Son Seems Scared of Daycare Substitute Teacher, Should I Be Concerned?

I doubt very highly that there's a problem with this sub. I think that your son is reacting to the fact that it's not his usual teacher. She looks different, she sounds different, she does things differently. As much as she may try to stick to the same routine it's just not the same. It's a major wrench thrown in the kids' day. Some children handle it better than others. Some are more sensitive to the changes and more anxious about it.

I would bet that if your husband wears a beard and he suddenly shaved it, your son would behave the same way around your husband.

I wouldn't worry. If it continues to be a problem, be reassuring but also listen to your instincts and pay attention to how the other children are behaving. I think it's a very good sign that he does allow you to leave and when you check up on him he's happy and having fun.

I'm always suspicious when my children don't like someone, but in your case, it does sound like he's having a problem with the change in routine rather than a bad caregiver. The fact that you can go in and watch the daycare and that there are multiple providers means a lot. Perhaps talk directly to Elaine and see if she can help your son adjust to her? It might help her to know that he's struggling.

From my experience as a provider, this is fairly normal (not that you shouldn't be totally aware of changes, though.) All of the kids I watch have been w/ me for a long time, I am their 2nd home and a part of their family. Nothing bad has ever happened to anyone here, I love them, do not yell at them, am not mean to them (firm when I need to be! LOL!) But every once in awhile, someone will have a day where they just don't want to come...then by the end of the day, they cry when it's time to leave! haha.

It is likely just what you said...it's a change in his routine and kids truly need routine! If it still bothers you, definitely go, unannounced, and observe. Ask other parents what their thoughts are about "Elaine." Best of luck and I hope it turns out to be nothing!

While I think it's probably as your described, due to changes in his routine, I would never discount a gut feeling you have. So keep what I call an attitutude of "watchfulness". You see, it doesn't really matter if anyone else sees something, you may be the only one. So I would make sure I continue chatting with Elaine, and dropping in is a good idea, also. Keep your Mom eyes open. That way you will be able to be open to the possibility it's just typical 2 behavior, but also open to anything that makes you feel something's just "off".

He's 2... he's a little creature of habit. Even though he's in the same classroom, it's not the teacher he's used to and knows and loves. I bet once she's leaves and another sub comes in, he'll react the same way.

please follow your instinct. This happened to me and I reluctantly left my child at the child care center. When I picked up my daughter (age one) she had 14 bruises and a busted lip. No accident report. I know this is extreme and may totally not be the case in your situation, but I have never forgiven myself for not trusting my instinct. This was 15 years ago.

Good luck and prayers.

My opinion is it is the change in the routine he is reacting to, rather than "Elaine". 2 year olds like the known - the unknown is something that can screw up their entire little world. My daughter is 2 years, 4 months, and she will wail when she sees someone new in her daycare - becuase it's differ than her 2 year old minds expectation. Particularily since you were able to see him playing and having fun on the playground, I think it is more of a matter of not liking the disruption to his routine.