When I picked dd (5) up from daycare today she was only wearing her coat. No hat, no gloves, no snowpants, no boots. It was 43 out. Yes, she was warm and her head was sweaty. But, her pants were wet and her new shoes are trashed. There is still snow in the playarea and it's muddy (wet bark muddy). Her hands and fingers were beet red and cold. I asked why she wasn't wearing her boots, hat, and gloves and the teacher looked at me like I was crazy (which was not appreciated). She said because it is so nice out they didn't make any of them put those on.
Now, am I out of line being mad about this? It's still only 43!! There is still snow on the ground! She should have had her boots, mittens and hat on, in my opinion. What's yours?
EDITED: I complained about them not going out because it's the policy to have them out if it's about zero. Sunny and 30's in Dec is so rare so for them not to be out is ridiculous. One time the teacher even had the audacity to tell me they are not outside because she (the teacher) is too sick!! If you're too sick to take the kids out, then get away from my child w/ all your germs cause you are too sick to be at school!! I have her boots at school every day. I didn't think I needed to explain that if there is snow on the ground, snow boots should be worn.
I should also add, I've had to complain numerous times to the director, and call the head office when the director was gone, because over the winter during nicer days (30's and sunny in Dec) they were not taking them out to play. Now I have to complain that they are not dressing them weather appropriate. I hate being the complaining mom, but come on!
Thanks ladies for talking me down. Yes, I do get irritated at this daycare. For 2yrs she was at another one and I loved it and never had any complaints. This one just seems to rub me the wrong way on some things. When they weren't going out, they weren't going out ever. That's why I had to complain. Then after being reassured that they would go out, for the next 2 weeks, in beautiful (for winter in WI) weather, they still weren't out. My kid was getting zero outside time. I guess I just figured that w/ snow on the ground, I wouldn't have to worry about them knowing to put boots on her. She goes out in the morning too and if her feet are wet from the shoes, they are going to be wet all day. I've told my kiddo to make sure her boots go on even if the teachers don't tell her to do it. I guess I'll also put a spare pair of dry socks and shoes in her bag just in case she acts like a 5yr old and is in
such a hurry to get out and no other kid is putting their boots on that she neglects hers too.
Tues update: I talked to my kiddo last night and told her even if teachers don't ask her to she needs to put her boots on to keep her shoes nice. She loves her new shoes. I picked her up today and her boots were on!! YAY Kiddo!! But she also put her snowpants on because she was putting her boots on. She was sweltering in them and asked teachers outside if she could take them off. They told her no because they were already outside. It's not like she was aksing to take her undies off! Just her snowpants.
It was 45 here today. DS went outside at daycare - when I picked him up they were all wearing coats, hats and mittens (not boots but only out in the wood chips, not the mud). We went to the park - the kids there (all accompanied by their actual parents) were wearing sweat shirts, some light jackets, a few in shorts, no hats, mittens or boots. The parents were all in sweatshirts :).
I'm from Illinois, just have lived in Texas for 13 years... I agree with you 43 being cold and should be bundled up. Don't think you were wrong there, however, I would not want my kids in 30 degree weather even if it was sunny. I know my sister lived up in Wisconsin for a few years and her school age boys were outside for recess unless it was below zero, I disagree with that. Below freezing (32) kids should be inside, my opinion, and I'm from the mid-west...
Where I am at this time of the year 43 is HOT!! I would have no problem with my kids being out with no gloves or hat. They should have had boots if it was muddy. At our daycare as long as the temperature is 20 or above the kids go outside.
I'm sorry - kids do not get sick from being in the cold weather. Neither do adults. That is a huge old folk tale and it's just not true. Short of frostbite and exposure over a period of many hours, there's no risk. The reason we are sick in the winter is that we don't get enough fresh air, and we are indoors in dry, heated air where bacteria and germs breathe.
I can see being a little concerned about shoes being trashed - boots might have helped that. The school should have a policy that every child bring boots every day if that is a concern of parents.
Perhaps the reason the teacher looked at you that way is that you have previously complained about them NOT going out - now they go out, and you are unhappy.
