Biting in Daycare

My son was bitten in Pre-School twice. The child was removed.

I own a daycare and although it does occur it should not be happening this often. I know for privacy reasons the bitter's name cannot be disclosed but I am wondering if it is the same child doing it or four different children. I have had situation's where we occasionally have a bitter and we are very careful and pretty much shadow the child during free play which is when it will mostly occur. Children bite at this age mostly out of frustration and because they usually are not verbal. This mostly occurs during free play when a toy is taken from them or they are feeling threatened. Make sure the program is structured so free play is always supervised and for short periods of time. Structured activities usually will keep this type of behavior under control. I would firmly talk to the director and make sure she is properly staffed. Ask her to have an assistant shadow this child (even if she has to do it herself as I have done) to prevent these situations before they occur. Giving the children different alternatives to biting when being bullied or whatever is happening. If you do not feel that the director is responsive to your request then yes find another center. Make sure to ask them how they handle discipline issues to see if it is a good fit for you. Like I said biting does occur but I must admit the amount of times your child has been bitten is excessive. Good luck!!

I know first hand what you are going through. I actually have my own daycare and I have a 16 month old that likes to bite my 18 month old. I usually separate the two of them making sure the one that got bit is okay first and I try to redirect the biter. Is the biting occurring in the early afternoon or around meal time? Usually this behavior is because the child is overly tired or even hungry(believe it or not)! It sounds like your childs needs are not being met. Maybe the ratio of providers to children is not in conjunction with state law? Have you talked to the daycare? Do they do any kind of redirection with the biting child? Maybe his/her (biters)needs are not being met at home? Maybe his/her parents play bite with him/her. There are a lot of factors that could play a role here. If this continues I would definately pursue finding another daycare. Obviously the biter is not being watched too well. Good luck!

daycare is supposed to 'remove' the biters after 2 incidents. they say human bite is worse than animal bite. if your son has gotten bitten 7 times if i did the math correctly you need to remove him asap. not just for health reasons and safety but because that is a learning behavior and he is at risk of picking up that habit too and some other parents may not be as understanding as you.
back to what i would do....after the 2nd incident i'd remove my child instantly. no ifs no buts
good luck

Change daycares, and call town/city hall, to ask for help. There are rules in place, and if the school is not dealing with problem child, then you need to. Don't feel guilty. You have to protect your child, especially when others are not. Good luck.