https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:02:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-rules-on-covid-testing#post-2924824 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:27:11 +0000 Chuckles 2924824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm pretty sure that DD's new daycare isn't following our health department guidelines about covid testing. I kept her home for a couple of days because she had a low fever and very stuffy nose, and they didn't require a negative test before she came back. We're new to the center, and it's very highly rated in our area.<br /> I'm not sure I feel comfortable keeping her there if they aren't requiring testing, but we don't have any other current options. Do I report them? WWYD? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/transition-to-daycare-in-these-times#post-2923704 Mon, 10 May 2021 09:04:22 +0000 Chuckles 2923704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 18 month old is probably going to be transitioning from our nanny to a daycare starting in August. We've heard amazing things about the daycare, so I think it will, eventually, be a good experience for her. The only thing is that she is super shy around new people, like she won't even look at them for quite awhile after meeting them and will burrow into me or DH. And because of covid, I can't visit the daycare room with her at all before she starts or stay in the room with her for the first 10 minutes on her first day. Parents can only be in the lobby area. I literally have to be like - here's a new place with all new people, good bye! It's already killing me to think about how upset she's going to be. She does love watching other kids and people once she warms up, so I know in the long run she will enjoy it. Any words of wisdom or advice? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-wwyd#post-2923610 Tue, 04 May 2021 18:36:03 +0000 karenbme 2923610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 18 mo has been in a home based daycare since November after we pulled her from a center at the beginning of Covid, when she was 4 months old. We got a call today that we’re at the top of the waitlist for the best center in our area (seriously this place is awesome—they have classroom bunnies for toddlers and older, daily yoga, a kid sized climbing wall, a special music teacher, a beautiful playground, etc.) and they have a spot for us. I’m on the fence, though, about whether to take it. I like the provider we’re currently with and feel bad about leaving even though she would definitely fill the spot, and my daughter seems to do well there. She’s a timid kid (Covid baby) and I worry about the change and the busier atmosphere, but it also could be really good for her. We’re also planning to move to be closer to DH’s work in 2022 or 2023, and might want to change for that (though we wouldn’t NEED to) and I certainly don’t want to change her over and over. It’s just a lot to mull over, and I’m curious what others think especially if you’ve changed daycares before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/move-to-center-next-year#post-2922231 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 11:26:19 +0000 LemonJack 2922231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our younger two kids go to an in home daycare together. Our almost 4 year old has a little girl her age there that she loves to play with, and the other three kids are in the 1-2 range.</p> <p>The little girl our daughter plays with will be going to a center next year for 4K. She’s timid by nature, and they feel being in that environment will help her prepare for kindergarten. Our plan had been to send our 4 year old to a morning 4K program (until about 11), then have her provider pick her up for the afternoon.</p> <p>Now I’m wondering if it would be better for us to look into a center for her as well since the little girl her age will no longer be there. We aren’t worried about her transition to kindergarten, so the switch would be purely so she has other kids her age to play with. On the other hand, she will be with kids her age every morning for 4K, so she’ll really just have lunch and quiet time at her sitter’s house, with perhaps an hour of play time in the afternoon without someone her age around.</p> <p>Positives to a center: She would have kids her age to play with all day. She is social and likes to play with others.</p> <p>Negatives: She wouldn’t be with her little brother (he’ll be nearly 2 at the start of the school year). We would have three separate drop offs/pick ups each day (her older sister is in elementary school). Cost is more, but we can make that work as well.</p> <p>If it’s for the best, we can make that work for a year. What would you do in this situation and why? