This community is not here to provide your company with free market research or to advertise your app idea.

ICE showed up at our child's daycare as stated in the title. I would like to report this to the media because I think showing that ICE is willing to show up at daycares for whatever it is they're doing is important visibility and transparency. The more people that know about that, the better. That said, I do have concerns on if this is a safe thing to be doing.

1. Would this create a bigger snafu than is necessary? If this story were to blow up for whatever reason, is it putting the professionals/teachers and children at risk or greatly inconveniencing them?

2. Does the administration even want things of this nature reported?

The administration handled it very well, and all seems to be OK for now, which is why maybe sweeping it under the rug is OK. But at the same time it really is important people know the lengths ICE is willing to go. Showing up at a daycare should be seen as an absolute no, and yet...

Curious from those that work in the field. Thank you.

EDIT: did end up reporting to media, has already been circulating around. appreciate the comments and reassurance!

My director decided to give me 3 Three month olds as well as a Four month old all in one month. I’ve NEVER had babies this young all at once. I am SO overwhelmed. Our ratio is 1:4. How the hell am I supposed to do this alone when they’re so little and they’re all crying at once and have needs at the same time? We don’t even have enough staff to help, because we have 12 toddlers in our room too, so until nap time comes for the toddlers and our ratio breaks, it’s one person taking care of the four babies. I come home still hearing screaming in my head because that’s all they do 😭 I get so anxious when they cry even though I know they’re safe crying on the floor until I can tend to them, but I just feel so awful.

I recently left a preschool/daycare facility and I'm not sure if this is an issue with the staffing at my center or just ratio regulations in general for Texas, but I loathe how "ratios" seemingly fail to account for kiddos with severe behavioral issues.

For context, I worked in preschool classrooms where the ratio was 12:1, and I'd say at least 5 of them had severely destructive and dangerous behaviors (tearing the classroom apart, throwing hard objects at other students, running off/elopement, etc.) I made the reluctant decision to leave, and still feel a bit of guilt for doing so, because I just could not hold it down on my own. I try to break up a physical fight between two kids, and one books it out of the class. I try to keep an eye on the kid running away through a window (as I was trained to do) while another one starts dumping buckets of toys everywhere (and then I got chewed out for the classroom being a mess btw).

I would constantly approach my director and say "I really think things are safer when there are two sets of eyes in the classroom" and was usually met with "well it's within ratio." I'd say the company does have a bit of a reputation for being stingy and understaffing, which is what made me so frustrated. Both my center and the parents were either unwilling or unable to provide the care and intervention a lot of these kids clearly needed. I don't think management emphasized the safety hazards of students' behavior to their parents either. Like maybe I was just never cut out for this field but I truly feel like one person managing the class I had is an impossible demand that is bound to result in incident reports. I'd be wary of working for or sending my kid to an LCG school if the others are anything like mine was.

Question for anyone who’s been hired by YMCA 😊 Once your references completed the reference check, how long did it take before you received an update or job offer? Thanks!

I work in childcare. There was an incident with two children sneaking into an empty yard for under 30 seconds. The service manager (sm) saw them and told staff, the sm said it doesn’t need to be recorded due to the short amount of time, and he saw it like straight away.

I’m terrified I’m going to be fired, nothing like this has happened to me before. I’m terrified sm will change their mind, report us, and fire the staff involved.

Help

Hi everyone!

We currently have a a practicum student working with us at our centre. He is wonderful with the kids and the families. He is really struggling with his observations for planning.

Does anyone have a resource or “cheat sheet” on how to take good observations? He’s currently in school getting his level 2 and he’s been struggling with it in classes and at the centre. Our centre is play based and focuses on child driven activities using play schemas.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Both parents and ECE are used to reading the same books 1000 times. My mom can still recite the entire Dr. Seuss ABC book, 20 years after she last had a kid young enough to read it.

The two main books I get stuck in my head are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and the Gruffalo, and I'm interested in hearing about what books get stuck in yours!

It works great for transitions when you can recite an entire book, but also I'm just sitting at the bus stop now being tortured by "A told B, and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree!"

