I recently enrolled my son in a private catholic school for the summer program. My intention was to send him there in the fall as well. the school held an open house in April and my husband and I attended with our son. I was impressed the way the open house was ran and all our questions were answered and we were impressed. Also, the teacher and her aide said they have worked together over 15 years in this program. I also spoke with a parent whose son attends this school. He started school at the age of 3 so he will be in the preschool classroom again this year. But the parent was very impressed and she told me that she loved the school and that her son learned so much and she also liked the teacher and the aide. There is not alot of interaction between parent and teacher so far. However, one parent told me that they have lots of parent involvement during the fall and winter months.
Well, this is my son's second week and I'm beginning to to be so impressed anymore. First of all, the teachers now seem sort of aloof or distant. I asked my husband if he thought so and he sort of agreed (My husband who also works in a school told me that most teachers are this way because they deal with alot of crazy parents and they don't want to get too friendly). Also, a couple of times when I picked my son he was on the playground and I did not see the teacher or the aide. But there is a young lady who is watching the kids she seemed to be keeping a close eye on them, But anyway.. My son who is 3 likes the school most days. I think he really loves the
playground. He did not have a huge play area at the daycare he attended so I think this is a treat for him.
I'm now wondering if I should give this school a chance in the fall? Maybe things seem more relaxed because it's just a summer program? Could I be overreacting. I'm a little disappointed because I really was hoping I would like this place.
It is also more atypical for the teachers to be outside during recess as this is often their lunch or planning time. Typically there are lunch aides for this purpose. I would become involved with the school by volunteering, but not become a "helicopter" parent either.
Yes, summer programs are a little more laid back..........and I think the school will be fine for the fall........and you might have been there on a very slow or a very hectic day.......who knows........
Keep working with the teacher and your son and see how things go........I'm sure it will be fine......
Take care.
It sounds fine to me! I went through some of the same things when my 2 year old started private preschool in April. Things are not as rigidly structured during the summer and you are all making a huge adjustment!
It sounds like a great school and it'll take some time to get to know the staff and the teachers. Your son sounds like he's having a fine time and you should give it a little more time. You'll settle in, you'll see. :)
You sound to me like you are being very picky. I agree with your husband. If we are too friendly with parents they will each talk to us so much that it's hard to get enough done. Imagine if we give 10-15 minutes to 4-5 families in the morning and another 10-15 to a few at night? It adds up and accidents, fighting, and toy and property destruction happens when we are distracted. The nicer we are the more we hear about everyone's personal drama. If you happen to be someone like me that cares about people it can take a toll after awhile. I end up knowing more than I should and spending a good amount of my bedtime hours worrying about my kids and their families. I only care for a handful of children on day and night shifts. I can't imagine how much harder it would be in a big school.
Why do you feel the teacher and aide need to be outside? Were there too many children for just one person? Or are you thinking that there haven't been enough actual school work. It is summer.
I'd give it some time before you are making any decisions one way or another.
You could try talking to your son. Ask him how he likes his school, and go from there. However, I think you have to go with your gut. No matter what the rationalizations are, if you feel this place is not right for your son, just keep looking.
You still have time to decide . I would talk to as many parents as possible who have attended both. Then go with your gut. You know what a good fit for your son is. I wouldn't expect the teacher to be on the playground but my concern would be how many children were outside for this one young lady to watch?
You really need to see it in the Fall to be sure. Schools have different levels of interaction between parent and teacher. Some schools you pick up in a carpool line where the kids gets brought out-this has very little interaction. Other schools the teachers line up outside the door for their kids and can interact with the teachers much easier. If a high degree on interaction is something that you will need as a parent you should consider this in choosing a school.
Also-take ah honest look at YOUR interaction with the teacher. HAve you been trying to pin her down with a ton of ?'s everyday? While a question or 2 now and then shouldn't be a problem you have to bear in mind that your child is not the only child there and the teacher needs to concentrate on all of the kids not just yours.
