https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:34:41 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2775824 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 08:52:36 +0000 MrsADS 2775824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@normal1 this would be a dealbreaker to me, completely unacceptable.</p> <p>To anyone who's interested in the update, apparently the videos at my son's daycare are like 1x-2x/wk for 15 mins and it's stuff like, the inside of a school bus or Spanish. I would prefer no videos at all but I've decided it's not my hill to die on since otherwise we're happy with the daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2775732 Tue, 26 Sep 2017 19:31:56 +0000 erinbaderin 2775732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I might start keeping track of how often over, say, a two week period they're watching tv, then you have some evidence to take to them when you bring your concerns to them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2775715 Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:08:24 +0000 Norma1 2775715@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: We are currently having this experience. The center claims to use a child centered, creative play, "high scope" program, but we have realized they show videos in the morning and in the afternoon. When I pick up between 4-5, I find them watching 2/3 of the time. Sometimes the videos are baby bum bum songs and sometimes episodes of Peppa Pig. The other morning at drop off my daughter ran in and immediately asked "TV time?" It just about broke my heart. She has also been drawing TVs. </p> <p>I checked the classroom schedule and TV time isn't listed as an activity. I got the brush off when I asked about the videos, but I want to know exactly how long they watch. </p> <p>Has anyone found a tactful way to address this without causing a conflict with the teacher? I fear we are going to have to pull her out, but I am worried we can't trust what other centers say they do either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769458 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:29:21 +0000 pachamama 2769458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be too bothered by 20 minutes a day and I think interactive, educational shows actually have some value. My daycare has shows on during after nap-changing- pick up transition and I just let it go. At home we never, ever have the tv on and he's not allowed to look at our phones or the laptop. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769383 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 12:44:41 +0000 PinkElephant 2769383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's actually a good use of technology if a short amount of television can be used to show kids something they might not otherwise have access to - like a yoga or dance lesson, or the tour of a school bus the OP used as an example, or as a supplement to language learning. In this case, I think the video is being used interactively, and in place of a field trip or guest that might not be possible physically or financially.</p> <p>Standard shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Dora....even though they're "educational", I'd be a lot less excited about those. Our gym daycare plays Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when they need to corral the kids into one area for a cleanup (like someone had a pee accident in another area), or if a young child is inconsolable, since they don't really have the staff ratio to have 1 or 2 adults caring for only 1 or 2 upset kids...and I understand it, and deal with it, but still don't like it very much. I hate that a TV gets turned on when there are cool things like a gym, maze, STEM toys, etc. available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769378 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 12:29:01 +0000 MrsADS 2769378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. carrot we are in south FL and if they had that policy, the kids would literally never go outside from April to October :sad: Instead they do short intervals several times a day, like 15 minutes at a time 3-4x/day, which I think works pretty well. The playgrounds are also under huge shade awnings. But you're right, maybe I am not adequately considering the heat argument. The last 2 months, the heat index has been 105-110 every afternoon and they just can't take them out for more more than a few minutes in that kind of weather. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769377 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 12:26:44 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2769377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: Our daycare (norther VA) has a policy not to go outside if it's over 90 degrees. While your child may not care, other kids (like mine) can get really overheated, and I totally understand why they may want to be conservative about taking them outside, especially in the afternoon. </p> <p>My personal 2 cents is if the TV is very limited (I'd say under 30 minutes/day), and is educationally focused/tied to curriculum, I'm OK with it. My kid learns a ton from PBS and other educationally minded content, so I'm not concerned with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769332 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:19:44 +0000 Purpledaisy 2769332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have zero issue with this, but that's just me. I also do not really limit screen time and I see it as a good solution for keeping the kids occupied during transitions and when it's too hot to go outside. I live in a very hot area (100+ pretty much all summer) and I would not be ok with my kid playing outside when it's 105. </p> <p>I would have an issue with the teacher not directly answering my question. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769331 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:17:21 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2769331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm ok with screen time. One of my DD's favorite words is Dory. But when I'm paying for childcare I don't want to pay for my kid to be watching tv. I wouldn't say anything about a once a week short video, but daily wouldn't be ok with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769317 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 09:31:46 +0000 raspberries 2769317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: I think I'd probably talk to the director and get an answer about how much and when they're using screen time, and let her know that the teacher you spoke with was evading your questions. That, combined with the fact that you were never told that they used screen time in the first place, has you a bit concerned. I'd let her know you're really not okay with frequent screen time (more than 15 mins 2x a week, or whatever you decide is fair) and find out if there is a way to opt out if they use it more than that.</p> <p>Even if you can't opt out, I'd bet the director will at least have a conversation with the teacher to go over when and how long it's appropriate to use, so hopefully it will reduce the overall use (especially during those transition times, which is when it especially rubs me the wrong way.