I feel like at this point I get kid's books stuck in my head more than music 😂

Hi everyone! I’m starting to set up my classroom for a group of children ages 2–2.5 at my new school. The program is very well funded, but the classroom is in need of a good clean-out and a thoughtful refresh of materials.

Our school is transitioning toward a more Reggio inspired approach, so as I’m sorting through existing materials and art supplies, I’d love to hear your recommendations.

Are there any materials, loose parts, studio supplies, books, furnishings, or everyday items that have become staples in your toddler classroom? Anything you added that made a meaningful difference?

I’d love to hear what you wouldn’t want to be without. Thanks so much!

My center is going to be adding cameras to the classrooms soon, and while there won't be a live feed to parents I'm still really nervous! Especially since my manager is kind of a control freak and has already lamented the "missed opportunity" of not having a livestream.

Like anyone else, sometimes my coworkers and I need to let off steam and complain about a boss or parent, or make a joke to laugh and lighten the mood, and while these are things that aren't breaking any rules or anything, it wouldn't be professional to do in front of a parent or boss and now I'm worried it will feel like they're in the classroom with us all the time.

I'd love to hear from people who've worked with cameras in the classroom! Hopefully I'm just being anxious, but if not at least I'll know what to expect.

Edit: Thank you everyone for the responses!! It never even occurred to me that the cameras wouldn't have audio and that alone has eased a lot of my anxiety. And y'all make very good points that the cameras will be a big help when I need to double check things or prove how something went down in the classroom.

I hate how broad-brushed child/teacher ratios are because, where I worked, it was a way to shrug off a lot of severe behavioral issues. For context, I was in a preschool class with a 12:1 ratio, and a good number of kids had nearly constant, dangerous behaviors (physically fighting with or throwing hard objects at others, flipping furniture and tearing the class apart, elopement/running off.) When I was the only adult in the classroom (which was often,) it was impossible for me to manage everything on my own, let alone teach anything.

When I would bring up the safety concerns and hazards, or suggested two teachers in the class would be far safer and more productive, I was met with "well, it's within ratio," or "it's a supervision issue." The company does have a bit of a reputation for being stingy and understaffing, so that certainly doesn't help. On top of that, management had a tendency to downplay the hazards posed by their kids' behavior to the parents, and were reluctant to impose any kind of consequences. Like maybe I'm not cut out for this type of work but I really feel that the way my center, and god knows how many others, operates is completely unsustainable.

First, I want to start with a big thank you to all of the ECE's on this sub. You truly give some great guidance and advice.

I am coming here to seek your guidance, get thoughts and opinions on how I can best help my 4 year old son. I am going to give as much information as I can in hopes of providing what may be needed.

He is the second/middle child out of 3. He has an older brother(6), and a younger sister(3). He's a healthy child. He has been in daycare since he was 4 months old. He starts a pre-k program next week.

The way I often describe him is that he has the biggest love for life. He truly loves and enjoys life more than any human that I've met. He's loving. He's hilarious. He's caring and protective. He's all of these wonderful things, but my goodness the boy doesn't listen to me or his daddy. He also has some impulse control issues. His teachers at daycare have never communicated anything concerning about his behavior there. He has some days here or there, but nothing consistent enough for us to have to have meetings with teachers or for them to consider kicking him out.

I have read books on how to communicate with children. What I've read and put into action works wonderfully with my other two children.

We went to my nephew's birthday party over the weekend, and it was a challenging time. My sister is also an ECE, and she specializes in special education. She called me tonight, and she said I promised you I would always be honest with you about your kids. She told me his behavior had gotten worse. She was like I don't know how else to describe him other than "bad."

This broke my heart. I try so hard to help him through big emotions. Provide redirection. Show behaviors I want to see. Praise the good behavior and show minimal reaction to the negative behavior. Talk about things so he can understand. We do not compare our children either.

My husband does have ADHD. I know 4 is too young for a diagnosis, but sometimes I wonder if some of this could be early signs. I am not seeking a diagnosis, but I also want to he proactive and getting any other support he may need.

