https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:25:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1635153 Thu, 15 May 2014 07:18:49 +0000 Mamaof2 1635153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: we tried everything - books, giving him something he could bite on, talking about it, comforting the biten child and ignoring him - in the end they brought in an extra teacher so his teacher could shadow him all day - it took 2 full days but they were able to catch him BEFORE he bit and redirect him - after that he stopped!</p> <p>Our ratio was 1:6 - I cant believe a 1:10 ratio is legal for a 2 yr old! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1635147 Thu, 15 May 2014 07:16:06 +0000 looch 1635147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: oh, okay. I think you have to just trust your gut on this one, and see if the Montessori school is a better fit.</p> <p>I would ask the director if you could have your son sit in on a presentation on a material and see if your son is receptive...best of luck on the tour! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634915 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:25:23 +0000 Mrs.Panda 1634915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wait. Wait. Waitwaitwait. What? They moved your 23 month old son... to a preschool room... because he bites. And they don't expect him to bite more?! Only now the other kids are way bigger than him and can hurt him if they get too rough? What??? When I taught at a preschool we moved children who bit to higher groups but our classes had about a 6-8 month difference between the two, not a whole year. And 10:1 with an almost 2 year old? I would move him based on the fact that they are obviously playing hot potato with your baby and not really trying to help him. I hate when adults blame children for shit they are doing nothing to help with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634910 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:17:56 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1634910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: can you talk to your pediatrician about it? Or shadow a day yourself?</p> <p>Chloe has an on-going issue with ONE student in her class. They play wonderfully at private playgroups, but something triggers them at school. The teachers chalk it up as a phase or restlessness (we had a long, cold winter) but I've seen this student attack Chloe unprovoked (like, walk up behind her and ram a toy into her calf). It makes me wonder how much Chloe instigates vs sticks up for herself -- and at two, she doesn't completely understand walking away. Her instinct says they hurt me so I'll hurt them. It's a matter of who the teacher sees first, too, which is kind of annoying!</p> <p>I'm wondering if B is being provoked and taunted, and his instinct is to fight back. With that big of a child to teacher ratio, I'd be concerned that the teacher is only seeing B bite, but not seeing what provoked him to. I'm a huge fan of WHY and not so much of WHAT. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634905 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:09:55 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1634905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honey - a 10:1 ratio would be reason enough for me to want to move him.<br /> I think you should but not for the bring reason alone, but because they are shaming you:( you don't need that heartache and stress.<br /> But don't you want to find a place where baby #2 can also attend? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634817 Wed, 14 May 2014 21:05:22 +0000 Andrea 1634817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I moved my DD from daycare to Montessori. The Montessori kids are really well behaved as others have said. It kind of freaked me out at first, honestly! Daycare is so chaotic when compared to a Montessori classroom. In your case, it sounds like your daycare doesn't want to deal with B anymore and is trying to force you out of there. So I would move him, Montessori or not! Hope it all works out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634801 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:56:27 +0000 sandy 1634801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: I hope you love it and it's a better fit for B!</p> <p>ETA: meaning he has some better teachers who are responsive to him rather than saying his behavior is a problem </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634800 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:56:18 +0000 littlek 1634800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: there's not a whole lot you can do until they have their words. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634798 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:54:45 +0000 travelgirl1 1634798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Ah. I've tried that. I was hoping they would have tactics I didn't know about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634795 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:53:52 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1634795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>every time i've been in montessori classrooms i've been amazed at how well behaved the children are.... way better than regular preschools! i would definitely send him if it is an option!</p> <p>our daycare has a 1:4 ratio, and i think the kids really thrived because of the individual attention </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost/page/2#post-1634723 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:16:52 +0000 littlek 1634723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: normally what is done is shadowing and then redirecting to avoid biting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634719 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:15:11 +0000 littlek 1634719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sandy: we have a tour on Monday. I'm leaning towards moving him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634718 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:14:34 +0000 littlek 1634718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sparkler: biting is developmental and highly common at the toddler age. It's emotional on both sides. My son NEvER bites when I'm around and only bites when fighting over toys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634710 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:10:08 +0000 littlek 1634710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I told them about the biting and they said it wasn't surprising based on how large his class is and only 2 teachers. They seemed very willing to work with him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634704 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:07:40 +0000 Sparkler 1634704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would move him. The vision/ hearing comment is rude, but as a parent of a former victim of a habitual biter it is very emotional. 