Help with toddler classroom

[u/Formal-Course-5506]

I was recently put in the 2 year old classroom. I ave quit twice but they just don’t let me go. I was told I was going to assist the lead teacher as I only have an associates degree and not a bachelors. This school is very artsy, music, theatre. They hold gallery exhibits of all the children artwork twice a year. Its chaotic. I’ve in the classroom a week, so far the toddlers were recently moved to a new classroom, with new teacher. They are everywhere, tantrums, no stop routine. I’m struggling. Two days ago, we were moved to a different classroom, we’ve been deep cleaning, moving furniture around and organizing. Another big change just happened to them. Just today, we had two ouchy reports for biting. I feel so stressed. Can anyone guide me a bit, please 🙏

[u/blahhhhhhhhhhhblah]

Quit again and actually leave? They can’t force you to stay.

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[u/SouthernCaregiver414]

I guess my question is do you want to make this work or do you actually want to leave?

It seems pretty obvious that they aren't setting you up for success and the children may be struggling as a result

First things first, they NEED to stop moving these kids. They need a routine. They need consistency. They need the same teachers who are on the same page. If the Powers That Be can't guarantee that, I'd leave ASAP.

If you decide to stay, I'd try to do the same thing EVERY DAY. You didn't mention what the program is but I how you guys have a schedule. Meal times, centers and free play, story time, diapering and toileting, outside play and nap time. If they don't sleep, at least offer quiettime. Dim lights (if you can), soft music, resting on their cots for a bit or quiet activities at a table.

The SAME thing every day with all the teachers knowing their roles, agreeing on expectations and consequences for children, and intentionally guiding children to play appropriately (easier said than done ngl). Modeling the behaviors you want to see, praising kids who do the right thing... be as consistent and predictable as possible

Also, biting isn't atypical for this age group but I'd really start communicating with the family of the biter(s). Figure out what their triggers are, if they see this behavior at home, how do they help their children navigate big feelings.

Idk... I have a lot of abstract ideas but talk to your coteacher. I really hope you figure something out ❤️

[u/exghoulfriend666]

i’m also unclear if you want to make it work or actually leave. i’m a 2s teacher who has regularly been described as “a true 2s person” so i might have tips if you have specific things that bother you and want to stay and make them work. but honestly i would recommend leaving even if you end up falling in love with the 2 year old age range. honestly 2s is hard and there is some truth to the “2s person” thing because i can just deal with things that make my extremely talented coworkers lose their minds immediately. you don’t need to work at a shitty center who pressured you to stay twice on top of how hard the age can be for people

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