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/reassure-me-about-daycare-and-covid#post-2919607 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:47:14 +0000 karenbme 2919607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD (11 mo) has been home with DH and I since March, but I started a new job recently and it just isn’t working, so she’s going back to daycare in two weeks. I’m kind of freaking out. Covid is better here than it is in most of the US, but if anything happened I don’t even know what I’d do. Beyond the fact that it’s going to be such an adjustment not to have her near us, it feels really wrong to send her out alone into a pandemic. I’ve posted a couple of ads looking for nannies but there just aren’t any available in our area right now. She’ll be in a small, in home daycare so less risk than a larger center, but still... For those with kids in daycare through the pandemic, how has it been going? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/masks-at-daycare#post-2918429 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 16:38:21 +0000 Becky 2918429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was surprised to learn that children are not required to wear face masks at childcare centers where I live (Western NY) even if they are over 2. I put feelers out on my local moms Facebook group after learning this and every parent responding said only the staff are required to wear them, that none of the kids wear them, and that there haven’t been any COVID cases (represented about 8 different daycares all over our county). </p> <p>My daughter is 4 and my plan was to have her wear a mask (I go back to work 9/8). Without the structure of actual schools where mask breaks are part of the day, and being the only one wearing a mask, I’m wondering how this will go...</p> <p>Does your daycare (or preschool) require kids to wear masks?</p> <p>Does your 4 y/o tolerate wearing a mask well? </p> <p>Do you think it’s weird/odd that if my town had a universal pre-k program, a 4K program, or preschool in the elementary school she’d be required to wear a mask?</p> <p>Really torn as we love our daycare and really don’t have any other options... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cups-daycare#post-2918277 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 12:21:01 +0000 meadow 2918277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our daycare reopened in June and implemented a no cups from home for all children over 18 months.</p> <p>We are getting ready to send our 4yos back in 2 weeks and amongst other things, that is a policy I want to question - to understand WHY.</p> <p>Does anyone else have this new rule post covid reopening at their school or understand why?</p> <p>The daycare gives little plastic throw away cups (maybe 5oz?).... I guess when kids have snack/meal). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/infant-naps-amp-daycare#post-2918198 Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:57:29 +0000 SweetCaroline 2918198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Short Story: Baby is 12 weeks old, always held or worn for naps. Going to daycare soon, how do we support him in the transition to crib naps?</p> <p>Long Story:<br /> DS will be 12 weeks on Saturday. In 2 weeks he starts daycare. I'm no stranger to the daycare scene, DD attended from 12 weeks till 4.5, so I know the caregivers are fantastic and knowledgeable. But I still have anxiety...</p> <p>DS sleeps decent at night in a flat, firm bassinet next to our bed. At bedtime, we either rock him to sleep or hold him and bounce on a yoga ball.<br /> We can't move to the rocking chair unless he is super calm and chill, almost dozing. Then we rock him until he's passed out. Bad habit I know, but 12 week old, pandemic, much needed baby cuddles/path of least resistance...</p> <p>For nap, we either wear him or bounce on the ball. He does not transition well to the bassinet at naptime. His moro reflex is still quite strong. I've avoided swaddling when laying him down for naps because I know they can't at daycare. If he doesn't wake up as soon as I lay him down, he does 20-40 minutes later.</p> <p>Daycare can't swaddle him, wear him or hold him for his naps. I highly doubt they can bounce with him on a yoga ball. What changes can I make now to help ease the transition? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-pre-k-or-homeschool-for-kindergarten#post-2917805 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:04:11 +0000 HappyBaker 2917805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had finally figured out what all 3 of my kids were doing this fall and come to terms with each plan and of course now have another decision to make! I’ve posted about the decisions before, but my oldest goes to a private school, and will be going back full time. My 2 year old is going back to daycare. I was planning to homeschool my rising kindergartener and getting actually excited about it as he’s been really receptive to learning with me this spring and summer. I’d be homeschooling him for an hour or so in the morning and then working from home while he hopefully plays independently most of the day. </p> <p>But what has now thrown a wrench in my sureness is that his daycare (where little brother will be going and where he just finished preschool) is opening a pre k class for kids who WOULD be in kindergarten but are either redshirting or just entering school as first graders next Fall. (K is not required here) </p> <p>So now I’m super torn on what to do. On the one hand he’d love being back with some of friends, and since it’s daycare they can