My 10 month old son has just started daycare (3 days per week) and has been there a total of 5 times. On 3 of the 5 days he has come home with some nasty scratches, and not the type that would have resulted from him scratching at himself. The first were on his upper arm, 3 nail scratches from a seemingly tiny hand, but they left a slight bruise the next day. The other two were on his chest area. I did call to ask and was told that there is a little one that is a little aggressive. I tried to kindly ask that that child be kept away from ours. I know it's hard for them...the ratio is 3 kids to one teacher, but I really don't like him being subjected to it on a regular basis. Am I being unreasonable? And any suggestions on how to approach it without seeming to be overbearing?
Thank you all for your great advice! I was unsure whether I was just being neurotic and you all helped me realize that my initial response was definately valid.
I've spoken with the director and made it very clear that I want to get to the bottom of what is happening and I want it resolved. So far, so good this week...but I'm definately going to keep on everyone until I'm satisfied, or I will find another place better suited for us.
I would take him out of there immediately. They should be doing a better job of looking after his well being than that. That is unacceptable!
Start looking for another daycare - in the meantime speak sternly with the director of that facility. They need to address your concerns and if they don't take you seriously, then you don't belong there. The health and safety of your child no matter how minimal it may seem is the most important thing. My 5 1/2 month has been in daycare and I was always afraid of being "that mom" who was being unreasonable until I found my child in a situation that I didn't feel was safe. It wasn't a horrible situation - but to me it was. I wasn't to concerned with being liked anymore - I stepped up and nicely but sternly spoke to the asst director and owner of the daycare and said it was unacceptable. I told them I was going to remove my child b/c I didn't think they were equipped to handle infants if this was what was going on. I felt they respected my concerns and truly addressed them to my satisfaction, therefore my child is still there. Don't be afraid - during this incident I was so worried and so upset about not being nice, so I spoke to my mom, MIL and all friends and they all made me realize (being a first time mom, who didn't want to not be nice) that no one is going to watch out for my child more than me, so don't be afraid or worry about doing it -even if you are perceived as a B@#$%. Clearly theres some things you can let go, like a dirty bib on all day but if your child is physically being harmed on a regular basis - then they need to address that. A recent news story about an incidence at a daycare center should make them understand you aren't being dramatic. You can't be to careful.(I won't bring up that news story though b/c it was just to tragic!) Good luck!
No no no. Not normal. You are not overbearing. Frankly speaking I would take him out of there asap!!! It sounds horrible and absolutely unacceptable!!!!
Good luck!!
Hi L.,
It is hard enough to leave your child in a strangers care but to have them come home with marks on their body----IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. If they cannot accommodate your request to keep a child away from yours that is harming your son, then you must consider another daycare. I had to leave my child for a few months at a daycare while I worked outside my home and it is hard. Express your concerns calmly to the management and see what happens. I would not stand for another child harming mine. Don't let them talk you down that they can't do anything about it. They have to either keep that other child away from yours or ask them to leave. Good luck!
Absolutly not, My preschool would never tolerate scratching. With 3 kids to one teacher they should not have a problem watching and making sure that does not happen. My son was scratched on the arm by two girls. It was a love quarell LOL We were all called into the classroom during pickup and the teachers told us what happened. Both the girls had to apologize and had to sit inside during outdoor play time.
Anyway I thought they overreacted a little but they do not tolerate it in anyway. I would speak to the teacher and ask how they handle aggressive play. Good luck
C.
Moms helping Moms work from home
http://colleend.stayinhomeandlovinit.com
I had a similar situation where Day care (expensive) would let me know that my daughter had been bitten (4 x's within 2 weeks) She is now 17 months old. If the ratio is 4/1 then the teacher should have immediately prevented this from happening. The teacher were not very caring and I was livid...Believe me I ignored alot of other things that they should have been doing... Anyway, I took her out of that particular daycare to one where she loves. She is very happy there and they take really good care of her. Oh, and much cheaper too... Start looking Woman!! This is not acceptable... Good luck, S. C.
Hi L., I don't think your being unreasonable at all! You bring your child there and expect him to be taken care of, plus daycares are not cheap! I think they need to watch this child more that is being so aggressive! If it keeps happening I would suggest finding another daycare! And don't worry what they think ,you do what you think is best for your child! I hope everything works out and your little one doesn't get anymore scratches and bruises!
That's horrible. I would be very upset. I don't blame you for wanting to protect your baby. I would talk to the school, and be very honest about my concerns and expectations. If they can't provide a safe environment, perhaps that's not the school for your son.