1 to 10 doesn't sound like appropriate supervision for that age. Especially because of the time that teachers are likely away with one child due to diapering and helping with bathroom use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634647 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:45:23 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1634647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry. </p> <p>I agree it doesn't sound like they are doing what they need to do to stop the biting and really shadow him. Do they have cameras so the directors can monitor the teachers and see what's happening in the classroom. </p> <p>I would switch just for the Montessori and lower ratio aspect. However you may want to ask about the biting policy there. Some of those places are a bit more strict and a bit more quick to kick a kid out if there is an issue. What would you do then and would his current daycare take him back? Or would they use it as an excuse to not deal with it anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634635 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:35:27 +0000 sandy 1634635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: I'm so sorry you're going through this - it sucks they aren't handling it well :(</p> <p>No advice but I'm putting LO in a Montessori school in the fall and we've visited several times. Her class will be the 2.5-4 year group and all I can say is how extremely well behaved all the children are. When we walk in it is quiet and the kids are all on task doing some project. Some in groups of 4-5 and other kids in groups of 2 and they are working on making/bulding/drawing/writing...they are so focused and well behaved. I know it's bc the kids are a bit older and I have no idea what a daycare class would look like but I am was just super impressed </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634599 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:25:27 +0000 travelgirl1 1634599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: my LO is a biter and there's only her and one other LO so I'm not sure ratio would make a difference, but, it sounds like an amazing opportunity for him so I would do it :)<br /> And sorry to threadjack, but, @Mamaof2: would you mind sharing what the teachers did/tried to tackle your LO's biting? Nothing seems to be working with my 18-month-old and we're getting desperate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634413 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:28:25 +0000 septca 1634413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Do you think it's possible that something else is going on with the center? Biting is so common I don't understand why they are treating B - and you - this way. It's totally unacceptable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634381 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:02:00 +0000 MamaCate 1634381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: then the next question is what they are doing to address the other child's behavior? </p> <p>I am so upset on your behalf! They should be aware that for better or worse, biting is a typical developmental behavior that peaks between 18-24 months. A daycare who works with kids this age should have a plan on place as it clearly sounds like the shadowing is not being implemented effectively. I am on my phone so I can't link but if you google "csefel" and biting you can find some good resources to share with the staff.</p> <p>We went through this twice where my LO was the biter, once around 20 months and again recently around 27. The daycare handled it much better the first time so I had to do a lot of advocating and asking "what's the plan?" before we found a solution that worked. For us, it ended up being LO moved to a different subset of her age group and away from another instigator. Biting brings up such intense feelings on both sides and I was surprised how upset I got at times in trying to deal with it. Hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634310 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:21:32 +0000 littlek 1634310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: he signs. I talked to the teacher and she said B is using his words, the other kid just isn't listening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634249 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:41:32 +0000 looch 1634249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you open to either introducing signs or some oral motor/ speech therapy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634140 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:45:46 +0000 littlek 1634140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: The whole thing is crazy. The front desk lady, I'm not sure her title, but she told me she wasn't sure that B was "a fit there." DH got angry and called the director and she said that the lady had spoken out of turn and that there was no plans on B being kicked out. I was soooo angry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634119 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:38:34 +0000 MamaMoose 1634119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: I would definitely not move him if the ONLY reason is biting. I think you should schedule a 1:1 with the director and come up with a plan for how they are going to keep the boys separate since it's obviously an issue with just one child, not a general issue with B. I would also be having a frank discussion on how inappropriate the suggestion of a hearing or vision problem was!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634110 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:33:40 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1634110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: In that case I would seriously consider switching! My son's 2's preschool is a 6:1 ratio for reference and they seem to have a good handle on them. We've had behavior issues at different times and being able to work closely with the teachers has helped us get through each one. Even though it is all a phase at this age, doesn't mean we shouldn't do everything we can to try and help them move past it. It sounds like you feel the same way, so maybe see this as an opportunity to try another method? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634080 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:19:36 +0000 littlek 1634080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Oh it's definitely a stage. It's because he doesn't have his words to express "I'm angry, please don't take my toy." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634077 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:18:47 +0000 yoursilverlining 1634077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: He’s 23 months and already in the preschool room with a 10:1 ratio?!?! Holy shizz man; honestly I’d look for a new daycare, especially if they won’t even talk to you after moving rooms. My LO is also 23 months and won’t leave the toddler room until at least 2.5 years (and longer if she needs). The ratio is 5:1, with 2 teachers per room at all times, and sometimes also a helper/floater. In the preschool room, I think it’s 8:1, if not a little less.</p> <p>I would definitely look into moving your LO to a place with a 3:1 ratio where he can get more attention. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634059 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:08:36 +0000 MamaG 1634059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: how long have the teachers been in the classroom? And I agree the ratio seems high. We are in a 2.5+ room and I believe they are 8:1 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634053 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:05:33 +0000 littlek 1634053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Baby Boy Mom: 23 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lower-ratio-worth-higher-daycare-cost#post-1634052 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:05:18 +0000 Smurfette 1634052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>10:1 seems really high for 2!! </p>