follow less strict guidelines than our public schools. Working from home with ZERO children home seems like a crazy dream at this point ha, but would certainly be ideal. But on the other hand, working with just one kid who is fine playing alone would be light years easier than what I’ve been doing. Its also that many more germs for another class of kids, and we’ll already have two classes worth of germs for my other two kids, and who knows if they’ll be able to stay open all year anyway. </p> <p>What would you do in this situation? I feel like if I have to make another decision where there is no right answer I’m going to explode haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2914999 Tue, 05 May 2020 21:29:52 +0000 periwinklebee 2914999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are a lot of things to be concerned about in terms of sending kids back to childcare, but one thing in particular that's worrying me now is masks. </p> <p>We had a town hall with our daycare, and they said the state regulator has made it absolutely clear that all children 2 and over must wear masks all day, and this is a policy we should not expect to go away in 2 or 4 or 6 months but to be there until (if) there is a COVID vaccine that is available to everyone and widely effective to the point where COVID has essentially disappeared. </p> <p>I understand why teachers need to wear PPE to protect themselves. In fact, there was a teacher in a sister center who just came off a ventilator after 28 days, so rightly the risks feel very real. I think it's actually counterproductive with young kids because putting it back on a billion times is just going to spread germs, but anyways... can't change the governor's decision... </p> <p>I worry the most about my infant, because facial expressions are fundamental to child development. Things like social smiling are how they communicate, and they aren't going to get that if caregivers are wearing masks. My heart also breaks at the thought of not being able to come into the building with her and instead just handing her off to a total stranger in the parking lot on the first days (she's never been in childcare before)... </p> <p>Childcare is through my employer, who has subsidized them during the stay-at-home order, and they also basically said the reason they got subsidies to bridge the financial gap is that leadership is anxious for them to reopen. Even though most work is likely to stay remote, people are tired of having small children in the background of meetings, etc. Regardless, I don't think our current situation of two jobs and no childcare is sustainable for the next 18 months or however long it's going to be... </p> <p>Leaving aside what's riskiest in terms of catching COVID (definitely a big concern for us too) IDK what's the less bad option - a daycare experience altered in ways that may significantly affect the quality of care, or hopefully finding a decent babysitter but totally missing out on getting to have social experiences with other kids for the indefinite future (especially for my two year old), as I doubt the usual social experiences that nannies would normally introduce will be available either... </p> <p>Others weighing a similar decision? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-re-opening#post-2915081 Thu, 07 May 2020 16:16:38 +0000 macintosh 2915081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in OH and our governor plans to announce re-opening plans on Monday. I"m actually super excited and anxious to hear about it and find out if he can re-enroll at least part-time for the summer.</p> <p>We went to DS's school on Tuesday for a teacher appreciation parade and it made soooo emotional seeing everyone. I think it made DS happy too.</p> <p>Tell me, if you've got little ones at home because your daycare closed, are you planning to send them back? In the comments feel free to elaborate :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycarepreschool-closed-still-pay-tuition#post-2912337 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:29:07 +0000 Chuckles 2912337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those whose daycare or private preschool it's closed, are you being asked to still pay tuition or part of tuition? DD's daycare stayed open this week (though we kept her home), but we got an email saying the public health department is making them close starting next week. It's an independent, family-owned center, so I'm worried about them being able to survive long term closure. Plus they have staff who have been with them a long time. They haven't said anything yet about continuing to pay or not. Are you still paying tuition? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weird-daycare-rules#post-2910515 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:02:04 +0000 crazydoglady 2910515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, so I will start by saying that our daycare is reasonably priced, loves our daughter, and treats her well even with all these quirks. I just have to ask, are these "normal" rules?</p> <p>1. Parents cannot stay inside their parked car in front of house for a length of time (like finishing up a phone call before getting child.)