I am quite sure that the state's office for children would not say that kids should be indoors if it's 43, or even 32. If your daughter was sweaty, she was already plenty warm from running around. If her hands were dangerously cold, I hope she would have said something to the teacher - but if she wasn't uncomfortable, what's the problem? I mean, exactly what temperature would meet with every parent's approval?
I was always thrilled when my son was outside running around since we have such a problem with kids being sedentary and sitting in front of video games and computers. I believe in sending kids to school in play clothes that can get dirty and wet, and letting them have fun and explore! I never sent him to school in good stuff.
My best advice is to send her to school in clothes that you don't want to get dirty. I don't know how many kids are in each class, but it takes a long time to get each kid into snowpants, boots, etc. It's worth it if it is too cold out otherwise, but I bet your daughter was perfectly comfortable (temperature-wise) at 43 with no snowgear. My kids were outside playing in that this weekend. It didn't occur to me to put their hats or gloves on, and they didn't complain.
My feeling is that you can get upset about every little thing and be unhappy a lot, or you can assume that your kid is fine and happy, and be happy. It doesn't seem like there was a real negative here, other than cold hands.
My sister's kids are in school in Maine so it gets really really cold. They go outside almost every day. And it's up to them to dress accordingly. You had specifically asked for them to go outside when it was even colder than today so I could see the teacher being confused. If your daughter was huddled in a corner shivering, I could see being upset with the school. But you said she was warm and I can't see it being the teacher's responsibility to take care of each kid's shoes. Since it's March, hasn't this come up before? I wouldn't think this is the first time they've ever gone outside when it's not perfectly dry. Kids also don't worry about their hands etc as much. If your daughter tells you they hurt and she asked the teacher to help her get gloves and she didn't, then I'd be upset. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about this. I don't think daycare can do everything perfectly. We have a nanny and I get annoyed over little things too but figure that's the price I pay for not being the one making every little decision.
In my opinion, in areas accustomed to cold winters, anything above freezing is acceptable play weather. I agree that your daughter should have had coat, gloves, boots (seems a bit warm for the snow pants)...but she is also old enough to know that she needs to wear them.
It wasn't dangerously cold (i.e. frostbite), and I can see why you're upset about the new shoes (throw them in the washing machine); in light of your previous complaints, it does come off a bit like you can't be pleased.
Instead of complaining to the director, simply ask for clarification on the outdoor play policy and instruct your daughter as to what she should wear when outside.
P.S. Yes, I live in Houston now (and don't miss the cold one little bit), but I grew up in Utah. My brothers and I walked to school everyday and recess was never optional. Kids were dressed in the right gear, but for the most part, it was up to us to make sure it was used. We didn't get Wisconsin cold, but it was certainly below freezing often enough.
Sounds like you're having many issues with the daycare. If so, why is your kid still there?
Take her to a different daycare. These things aren't worth worrying about, so if you aren't satisfied with the daycare she attends now take her to one that is more to your liking.
Your complaining will also annoy the daycare, which will make them less likely to be responsive to your concerns.
Our daycares policy is that if it is above 0 they go outside. At 43 degrees it would have felt like a heat way, and I would not have required hat or gloves. She is also old enough to ask for her gloves etc. if her hands were cold.
I live in Chicago and we are experiencing a heat wave right now too...41 and sunny today. Our daycare doesn't put boots on the kids. they do wear hats, but most take the hats and gloves off. I wouldn't make that big of a deal out of it. It seems like you are really unhappy with the place, so maybe you should start looking for another. And as for the teacher being sick, we all have bad days where we aren't 100% at work.
You are always welcome to call your local child care licensing office and make a complaint. They are not meeting state regulations if they are not going outside every day. I would not have had kids put on full snow gear at 40 degrees. I would have looked oddly at you too...LOL. 40 degrees is quite warm. Even if there is still snow on the ground it's melting.
Plus, your child is 5 years old. She is the one who should know to wear warm clothing outside. Let the teachers off the hook and blame the correct person. A 5 year old is old enough to know it's Winter and to wear her coat and boots. As for snow pants, no way, she would have burned up in weather that warm.