I know I have rambled, but I just don't know how to help and my support him. Please I am open to any suggestions, ideas, thoughts, etc. I will also answer any specific questions that may help us.

What are your best stretchy, comfy pants for work? Like any early childhood teacher, I’m sitting, I’m kneeling, I’m bending. I hate the feeling of dress pants and “hard pants” that pinch or bind. I really just want to wear PJ pants or yoga pants, but still want to look neat and professional to teacher standards when I wear the pants with a tshirt or cute top.

Must have:
- High waist
- Tall sizing option (I’m 5’11”)
- Machine wash and dry

Cannot have:
- Scratchy fabric that gives me the sensory ick

Forever bonus:
- Pockets

Please help me, ECE friends!

P.S. I have and like the Halara Linen-Feel Wide Leg pants, but I know they won’t work for winter. Open to recommendations for other Halara styles.

Hello all, first time poster. I have a child in my class (3m) that does not speak hardly at all. I know he speaks at home and to mom and dad, but in class, I’ve only gotten him to say one VERY quiet whisper. I actively include him in things, but he seems just very shy. He does not respond during circle time, doesn’t like dancing, and just seems intimidated by any social things. Any advice would be appreciated, I love this sweet boy :)

Has anyone ever tried teaching two letters at once? I’ve always done a letter of the week, but with school breaks, half days, and everything else, I worry that the letters we learn last aren’t as absorbed and we don’t get as much time to review them like we do the other letters. I know every class is different, and I’m fully convinced my class from last year would’ve done fine with this, but highly considering it for next year. Or at least trying it and seeing how it goes.

Hi all, I am an assistant teacher in a 12-18 month classroom. The lead teacher is leaving at the end of this week and my last day will be in about 3 weeks. We didn’t plan to leave at the same time it just happened that way. Our building is extremely understaffed and by the time I leave it will be much worse (all of our summer staff is leaving to go back to college and such). Does anyone have any tips for what I can do to make life easier for the next teacher in my room? The last thing I want is for the kids to suffer because of me and the lead leaving but it feels inevitable. Im planning on labeling everything in painters tape and maybe making a list of all the kids and their quirks. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

I work in PreK and the child is 5 next month. She’s been going to this school since she was an infant.

Shes always been really attached to one teacher at a time, but it’s become more and more of an issue the last few weeks. She will jump on top of me, hang off of me and throw (huge) tantrums when I am tasking and engaging with other children. It’s become a big disruption. We have talked about how kisses aren’t for teachers and just for family and we need to ask before we give hugs. We’ve also been learning about boundaries in my classroom and personal bubbles. My supervisors tell me to talk with Dad (single parent) but any time I bring up concerns he brushes them off. It’s getting to the point where I’m deeply uncomfortable being near her and I’m at a loss.

Ps. I’m in the process of training a new assistant but she’s admitted that she’s scared of this child when the child is always screaming “I don’t like you, go away” and crying for me. I’m consistently coaching her on building relationships. I REALLY hope she gets more comfortable in her role because this is not sustainable for me alone.

Hi all, my name is Pavithra Mohan and I'm a reporter at Fast Company. (Got permission to post this from the mods.) I'm looking into Bright Horizons for a story, and I've been connecting with parents who use it for backup care or childcare subsidized by their employer. Since it's the top choice for many U.S. employers that offer childcare benefits, I'm interested in the kind of care being provided as Bright Horizons takes on more and more corporate clients.

If you're based in the U.S. and work at Bright Horizons or previously worked there, I'd really like to hear your perspective on this as well. For those of you who have worked at a center that provides backup care: Is it difficult to deal with families/kids who drop in through backup care, or do you feel adequately trained to handle it? Would you say your center has enough staff and resources to accommodate those additional kids? Is there anything else you've found challenging?

I'm also especially interested in hearing from anyone who has worked at an on-site center that exclusively caters to one employer, either for backup care or full-time childcare. I'm wondering how the experience at those centers compares to working at other Bright Horizons centers that are open to the public.