<br /> 2. Child can not use Up-and-Up brand diapers and will be returned to parents<br /> 3. Children (including babies) can only wear separates (i.e. no onesies, clothes that snap at crotch, one pieces, etc.)<br /> 4. No scents are allowed. Children's laundry must only be washed in unscented laundry detergent and parents must refrain from using perfumes, fragrant laundry detergents, etc because the smell can rub off on the child when handled by parent. </p> <p>This is not typical, right? I get that if I don't like it, we can move on, but it seems like the list keeps getting longer. And I am always worried that I have worn some product that makes me "smell" because they have brought it to my attention TWICE! I stopped wearing perfume due to this daycare already. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/our-daycare-has-been-sold#post-2910104 Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:43:34 +0000 macintosh 2910104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work for a non-profit that runs 2 daycare locations (one of many community services we provide). I love our daycare. I actually took a big pay cut to move to this state and the daycare discount was a big incentive. My son has been there for over a year and he’ll be in Kinder next fall. He’s absolutely thriving academically there.</p> <p>Today I found out that my employer has decided to sell the daycare locations to a local franchise. They promised we’ll keep our discount but the tuition may well go up. The teachers that I work with and who care for my only kiddo will no longer be my coworkers. I’m so beyond sad about this. </p> <p>To top it all off, I work closely with many in upper management who chose to keep this secret from all of us parents. I feel like my support system in the community just dropped out from under me. I have a huge problem with trusting anything upper management does now. I’m so pissed. Thanks for listening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-to-survive-daycare-crud#post-2904420 Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:47:52 +0000 foodiebee 2904420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, all! I'm curious if there are tips and tricks you used to try to stay healthy(er) when your LOs started daycare. I know it's normal to get sick a lot, but I seem to be really struggling with catching every tiny thing. My DS recently had croup and a fever virus back to back, and lo and behold, I know have the adult form of croup. It's the end of the year and vacay is slim and I'm out of sick leave. What did you do to help boost your immune system during this time? (I'm EPing fwiw.)</p> <p>(PS totally unrelated but I've panic-posted before about my LO's sleep and I just have to shout that HE IS A VERY GOOD SLEEPER NOW! WOOOTTTTT!! I'm such a proud mama every time he STTN in his crib! :silly: ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/accident-at-daycareinsurance-wwyd#post-2898992 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 21:00:45 +0000 Ms. RV 2898992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Last month, my then 15 month old went down a slide head first at daycare. He had gone down that slide completely on his own feet first before so I am pretty sure he was being a daredevil and I do not fault the teachers for it.</p> <p>He got a bump on the head and some abrasion, but he seemed normal. Then at nap time, he started breathing really heavy, so I said I would come and check on him.</p> <p>When I got there, I could tell it was his "in pain" breathing so I took him to urgent care. Turns out he had a wicked ear infection and a fever of 103.7. Head was fine, but if he couldn't be woken up or started throwing up he was to go to the ER. </p> <p>And an hour later he vomitted four times... so to the EE we went.</p> <p>Total medical bills for the day were ~$800. Daycare offered to pay it since it was all due to fear of concussion, but we declined-- that was before we got the bill. In the end it doesn't matter because I am going to meet my out of pocket sometime during my delivery next month (I am like $200 away, and expecting a one night NICU stay so that would be well over my out of pocket).</p> <p>Just curious.. would you have had daycare foot the bill? It is a private institution and so technically they could kick us out for no good reason. They are the only one around so we would be completely SOL if that happened.</p> <p>TLDR: If your LO got hurt at daycare would you risk possibly (but unlikely) getting kicked out if they paid the bill if you had no other childcare options? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-for-35-year-old-after-new-baby-arrives-wwyd#post-2895731 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:41 +0000 MLE81 2895731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ll try to keep this brief, but hoping for some feedback/advice.</p> <p>My DD will be 3.5 at the end of September, but won’t start Kindergarten until September 2020. She currently attends a daycare centre for 2 days/week, and my mom watches her the other three days while DH and I work. </p> <p>We are expecting #2 in early November, so I will most likely start my mat leave before the end of October. I will be off for at least a year (so until after DD starts Kindergarten).