At 43 out I would have had my kids (toddlers - but older kids at center follow same guidelines) in their coats, hats and mittens (if their parents bring them! I have one boy who's parents NEVER brought him a hat or mittens all winter. that's another story!) Snowpants/boots would be iffy. However with the way you described the playground I would have at least had the boots on so they had dry shoes for inside. We don't take our kids outside in the afternoons in the wintertime just because so many parents then complain about having to undress them to go home, or they don't have hat & mittens (who's fault???) so have cold hands/ears or they might have sat in puddle and geez they are a little wet! It is hard to keep all parents happy! We have one parent who brought in a dr note that her child is not to go outside if it's below 40. Sometimes 37 feels warmer than 47 depending on wind, moisture, sun.... again hard to keep every parent happy! If you've had more negative than positive it may be time to look for other care?
You are right on all counts. My daughter had an excellent daycare. They ALWAYS went outside unless it was raining. Even 20's 30s. They bundled up in head to toe snow gear, and the teachers kept a close eye to make sure no one was too cold and they didn't stay out too long on those days, just got some air, threw some snowballs, made snowmen, whatever. Unless it was undeniably warm enough the kids wore gloves and boots. There were bins of spares for kids who didn't have them for whatever reason. Shame on your place!
I would be upset too! It's a legitimate concern. It's not that warm, and yes, it may be a hassle to get all the children in their coats, boots, etc, but its better than all of them getting sick. They are not acting responsible for them. You shouldnt have to worry if your kid is outside playing in the snow and cold without proper clothing. I would complain too!
Maybe for them it was nice (for me is still coldish too) but it was good that you talk about it, now they know that you are not ok with that.
Don't worry for complaining ( I rather communicating, lol) with the principal, first of all, you may not the only one, and second, you are doing it for your daughter's well being.
Can't wait for those warm days!!
My son is older than your child (7yo and in 2nd grade). During both his school recess time and his after school care time, they are required to wear boots, hats, mittens, snowpants, and coat if there is snow on the ground. The temp is not what matters.
It sounds to me like the daycare teachers do not like going outside and they especially don't like the part about getting all the little ones suited up. To be sure it is a mundane, time consuming task to get all those little ones ready. But it is reasonable to expect that they do it for the welfare of the children.
I think you should have a calm discussion with the director. Ask for clarification of their policies. Ask how they monitor the following of those policies, and let her know what you have been observing this year. I think it is very important for parents to speak up. It doesn't need to be rude or demanding or whiny...just address the issues and look for solutions. If you hit a brick wall then look for a new daycare and let them know why you are leaving.
Yes, she should have had boots, mittens, and a hat on today. It was about 40 in MN today, too, and the daycare kids across the street from our house were dressed appropriately. My 9 year-old just told me that she and all her classmates wore their snowpants, boots, etc for recess today.
Sounds like the teacher is just plain lazy. And yes, they should be out each day that is above zero (depending on wind chill). That is typical policy around here.
And expecting a 5 year old to know how to dress appropriately is not reasonable - they don't have access to the thermometer or know what it means...
at 5 years old, your child can put her own boots and such on... if you are this upset about it, tell your child that if there's snow on the ground, she is to put her own weather gear on(communicate to the teacher that you have instructed your child to do so). but honestly, i live in north texas, and our schools go outside if it's above 32 degrees. i've seen my kids sweating in 40 degree temps, i doubt they were out for hours on end, and really - snowpants in above freezing temps isn't really called for. it sounds like your daycare is darned if they do and darned if they don't. maybe this place just rubs you the wrong way and it's time to look for a new place? trust your instincts, it may not be these little issues, but just a bad vibe you're getting in general.
It's time for you to change your child care provider.
If the child has boots and the conditions warrant, help the kid put on her boots. I think that part would peeve me even more than the mittens. If they're going to take them out and the child has appropriate gear, then the child should wear them. If putting boots on a 5 yr old is too much then maybe they need to reconsider their playground surface or something.
I grew up in MN and we always had our boots on our feet for outside and our sneakers in a bag for inside.
There are a lot of red flags here. Finding good daycare is so difficult but I would be looking for a new one. Ask friends and co-workers if they like their daycare or who they would recommend. Any chance you can leave your daughter with a friend or relative until you find a new day care? I would be pulling her out ASAP.
Yes she should've had boots if there was snow and mud. Yes she should've had mittens if she had them.
I do agree however that the kids shouldn't be outside in 30's and sunny. Our school has a 50 degrees and above policy.
M.
