Advice Regarding New Daycare

Your son probably appeared to love the last daycare because he was younger and less aware. Now that he has gotten older he has begun to realize more so switching daycare provides on him has become harder on him only because he has become more aware! Just be sure to talk to the lady that is now caring for him. Ask her how long it takes for him to calm down after you leave. In most cases it doesn't take long. Perhaps call the daycare and ask how your child is doing when you get to work and also don't hesitate to call throughout the day to check on your son. When we switched our son from an in-home sitter to a daycare center back in March we were told to call as often as we like to check in and find out how are son's day was going!! Your son will adjust - it just takes time. Just be sure to talk to the lady watching your son and also talk to the director of the daycare. Ask questions!! Let them know all of your concerns!!

Your son's behavior is perfectly normal! He loves his Mom but just tell him that you will be back soon and you love him! Also, when you drop your child off in the mornings make it quick. We were told it makes it much easier on the child and the teacher if you don't make a huge scene every morning. Just give hugs, kisses, tell them you will back soon, have fun and go!! Good luck! :)

Drop in unannounced a few times and tell the provideer that you just wanted to observe for awhile to see how he is doing. No qualified provider will have any problem with this. It lets you see how he is behaving (sitting in a corner crying or gigling and happy) and it lets you get an idea of how the provider is treating him (is his diaper clean when you show up, is he always in the high chair or the crib, etc.).

Before I switched daycares, I took my daughter for a "playdate." She sat and played and I observed the teachers. Then for the first month, I picked her up at different times, sometimes in the middle of the day. I just wanted ot know how she spent her time and that she was ocntent. My provide alsw gave me a report card every day, so I knew hour by hour what my child did, ate, slept, etc.

If there is a lot of age separation in the group, then it may simply not be a good place for him. Older kids can be seriously unsafe around babies. Other toddlers hit/bite and you need to know that your provider is documenting (writing down) every incident tha thappens with your child. Sometiems certain kids pick on the littlest or weakest. You need ot know if this is happening. YOu need to know exactly how the provider deals with wha tyou have observed. Think of it this way - however she handled it in your presence is probably the best she ever handles it. At my daycare, acting out kids (even toddlers) were removed from the clasroom for a time, parents were called (both offender and victim), repeated incidents were dealt with. What does your person do? She should have a plan and a system and she should document (it is in her own best interest to show how and when injuries occur!). You say the otehr kids are "rowdy" - but really you mean she allows a rowdy environment.

Kids that age do have some touble separating. It all may be great when you walk out the door. But since he can't speak for herself, you are wise to trust your intuition and check up on this person who you are payinga lot of money to do everything you would do!!

PS - Another idea - Let your husband drop him off for a few days. My daughter was always much more attached to me at tha tage, and did much better seperating from Daddy.

Hi

It could be that he is still adjusting to the new daycare , if you do have any concerns about other kids behaviour etc then you can ask to see the cctv footage of the day and see for yourself how he is after you leave , but I also know that as a mom of 3 around the age 12-18 months they do start to display some seperation anxiety , so chances are he would have started doing this at the other childcare place , you are doing the right thing in taking him everyday , and keeping the routine the same , kiss him goodbye , hand him over and reassure him that you will be back later to get him. I know it is hard and I know exactly how you feel when you have to leave him but it will get better.

Good luck

K.

At one year, my daughter started doing this at her daycare. She changed rooms to at that age, but it is also the age. There was nothing wrong with her daycare.

I would give baby some time to adjust, but go with your gut. If you think it is a bad fit, you are probably right.

Hi again, A.! Yes, I'm full of advice. Since your son is one, he's at that stage where his world is growing. He's afraid of losing you every time that you leave. My daughter was like that at that age. All children have attachment issues around the age of one. I explained to my daughter that I had to work so that I could buy toys for her. She got all clingy. I asked her if I always picked her up. She nodded. I gave her a huge hug, told her that I loved her, and that I'd be back as soon as I could because I couldn't wait to play with her. I even said that we'd go to the park when I picked her up. They may not understand everything at this age, but they understand toys and playing.

You may want to also share your concerns with the staff at the daycare. I'd drop off your son like normal, but then stay and observe from outside the classroom. If your child isn't use to rowdy behavior, then it may not be a good fit for him. My daughter likes things pretty quiet. She used to cry to get into her crib at least once a day to get away from the other children. She wouldn't sleep, but just play by herself. That worked for her.

Hope this helps. I wish you all the best... motherhood is never easy!

It is normal for him to have some separation and still be adjusting to the switch. If there is something funny with your gut telling you more, do as a previous poster wrote and check up on him. It could be that the environment is a little too much for him at the time you're taking him there. Rowdy kids with a slow to warm up could make him slower to adjust.

Follow your instincts and you'll be doing the right thing.

Hi A.,

First of all, I want to say that I hope he's doing well and adjusting to his daycare. I'm a provider with 18 years experience, and I have to say, after a month if he's still crying, worry. Check with the director, pop in for suprise visits if your schedule allows. As for the hitting and throwing child, that needs to be addressed. Thats a safety concern..sigh. I worked at a center called Childrens World, as a toddler teacher and educational coordinator, and watched many providers come and go.

I want to let you know that I am a home daycare provider, with a beautiful home, large yard, tons of references, and most of all, your childs best interest at heart. I'm not in this for money, I simply love what I do, and would hope to be able to help in some way.

I live in the Red Mill Farms area, so I'm not sure if thats convenient for you..

I don't mean to tout my business here, I just hate the thought of your little guy being unhappy. I'm a mom to a seven year old, and was lucky enough to have had him in my home daycare.

Let me know how things are going, and if you might need my help.

All the best,
L.