</p> <p>DH and I are currently leaning towards only sending DD to daycare one day/week (instead of 2), starting Nov. 1 (baby is due Nov. 8). This is mainly to save money while I’m on mat leave. I don’t want to pull her out completely because although we don’t LOVE her daycare, she likes it and I think the interaction with other kids is important.</p> <p>I guess I’m mainly just wondering if it’s better to leave her schedule as is (two days per week), or if reducing to one day per week at daycare makes sense (other than just saving us money). Will we wish we could send her both days once baby arrives (so I/we only have to deal with the baby two days/week)? </p> <p>For those of you who had (an) older child(ren) in daycare when a new baby arrived, did you change/reduce their daycare schedule at all? Why/why not? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-register-for-daycare#post-2895517 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:56:43 +0000 MamaJ 2895517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am pregnant with #2 and will be returning back to work after maternity leave. I am wondering when to register/get on the list for daycare? With #1 I stayed home with him for a year so it wasn’t an issue. I have heard to get on lists early but I am not sure how soon is too soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/4yo-getting-hurt-by-daycare-classmate#post-2892870 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 16:11:31 +0000 lilyofthewest 2892870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 4-year-old has a daycare classmate who has problems with aggression. My child seems to be particularly targeted by this classmate. </p> <p>The other kid's family has him in therapy and seeing specialists. The daycare is very aware of the problem and is trying to keep other kids safe. But. My kid keeps getting hurt. </p> <p>He's been hit, pinched, bit, or scratched more weeks than not for the last couple months. It'll seem like it is getting better, and then we'll get another text from the school. </p> <p>Most of the time it has been aggressive, unacceptable behavior, but it hasn't resulted in a real injury. Three times in the last month though, my kid has been scratched right near his eyes. Yesterday there were scratches under both eyes, inside his nose, and on his cheek. I'm concerned that with the face/eye targeting a "next time" could be disfiguring or disabling. </p> <p>Daycare has said that next time this happens, the aggressive kid will be asked to leave the school permanently. I'm glad there's a plan...but the plan seems to lack any concrete way to keep other kids safe. It feels like we're just waiting for my kid to get hurt again so the other kid can get kicked out. </p> <p>What can/should we be asking for? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/not-sure-how-to-help-my-daughter#post-2891279 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:07:52 +0000 thepaperbutterfly 2891279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Today I dropped off my daughter at daycare and she cried and screamed for me. She is about 2 and a half and was just promoted to Jr. Preschool. She was doing great in her Preppers class in daycare. No crying at drop offs, and she would play with the other kids. She got promoted about 2 weeks ago to the next class. After I dropped off her baby brother in his classroom, I went in to check on her. Her class was outside, and she was sitting by herself in a corner doing nothing. It broke my heart and I started crying because I was that kid. </p> <p>I had social anxiety and hated large groups of people. I was an introvert around large groups of people but an extrovert with people I knew closely. But I struggled even in grad school with this. I had a hard time even ordering fast food due to social anxiety. Now that I'm in my mid-30s I've mostly worked through it, but it was hard growing up as I dealt with anorexia, suicidal thoughts, and depression starting at 10 years old. I would have benefited from therapy, but my daughter is only 2.5 years old. I'm just wondering if other people have gone through this and know how to help their kids work through this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-choice-help#post-2878636 Thu, 28 Mar 2019 15:40:57 +0000 MenagerieMama 2878636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So we moved to this area from out of state last summer, and it was tricky finding a daycare on short notice. We found one we LOVED but the waitlist was going to possibly be a year. So we waitlisted the kids and miraculously got them a spot at another school that we've ended up being really happy with. Now LO1 has gotten off the waitlist and we don't know what to decide. Help!