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769308 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:46:50 +0000 smocks 2769308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't love if they were doing it daily, because my kids get enough screen time at home and I pay daycare a sh*tload of money every week. But if it was occasional, for a short period of time, and in conjunction with something they were teaching, it wouldn't phase me at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769306 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:32:15 +0000 MrsADS 2769306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks all for your responses. I really appreciate getting different perspectives on what is or isn't okay. I think I have come down on the side of occasional short periods is okay (like 15 minutes max, and 1x/a week), but I am really not ok with daily TV at daycare. </p> <p>At this point, I'm not really sure how to address it. I am going to try to schedule another time to discuss it with the teacher. It is hard because my husband does drop off/pickup and both of those times are not good because it's so crazy. </p> <p>And in the end, let's say it is 3-4x/week. I don't know why my alternative is other than pulling him out, which I am not going to do. Overall it's a good school, low ratios, and miles better than every other daycare in our town (we seriously toured all of them). </p> <p>@winter_wonder yeah this is a main reason it's bothering me, because it is a LAB SCHOOL and it seems like really of any daycare to have tv/screentime, they should know better. They have done a few other things since we've been there that have also been head-scratchers for me. Like ice cream every Friday in the summer (and not like popsicles - like huge ice cream sandwiches and stuff). And pizza every Friday year round. But again, I sort of feel like... what can I do other than voicing my displeasure? Short of pulling him out? Nothing, I guess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769300 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 07:31:26 +0000 wrkbrk 2769300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: I think it's ok personally, assuming they really dont exceed 15 minutes a day. Any more than that and they really should have made it clear from the beginning that it's part of their lesson plans. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769299 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:57:12 +0000 Elizabear 2769299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a kindergarten teacher. If I had written last night I would have said no way would this be ok but now as I'm thinking about it I think I am ok with about 20 minutes a day. If it is educational and a visual aide and it makes it so the teachers can get nap set up I would rather that over giving kids the opportunity to get into trouble or wound up right before nap. I use tv / tablet when I need a few minutes as well. Teachers are talented but if you are setting up cots you can't have your eyes on all of the kids. And if the staff is split supervising and someone needs a hug, shoe tie, diaper then kids have even less supervision. I actually can't believe how ok I am with it after thinking about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769298 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:26:46 +0000 Shantuck 2769298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This would bother me a lot. DS just started kindergarten this year and attended 3 daycares over the past 5 years. To my knowledge, tv was not permitted at any of them. I get that watching children is not an easy job, but i f a daycare is staffed appropriately, teachers should receive a break or time to get things set up. I would absolutely talk to the director about your concerns. You need to feel good about how your children are being cared for while you are away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769291 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:13:36 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2769291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Given that technology i.e. screen time was discolosed/ promoted on my daycare tour I wasn't upset the first time I saw a pic of LO and other babies viewing the projector. At our center the babies and little kids have to use a screen in the indoor gym. To gather all the kids isn't a simple task so this doesn't happen often. Based on the few times the teachers have shared via pics or notes on our Daily Reports the screen time is really used as a curriculum enhancer. I don't love it, but it's so infrequent and used the way the way it was advertised. </p> <p>I would not be happy if the screen was used as a babysitter and multiple times a day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769284 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:10:01 +0000 winter_wonder 2769284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's weird she was cagey about it. I'm surprised about the screen time given that it's a lab school. They tend to have crazy high standards and to my knowledge most never do any screen time at that age.</p> <p>Is there a big indoor play area to run around in? That's what DR's center does when it's too hot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769253 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 17:39:23 +0000 PawPrints 2769253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Completely bonkers and unacceptable. For two-year-olds, it really should go without saying that zero screentime at daycare is the default assumption. The craziest part to me is the idea that they would need to use TV to help them set up nap cots or put out lunch. How do they think all the other daycare classrooms in the world manage nap/lunch setup? Somehow they manage. I'd flip out. If you wanted him in front of a TV all the time you could have saved money and gone with an in-home daycare where things are expected to be more relaxed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769251 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 17:22:36 +0000 pinkb 2769251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This would not bother me. If I found out they were watching cartoons ( like paw patrol or pj mask) then I would be. But colorful movement on the tv put to music gets kids interested. The problem I see is they seem to hide the tv and not be upfront about it, that would upset me. </p> <p>Our preschool is a lab preschool and they have a giant ( 60 inch I think) interactive tv and it was one of the positives for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769247 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 16:51:35 +0000 daniellemybelle 2769247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's not the same thing because it isn't full time daycare and she is 3.5 but at my daughter's preschool they do videos in "specials." So in a 30-min class (music &amp; movement or Spanish), 10-15 min of that is an interactive video. I'm fine with it because it is interactive, like having the kids dance &amp; sing along or repeat Spanish words. It is a thoughtful part of the curriculum. AND, the biggest thing is that they are upfront and open about it!