Etiquette for Preschool

Hi D.,

I've taught preschool for a number of years and currently have one of my own. Here's my take on it:

When I sent home Mother's Day gifts with kiddos yesterday (lavender foot soaking salts they made themselves, in a tin they decorated and a little note of "Mommy Thank You For..."), I didn't expect anything other than people to be delighted with their kids. So, no, a thank you isn't necessary, but if you are feeling you want to express thanks, a little note is fine. And the note should go to the teacher-- admin is helpful, but they did not participate in the planning or execution of your child's card or gift for you.:)

As far as Teacher Appreciation goes, that can run the gamut. Handmade picture cards from kids are great; flowers are lovely, or a low-maintenence, non-toxic plant for the classroom. Last year a student gave me a small pot of African Violets, and it was fun to watch them die back and grow again. If you are thinking 'gift card', the local coffee shop, craft store or book store are good ideas. A nice candle is fine. I personally don't have a lot of expectations in this area.

My favorite Christmas/holiday gifts as a teacher were things the children made. I celebrate the Christmas holiday, and have received some very cute handmade ornaments from children in the past. These are keepsakes to me, and remind me of the child, which is wonderful. A tin of cookies, a candle, or a reasonable gift card ( no need to go overboard) is also fine.

In regard to admin, any notes you send them should be in thanks for their care in those admin-related things. And yes, if you want to send a note of recognition or praise for a teacher, do send it to the director or administrator first. In my opinion, admin often only hears about the problems in the classroom-- we need more parents to be chiming in when things do go well or they are happy with the care and teaching their child is receiving.

I hope that helps and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions/more detailed questions. Happy to help.

You can give a thank-you note to the teachers.

As far as teacher appreciation week and holidays, it's usually something small, like a $15 gift card. You may also have someone coordinate a special lunch or group gift instead, so hold off until the week before until you're sure you won't have to pay for something else.

I'm sure the teacher would appreciate a thank you card.

I give gifts to teachers on Christmas and at the end of the year.

Thank you cards to teachers are always appropriate. We just did Holiday season gifts. Gift cards to coffee shops or common stores (Target/Walmart) are appreciated.

The official thank you for the gift is for the kids, but any time you think something is a great idea, or you appreciated it, let the teachers know. They work hard, and positive feedback is always appreciated.

We give gift cards at Christmas and end of the year, but I made them goodies for teacher appreciation week. If my kids were older, I would have had them write notes and draw pictures for teacher appreciation week.

The thank you, you should give is to your child. I work at a pre-school and when we send these gifts home on holidays they are from the child to the parent, the kids work very hard on these and are so proud of their efforts and are excited to give them to their parents. As for gift for the teacher I say its always nice to know you are appreciated, a note saying thanks for all you do my child loves pre-school and has learned so much has always been my favorite gift from the parents. I would rather have a heartfelt note than a store bought gift.

I think that the gifts that they make for you are part of the curriculum so no note is needed. Just tell them in person that you loved it.

I did give a plant for the classroom for teacher appreciation week and for Christmas/holiday and end of the year, I give cash.