</p> <p>School A (current):<br /> pros:<br /> - familiar, we know teachers and admin are great, our kids are adored by everyone, they're really good at responding to feedback and taking our individual direction for each girl<br /> - smaller size (not by a ton)<br /> - have infant classroom that looks great (we will have LO3 starting at ~7mo old next spring, LO1 doesn't start K until fall 2020 so all 3 kids would be together)</p> <p>cons:<br /> - 10 min away from home or work<br /> - tuition slightly more expensive</p> <p>School B (new school):</p> <p>pros:<br /> - very close to home, 3 min drive (unfortunately not walkable due to the route)<br /> - amazing outdoor space with gardens, animals<br /> - food cooked onsite is locally sourced and looked/smelled delicious<br /> - Reggio Emilio approach which we know and love from our pre-move school<br /> - tuition slightly cheaper</p> <p>cons:<br /> - unknown staff/teacher/admin communication and interaction<br /> - LO2 doesn't have a spot yet, and could be as late as January for her to get a spot<br /> - no infant care, LO3 will need to be 12 mo to start<br /> - the general hassle/transition of switching schools<br /> - a few more holiday closures per year then school A</p> <p>Both are similar in that they provide meals, have outside of school activities (like playdate events, parents night out, etc), are outdoor focused to get the kids outside as much as they can.</p> <p>We are really happy with school A right now, I mostly don't want to "fix what isn't broken" and stay with the devil we know. School B just looked so amazing, and is closer and a little cheaper (by probably $150/mo), but I'm worried that if we switch the kids (which would also be a pain with LO2 not having a spot yet, and what to do with a 5 mo gap in care for LO3) if the intangible things like admin/teachers/etc is not as good that we will regret it. And we can't easily switch back. School A usually has a long waitlist, we just got lucky. I just feel like School B looks so fabulous we will be missing out on this great opportunity!</p> <p>What would you do?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-daycare-1#post-2877069 Mon, 18 Mar 2019 10:14:08 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2877069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live literally behind the new daycare and today I could hear a child crying quite a bit on the playground. The child kind of sounded like mine so I went outside, but the crying stopped. When I heard the crying again I went out to take a look and also could hear the teacher. She was yelling at the child to stop, telling the child nothing was wrong, his diaper was dry. She used the child’s name so I am sure the earlier cries still weren’t my child. IDK this teacher has always rubbed me the wrong way like she’s overwhelmed and doesn’t really like kids to begin with. There was another parent who took issue with the same teacher and went to the director, but the teacher is still there. I think kids- we are talking 2 year olds- should be comforted and spoken to in a nicer way- when they are that upset. </p> <p>TBF this is my 5th Monday working from home within ear shot and this is the 1st time that I have been concerned about something I have heard on the playground.</p> <p>WWYD </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-turn-down-a-daycare-provider#post-2876146 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 13:28:13 +0000 Katrocap 2876146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter will be entering daycare in August when she is 8 months. We toured two family daycares on Friday. The second one was fantastic: happy, safe, friendly, I got a great vibe from the provider and kids. The first one was okay, nothing particularly wrong, but I just wasn't interested. Today the provider, Ms. Y, texted me and asked if I wanted to come by soon to meet her substitute provider. I didn't think we'd have anymore communication, that it was just up to me to contact her if I was interested. I'm not sure how to politely tell her I don't want to put my kid in her daycare. Any tips? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-changes-3-different-drop-offs-super-long#post-2869615 Wed, 30 Jan 2019 08:16:30 +0000 HappyBaker 2869615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's our situation, I'd love any advice since I always feel like you guys see things more clearly from the outside sometimes! </p> <p>We have 3 kids, DD is in public school K, DS1 and DS2 are both in full-time daycare, DS1 just turned 4 so has one more full year before starting K in 2020. DS2 is 10 months, so has MANY more years until K :-). We've been at our current center since DD was 18 months old, its sort of been a rollercoaster. There are some GREAT teachers, but there are also quite a few mediocre and downright not great ones that you can tell just don't want to work with kids, this is just a job. Specifically from infants until preschool / age 3ish the turnover for teachers in those classrooms is really high, so there are no guarantees on who my youngest will have for the next few years. There is one teacher specifically I've dislike so much I've asked that he never be placed with her. </p> <p>I've been looking for a spot for DS2 somewhere else, since DS1 only has 1 more year until K, and I know for sure who his teacher is at his current center, I'm okay with keeping him there for 1 more year. But for DS2, spots are hard to find anywhere else, so I feel like I should just get him out when I can so that he can be in a new place from now until he starts K many years