Why Would A DCM Do This?

[preschoolteacher]

I totally have a different take on this situation. I think some people see it as "Mom can't say no," but I know a lot of programs that highly encourage the children to sign themselves in/out because it builds literacy and pre-writing skills, even if they are just scribbling and scrawling. Any chance that Mom is familiar with these sorts of programs and is just doing what she thinks could be helpful and educational?

I'd suggest making a sign-in sheet for the kids. That way, they get to sign in and you have your records the way you need them.

Here's some more information: http://www.highscope.org/content.asp?contentid=516

[crazydaycarelady]

I read the Letter Links but honestly, in this particular situation I think it is that mom just can't say no.

[slorey]

Could you keep the clipboard in an area the children can't reach, such as on top of the cubbies or hanging on the wall? You might already do this. Just trying to brainstorm solutions for you...

[Blackcat31]

I totally have a different take on this situation. I think some people see it as "Mom can't say no," but I know a lot of programs that highly encourage the children to sign themselves in/out because it builds literacy and pre-writing skills, even if they are just scribbling and scrawling. Any chance that Mom is familiar with these sorts of programs and is just doing what she thinks could be helpful and educational?

I'd suggest making a sign-in sheet for the kids. That way, they get to sign in and you have your records the way you need them.

Here's some more information: http://www.highscope.org/content.asp?contentid=516

As far as the kids "signing" themselves in and out each day, I support it.

What I did though was have a picture chart with each child's photo on it. Next to each child's photo is a tag.

One side says "in" and the other side says "out".

When the kids arrive in the morning, they flip their tag to "in".

When they leave at the end of the day, they flip their tag to "out".

It literally takes under a minute and the kids LOVE it!

[AmyKidsCo]

I'd stress the fact that the sign in/out sheet is a legal document and you need it to be legible to protect yourself, the child, and the family. I like the idea of a separate sign in/out for the children too - maybe something you do after mom leaves at drop-off and before she arrives at pick-up, so no extra time is added.

[crazydaycarelady]

The sign in/out sheet is up where the kids can't reach it. This dcm sits down and holds it while her kid scribbles all over it.

Blackcat I like the card idea!

[MissAnn]

I have a clipboard with a state required sign in/out sheet that all of the parents have to sign twice daily. One dcm (the mom of my infamous 4yo dcb) always lets her 4yo "sign" the sheet. He chicken scratches his name on the sheet somewhere. Well now she is letting her 1yo "sign" the sheet which amounts to it getting scribbled ALL OVER! Seriously, scribbles everywhere.

Why?

Other kids ask to sign it and their parents say no since it is obviously not a sheet for kids!

I cannot stand this family!!

That is plain old disrespectful.