be happy.
T.,
I completely agree with Susan. I used to work in a child care facility as well, if anything like that had ever happened, OH MY! I would not go back even for a minute. That is wrong no matter if it was done to your child or any other. We don't sleep in restrooms for a reason. That is sick!
I would have a meeting the Director of the Learning Center and with the main lead teacher also in your child's room. You may want to copy and cc the letter to any other teachers dealing with your child also. This will help get it out in the open and let your concerns be known.
Maybe your child was having a rough time during nap time, however she should have been with the other kids on the floor/on their mats. They should not be making special accomodations for her in the bathroom. The bathroom is inappropriate for a pack and play and not safe. If she needs to be taken out of the room and in time out, someone else needs to help. Sounds like there isn't enough workers to help out and that the teacher is using the pack and play to assist her.
I would think about suggestions on how the teacher/school could better handle this situation. What I would do is present your frustration and concerns in writing and in person. Then, I would see if any changes are made and if it improves over the next couple of weeks, I would see if you can stick it out. I know change is difficult on kids no matter what the situation, so it would be difficult to change locations,teachers,etc.... If no changes are made with your child and how they are dealing with her, then I would look into transferring to somewhere else. If they are uncooperative, I would definitely report them to the State-Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.
Our kids go to a Parent's Day Out program and there is 3 teachers in the kids rooms. We have 2 kids, a 22 month old and a 2 1/2 year old. They go into separate classrooms and each room has 3 teachers. On occasion, when someone is sick, they may have 2 teachers in our Sons room. I know my child doesn't always sleep during nap time. However, he is quiet on his mat and they never move him because he isn't sleeping. One suggestion, I would make is how many teachers are in the room, is there adequate staffing-child/staff ratio? Could your child be moved to another room with another teacher? This may not be an option, our church does the classes by age-your birthdate. We also get a checklist type report on how our child's day went, nap time, lunch-how much they ate, how they played, what they played with,etc... Our church is accredited, which is a higher standard. If you are looking for another preschool, daycare, you might want to look into a place that is accredited and licensed and get some referrals also. I would highly recommend our preschool at our church. If you need more info, let me know. I'll keep you and your situation in our prayers.
Sounds like CPS needs to do an investigation...and I wouldn't go back there if it were me. If CPS hasn't been there yet, they will be if they keep that stuff up. If you don't report them (you should) someone else will. To continue to work there or continue to take your daughter there says that you are okay with their behavior and it will more than likely continue. And if you are worried about the safety of the kids there if you leave - all the more reason to make a report with CPS. But, that's just my opinion......
Teacher should be FIRED!!! If director doesn't fire her, then report them to the Child Care Licensing people. Don't let her or them get away with this. No child should be left in the bathroom to take a nap! Let's put this teacher in the bathroom and tell her to go to sleep. I would quit and only reconsider if they fire her. If they let that person stay there, that says a lot about the facility. You would think being a member of the church, they would do everything for you. I would let the board of the church know about the situation ASAP and maybe the director needs to be fired too.
For anyone who's interested...check out this website to see a list of inspections and reports on your child's day care.
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child...
Keep us posted on the results!