</p> <p>The way this is being handled would really raise red flags for me as well. They should have a clear and consistent policy that they have no problem sharing with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769233 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 15:36:49 +0000 mediagirl 2769233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsads: I am completely against screentime at daycares. I actually pulled my daughter from one when I realized just how much screentime they got (rainy days = TV days, hot days = TV days) and this was the 2 year old room. I feel your pain and do not think you are overreacting. I feel like if they think 10-15 minutes is okay, then they probably think longer times are okay as they get older, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769231 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 15:23:17 +0000 gingerbebe 2769231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This would not bother me in the slightest. You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but a 10-15 minute video related to their curriculum or as a transition point to cool down would literally never raise a flag in my mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769230 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 15:22:05 +0000 codeitall 2769230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I may be on the other side of things. We use an in-home daycare that is very small, like 5-6 kids. There are only 2 adults and since I've been popping in to breastfeed my baby throughout the day, I have a pretty good idea of their routine. They spend all morning with the kids outside (or if the weather is bad, in the front room) playing hard. Then lunch starts and when that's over, they turn the TV on in the living room and take the kids one by one and change the diapers and lay them down for quiet time. Some kids fall asleep, some don't and just watch the TV. But this way, they're all quiet and resting in the same room.</p> <p>At first I was kind of miffed that they were watching TV at all. But for my son, it is educational. The shows are all Spanish baby shows, so if he picks up a few words here and there when he doesn't fall asleep, I think it is just fine.</p> <p>In your situation, I would be upset if there was a clear expectation of no TV and they were using it as a transition tool. As part of an overall learning session, TV is just fine as a supplement. But since she was cagey, she's probably using it in a way that she knows you wouldn't be happy about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769224 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:57:23 +0000 MrsADS 2769224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@t.h.o.u good to know on the movement. I had no idea that was a thing. I am guessing the TV is on a cart or in a closet or something because I've never seen a TV in the classroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769221 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:49:21 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2769221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: @MrsLonghorn: My Kindergartener did a lot of videos with active movement. She really loved it. Yes its screen time, but she was literally up and dancing and moving throughout. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769220 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:48:27 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2769220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree the part that would annoy me is that there doesn't seem to be a firm policy on it. Yes if its 15 min once a day, not a big deal. But if its 15 minutes a day, plus when the spanish teacher comes in, plus when they are trying to get set up, plus whenever else they maybe aren't planning on, that could add up to a good amount of screen time. </p> <p>Another question, is this like a TV cart that is brought into the room? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769217 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:44:28 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2769217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not be OK with this, but even more so, I'm not OK with how the teacher seemed to evade your questions ( "no, not unless it's educational.") </p> <p>That said, our teachers do use screen time occasionally - but for very specific reasons. EG: when they were reading Brown Bear in his toddler room, they had the book, and they had toy animals, but they also watched a few video clips from zoos/nature of the real animals walking around and making the real noises. To me, that is a VERY brief few minutes where the teacher is ACTIVELY teaching and using it as an example that compliments the illustrations in the book and other classroom materials. </p> <p>Passively watching tv while the teachers do other things? Even for a short time is definitely not ok in my book</p> <p>ETA: that Spanish teacher comment makes no sense at all to me. Why is a video needed? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769216 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:41:47 +0000 MrsADS 2769216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@adira I agree. The more I think about it, the more aggravated I am. And like the thing with the Spanish teacher using a video for creative movement - she can't do creative movement with the kids WITHOUT a video?!?! Gaaah. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769212 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:30:39 +0000 Adira 2769212@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This would absolutely annoy me. The not knowing about it before hand, absolutely, but just the fact they do it in general. Daycare centers should NOT have a need to have screen time. If they can't manage 2 year olds for 15 minutes while they set up cots or get food out for lunch, WTF are they doing?</p> <p>We allow screen time at home and I have absolutely nothing against screen time in general, but I'm paying my daycare good money to not just sit them in front of a TV to distract them or keep them occupied. That would seriously piss me off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tv-at-daycare#post-2769208 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:21:08 +0000 MrsADS 2769208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ajsmommy I think (1) the fact I didn't know and (2) the teacher being weird/not up front about how much they watch is giving me the feeling it is a lot. If she had up front said, oh yes we watch a 15 minute educational video once or twice a week, no problem. But how she described it to me kind of sounds like it's a tv as a babysitter situation, or tv instead of taking the kids outside because it's so hot.</p> <p>edit: I'm not super militantly anti screentime but we definitely minimize/avoid it as much as possible at this point - just because LO right now prefers to read books, play outside, etc. and I think all that is so much better. </p>