from now. I've found a really great school that would have a spot for him starting in the Fall -- the teachers are all grown adults who have been working in this specific preschool for 10-20 years, and who LOVE working with the kids. It's much smaller than our current place (50 kids vs 100), and it works out to be about the same amount of money. </p> <p>The only issues are: the spot isn't open until the Fall, so we are still stuck at our current place for a while. DH doesn't think we need to leave until things go south again at our current place (even though I've told him whenever that has happened in the past we can never find a spot when we want it somewhere else). And its a Jewish preschool, and we are Catholic, which he thinks is weird. Only one teacher is actually Jewish, and very few of the kids are Jewish, so its not like our kid would be the odd duck out, and I actually like that he'd be learning about more than just our faith. Another con is we would have 3 different drop offs and pick ups for the next year, until my older 2 are in the same school. The deposit is $200 and its not refundable if we change our minds, and I would need to decide LIKE TODAY since they have literally one spot left for the youngest class my son would be in.</p> <p>What would you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-home-daycare#post-2868407 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:40:20 +0000 HappyBaker 2868407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids have always been in big daycare centers, but I'm looking to move my baby elsewhere and the only places I can find with availability are home daycares. Do you have specific set of questions you ask for daycare in someone's home with only one provider? I have really stupid questions that I'm not sure I'm allowed to ask like - "How do you go to the bathroom?", but its because I have ZERO experience with home daycares / single person providing care for multiple kid situations! I need to Google some ideas for specific things to ask but wondering if you guys have tips as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keep-kids-together-or-separate-daycare#post-2864929 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 12:52:35 +0000 crazydoglady 2864929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Right now, my son attends an in-home daycare (with kids ranging from 1-4) While the DCP has a tendency to drive me batty, she knows what she is doing and provides a quality experience. She's been suggesting my son goes to preschool next year (fall 2019) because he is speech delayed/immature and she thinks he would benefit from only being with same-aged peers. While that is all fine and well, our baby girl will be starting at this same daycare in March. Just today, the DCP said that she said my son has progressed so much and she thinks he would be ready for kinder without preschool. I know it seems a ways off, but open houses for preschools around here are in January. </p> <p>Pros of keeping same daycare for both kids--<br /> -- kids get to be together until DS turns 5 (he's currently 3.5 and DD is 4 months)<br /> -- simplicity of 1 drop off/pick up (I would have to do both for both kids)<br /> --only having to keep track of policies for one place<br /> --wouldnt have to leave the house as early<br /> --DS has already been to 3 different daycares<br /> --daycare provides all food<br /> -- I should add that this is an academically minded in-home daycare, but probably not as academic as an actual preschool</p> <p>Pros of putting DS in preschool--<br /> --about 250 dollars cheaper per month<br /> --probably more academically enriching<br /> --Being with same aged peers would probably help his speech and for him to mature more before kinder</p> <p>Any thoughts? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/18-mo-old-crying-at-drop-off-and-off-and-on#post-2864689 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 10:53:52 +0000 cake2017 2864689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO is crying when dH drops off. It’s the second day and I just need to know it will get better. He cries off and on the teachers say. He’s eating alittle and took a nap. I got pictures of his day via the daily log and he participated in the activities. This is his first time being away and in a child care setting rather than home. We did transition days and he goes to church nursery but that’s for an hour. It will get better right? :/ and anything we can do for next week? TIA </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-two-different-daycares-at-the-same-time#post-2855958 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:32:13 +0000 hitchhiker 2855958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are trying to decide whether we should put DD2 (2.75 yo) into a preschool near our house two days per week so I could work from home. She would go to her current daycare the other 3 days. The daycares are pretty different - the one near our house is locally run, heavily play-based, child-directed, and just a little "looser." When we toured today the director gave us the example of a months long "unit" based on the kids' interest in dogs (e.g., counting dogs in the