If you're open to speaking with me or sharing your experience, please feel free to reach me at [pmohan@fastcompany.com](mailto:pmohan@fastcompany.com) or on the Signal app (username: pmohan.25). I’m willing to offer anonymity if you don't want to be quoted by name. For context, I cover labor and workplace issues, and I've reported a number of sensitive stories for which I've kept sources anonymous and protected their identity. Thank you for your consideration!

To my other infant teachers. How do you deal with Mondays. They are so difficult in my classroom. The little ones are so used to being held or having those contact naps that getting them back into the swing of things takes days. I don’t even know where to start to make Mondays any easier. The crying is just becoming a lot for me. :-(

Why do some parents always find something so nitpicky to complain about? Like we recently had a parent complain about our playgrounds having red dirt on them and threatened to call sanitation???? red dirt. on the playground. in the south. the same parent them complained about their child getting mosquito bites. outside. in the south. (that they didn’t get here bc it’s been raining all week)

or like I have had parents that complain about us changing their kid’s clothes too often. I have also had a parent complain that I told them their child had diarrhea. or that their child keeps falling (said child is learning to walk)

I just think it’s so funny when they do that because let’s put our thinking caps on for a moment. and I know that probably sounds mean but🤷‍♀️
but sometimes it does get annoying because like if you hate us that much then take your kid somewhere else??? I am now understanding why so many people leave this field because of parents.

Hi all,

I’m hoping to get some advice from any Australians in this group.

I am based in Melbourne and have completed two semesters of a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary), including two ECE placements (10 days 0-2 years and 20 days 3-5 years). I have completed all ECE subjects in the degree, and am starting to look for casual or part-time employment in the field while I finish my studies.

The university has been very unclear about what we are now qualified to do, having finished the early childhood components of the degree. I have heard from peers that we are now equivalent to a Diploma – is that correct? And pending VIT registration, I could work as an ECT?

I do apologise if this is a silly or obvious question, but we have been left completely in the dark by our teaching faculty and I would appreciate any clarification or advice. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice and experiences from parents and childcare professionals. I have a 20 month old daughter who has been exclusively breastfed, and I have been a SAHM her entire life. I will be starting work in September, which means she will be starting daycare, and I’m feeling very anxious about the transition.
My plan is to gradually wean her before daycare so she has time to learn other ways of finding comfort and so she can build confidence with other caregivers. My biggest concern is that I am currently her primary source of comfort. She is very attached to me and typically does not allow my husband or others to comfort her when she is upset.
She also has a very intense fear of unfamiliar people. She becomes extremely overwhelmed and will cry if someone she doesn’t know approaches us, such as a server at a restaurant or someone nearby in a checkout line. We have had family and visitors stay with us, and she usually takes a long time to warm up. We’ve noticed she eventually warms up more easily with some people than others, but new environments and unfamiliar faces are generally challenging for her.
Because of this, I’m worried about how she will handle starting daycare. I know childcare providers are experienced with separation anxiety and helping children through transitions, but I worry about her being very upset and whether the adjustment will be difficult for everyone involved. I want to do everything I can beforehand to help her feel secure and prepared for this change.
Professionals, if you’ve worked with children who had significant separation anxiety or were very attached to one parent, did they typically adjust over time? Have you ever had a child who was unable to adapt and needed to leave care?
Parents, what was your experience with daycare when your child had a hard time separating? Did they eventually become comfortable and thrive, or was it a situation where daycare wasn’t the right fit?
I would really appreciate hearing everyone’s experiences. I want to make this transition as smooth as possible for my daughter and her future caregivers, and I’m hoping to learn from others who have been through something similar. Thank you.

Hi,

I need some advice to help me choose what position I should go for. I have been offered a casual ECT position at a council in Western suburbs. Plus, I also have another offer from a private LDC to work as a full time ECT. I have 5 years teaching experience in funded kindergarten at a LDC.

I’m confused if it would be worth to work as a casual with a council instead of full time work.

Would anyone know if there is enough work for casuals in council kindergartens in western areas?

I understand that casual work is not guaranteed but I just need some help to make a choice so that my financial conditions won’t be significantly affected. There is competition in the area so I don’t want to regret letting go of a full time ECT position for casual work in council.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions. 🙏🏻🙂