Hi, this Monday was my 7 week old sons first week in daycare : ( I have a 10 yr old who went to the same center, however, he is 10 now, and went when he was two until four years old. The woman working in the infant room is Spanish, which is fine, but it seems like she doesn't speak much English, I could be wrong, but she doesn't say much. I just want to know if any other moms can tell me there experiences with sending an infant that young to daycare. Yesterday, when I picked him up, I asked how his day was, and she said 'good', thats all, I don't know if I'm being x-tra sensitive cause he's so little and this is so hard, but I would think that eventhough his day doesn't consist much more of sleeping and eating that she would go into a bit more detail and also talk so I could get to know her. If I were caring for someone else's baby I would go out of my way to make them feel very comfortable with me.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Thanks for all of your great input. Things have actually gotten better, much better. I spoke with the owner and now my son's 'teacher' actually communicates alot more with me as do the assistants. I'm going to give it a month and then re-asses the situation. Thanks !
I give you a ton of credit for even being able to send him to daycare because my son is almost 11mths and I'm deathly afraid of putting him in one have no clue where to even start getting over it.
My son's day care has a form that the parent fills out in the morning and the day care fills out in the day so you know when (and what) he ate, drank, when he slept, diaper changes and the activities he did during the day. I also call each day around 1ish to see how he is doing. It might take time to get the teacher talking but maybe if you ask more questions and they use some type of form, it will help to ease your mind somewhat.
When choosing a daycare one of the most important things is to feel comfortable with your childs daycare provider. The caregiver should have given alot more information about your childs day other than the description "good". I know in my daycare we have a daily sheet that explains about your childs day. I would address your concerns with your daycare director or the room provider and let them know how you feel and that you would like a more detailed description of how your child spends their day. If they are not willing to accomadate you and come up with a better way of communication that makes you feel more comfortable, than you might want to look into another daycare.
I would definately be a little leery if you don't get feedback on his day. Even at that age, I used to get a full rundown of what they did AND a chart listing exactly what and when he ate, got changed, and overall mood. Voice your concerns to the director and if that doesn't go anywhere you can go corporate ... if it is corporate.
GOOD LUCK AND FOLLOW YOUR MOMMY INSTINCTS. YOU KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BABY AND IF YOU FEEL UNEASY, FIND ANOTHER CENTER.
:)
-L.
I think I would feel the same way. I'm spanish myself and it bothers me when I see someone that doesn't speak enough english. I would question the manager/supervisor of the daycare center about having someone that can barely communicate properly taking care of such small children. Express your concerns to the supervisor and give her examples. What if something is wrong with the baby (God Forbid) and this woman can't explain to her what happened to him/her. She is taking care of children that can't communicate yet and this person should be able to respond to ANY question or request that anybody has for her. Honestly, I know that there are a lot of spanish speaking people that need jobs out there but don't let the one that doesn't speak the language taking care of your child. Is a little bit almost rude to say something like that but our children are our responsability.
J.,
I have 2 children, Collin 3 and Paige 3months. Both started daycare at 6 weeks. My daycare, Tomorrows Stars in Hamilton is awesome. They write a letter everyday, as if it is Paige writing it stating what she did, how much she ate, when she slept, if she pooped and wet. It says if she played on the floor or was "talking" a lot. It's really detailed You should defintely talk to the director of the center and inform her what is going on. Her response is unacceptable and you are paying good money to know what is going on. Hope this helps. D.
Hi There
Definately speak to the director. Make her aware that there is no communication occurring. My son is 3 and just started day care 3 days a week. His teachers are never there during our drop off or pick up so we never see them. When we had back to school night alot of moms complained stating that they understand she cannot be there when we arrive but that the girls in the afternoon should know more about what is going on with our kids. They said all they say when asked about our kids is "they were fine". It was nice to hear others sharing their concerns because my husband had just gotten done saying how useless the girls were as they knew nothing about our son or his day.
Well we found out that these afternoon girls are suppose to know whats going on and communicate it to us. His teacher keeps a book with notes on each child so these girls can share with the parents about each day. The teacher also promised to send some quick notes home one or 2 days a week just saying "He had a good day" or " today he didnt eat lunch" that sort of thing.......
So believe me when I say you are probably not the only one feeling this way. Unless parents speak up nothing will change. Ask more questions when you pick up your child. Ask about his dirty diapers, feeding and sleep. This will give you a better idea on whether this person speaks English.
I too was faced with the decision to send my 2nd son to the same Day care my oldest attended 5 years ago.....we revisited the school and it just wasnt the same....we sadly chose a different place. I kept thinking the same school would be best because I knew the routine, the director etc etc...but things change in 5 years and there was some new assistant director who kept insisting my child would have no friends and would be educationally behind if he attended 3 days a week only. How dare she say this to me and this made my decision. My oldest also attended part time 3 days and his teachers always praised how smart he was.
Anyhow, I am rambling now...LOL,, my point is do not be intimidated by others and do not feel you have to stay at the same school....but know your stress and concern might be easily solved simply by speaking with the director....unless she is like my school director...never around!!! That frustrates me greatly because she is never around and not to be cruel or rude, seems a bit spacey to me.....but I am thrilled with my sons teacher...she is patient, loving and kind......so I am happy.
I hope my advice has helped a little bit and I encourage you to ask for more communication about your child......afterall what are you paying them for......its not just about watching the child its about loving and communicating as well......
Good Luck and Let Us Know How It Goes!!!
Hi J., It is so hard to leave your little ones at daycare and it's even harder when your not happy with the caregiver! I would suggest finding another daycare where you are happier with the people who work there. Or maybe you can talk to the director or owner and see if she can talk to the woman. Maybe she is shy with adults at first. Good Luck..
It must be very hard to leave such a young baby! Of course you need to be reassured and also taken care of - it is very stressful for you, I would say much more than for your baby.
Is the language barrier the only thing that worries you? Does this lady seem warm, kind, maternal, smiling? Perhaps she really doesn't speak English well but is a great care taker? Or is she to shy to talk to you since her English is bad? Try to "tame" her. Talk to her, tell her how hard it is for you, get more personal with her. My bet would be that if she sees you in a more individual light, as a worried mother she would be more personal as well. I would do that rather than talking to the director. It's not the director who is holding and changing your baby. Unless of course this doesn't work or your baby seems not fed well, gets diaper rash or you see any signs of him not being well taken care of. Then not only go to the director but consider changing a day care. Good luck!
