Abe goes to a big center with about 100 or so kids total. In his room there are between 8 and 10 babies under 18 months. Abe is the youngest.
The lead teacher is on vacation this week. When I dropped him off this morning I left him with a young girl I have met once and there was another woman I have never met. Neither of them really spoke to me or Abe.
There are about 5 or 6 teachers that are normally around and I feel very comfortable with them. They speak to me, they always speak to Abe, and I have seen all of them interact with him. None of them were there this morning.
I left feeling very uncomfortable and emailed the director this morning.
Anyone else run into this issue?
Re: Daycare Question
The first time this happened, I felt a little weird. We use an in-home provider that has a total of three employees, so if there is a change in personnel, we notice right away. But I guess I have just come to the conclusion that there is going to be turnover in daycare providers, just as there is in any other profession. We have learned to just go with it.
Given that you are using a center, I would actually feel more comfortable, since I am sure that they have to conduct background checks (which our provider also does even thought I don't think that she lawfully has to).
That being said, if you encounter issues with any of the new people, I would not hesitate to talk to the director about it.
I agree. I used to work in a large daycare center and I always tried to interact with the parents and LOs as they were dropped off - especially if they didn't know who I was. I am sure I am guilty of this at one time or another if I was busy with another LO - but I agree you should always feel comfortable dropping him off.
Abby was in a similar situation in VT. The main teacher had been their for over 10 years so I knew Abby's main care provider very well. However, given the random pick up and drop offs, the teachers breaks,her needing time off, etc I got to see many folks in the infant room. When that happened I always introduced myself. Many times the teachers had already had interactions with Abby because of the aforementioned breaks, etc. I just didn't know because I wasn't there.
Definitely let them know your concerns and be proactive with Abe's care. Like the PP said, the courtesy of a "hello" or an introduction on the DCP's part goes a long way.