park, going to the library to check out books on dogs, etc.) Her current daycare is a national chain, definitely has a focus on play, but has a set corporate curriculum. We like both - so that's not an issue. But we are a little worried that she will be confused by the different people and the different paces. My husband is vaguely worried that she will not get the full benefit of either experience. </p> <p>Have you sent your child to two different daycares at the same time? How was your experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-my-kid-is-on-probation-at-daycare#post-2853202 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 09:46:37 +0000 LCTBQE 2853202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know others have gone through similar circumstances--I would *really* appreciate any help/advice/thoughts/comments. Sorry this is so long. </p> <p>My son is almost 26 months and I had a new baby 2 months ago, right when he turned 2. He has always been bright, verbal, playful, super social, and happy, and hasn't exhibited anything developmentally that we, or any of his daycare providers, ever thought was concerning. I think his energy level is pretty typical. He is also unbelievably stubborn and defiant and can be really difficult and throw tantrums when you're trying to get him to do something he doesn't want to do. </p> <p>The daycare issue: he's at a great, small center that we love with 2 teachers and 12 kids ages 1.5-3. A few days ago the director of our daycare told me she thought he might have a hearing problem and to go get it checked out, because he wasn't hearing them when they told him to do something, like go outside (which he loves). He constantly points out airplane sounds and sirens that are barely audible so I don't think that's it, I think he's just blatantly ignoring their instruction because he doesn't want to comply. I brought up the hearing thing again at drop-off today and she told me she had been watching him closely and she agreed it probably wasn't his hearing, but that his behavior had been totally out of control for the past 3-4 weeks and they are having too hard of a time dealing with him, and if he doesn't improve they won't be able to keep him. Apparently he just doesn't listen to instruction and basically only goes along with the group if he feels like it, and is frequently ruining group activities for everyone else by just ignoring the teachers and then shrieking and throwing tantrums if pressed to do the activity (like, eat at mealtimes, participate in circle time or birthday parties). When they go on walks only one of the teachers can take him because the other can't control him, and they make him walk in a certain position because they don't trust him not to run out in the street. I completely see how all of this would happen there because he ignores ME constantly and pitches fits sometimes (not always) when he doesn't get his way. </p> <p>The director told me to take him to the doctor to get checked out, which I'm doing next week, and she suggested that maybe he wasn't getting enough attention at home with the new baby--I seriously don't know how it's possible for us to give him more attention, during waking hours all we do is play with him and we've made a point to have lots of special one-on-one time dates with him since the baby was born. He's totally fine with the baby, too--no animosity at all. His only screen time is watching sesame street for 30 minutes every morning while we're eating breakfast and getting ready. I asked the director if she thought he might have a level of autism or ADHD and she instantly said no, that he didn't seem to exhibit those symptoms as she'd seen them in the past, but she still wants us to take him to the doctor. When I called for the appointment the receptionist was like, "well he's only two, it's too young for a behavioral issue". </p> <p>My only idea is that he is going to bed too late and getting up too late (8:30pm-7:30am) and that it's screwing up his nap--I know he's not napping that well at daycare, either, which I'd resolved over the summer by waking him up earlier, like 6:30. Since I had the baby my husband has been in charge of his bedtime/waking, it got late again, and I think that could be fucking everything up. Other than getting on top of that, I really don't know what to do. </p> <p>Do you think it's a discipline problem and we need to lay down the law more at home? Is it just a bad fit with this daycare (which btw he seems to love)? Or something else? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-notice-would-you-give-daycare-no-minimum-requirement#post-2847822 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:49:22 +0000 Jennibenni 2847822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recently found out that a daycare we’ve been on the waiting list for forever will have spots for both of my kids in five weeks, and I’m planning to move them. </p> <p>We don’t have a contract with current daycare and there is no minimum notice requirement. How far in advance should I let them know? I’d like to minimize any awkwardness at drop off/pickup once we’ve let them know, but I also want to make sure they have time to fill the spots. </p>