Am I Overreacting as a Parent?

[MyAngels]

because we don't want the older classroom to be too boy heavy."

It sounds to me like they have more boys than girls in the older classroom and have picked your daughter to move up to help balance that out.

If you're not comfortable with that I'd definitely do as the others have suggested and let the director know you're not willing to do that.

[preschoolteacher]

I'd be uncomfortable with it because it's like your daughter is a number, she's one girl to balance out all the boys, and their decision has nothing to do with her best interests or your preference as parents.

I'd also be wary of a young child in a room that's full of mainly older boys. They just tend to be more physical. I don't mean to stereotype, although I know I am. A younger, smaller child could really get pushed around, literally and figuratively.

[Naptime yet?]

My last center job was with a chain and I honestly felt like it was about the money and those coveted younger spots, as you said. I was in with the two's and there was a little guy, would have been three in a few months, and they wanted to move him up. I was against it, it took me quite some time to bring him out of his shell, he was very quiet, didn't interact much. Plus mom had just had a baby. I didn't think he would have flourished at all. I mentioned to his dad about him moving up & dad was fine with it, I don't think he cared.

If you don't think your daughter is ready, you speak up. Don't feel "bullied" by the director, look out for your daughter's best interests.

[Cradle2crayons]

I would talk to the director about either keeping her there OR moving her up on a trial basis (a couple weeks). I understand that they are wanting enrollment and whatnot but you are paying a high price for good care and good ratio. You should be getting that especially since they split the classes at 3 years old. You signed on with the assumption that your daughter would be in a certain class, you already had a bad experience with moving up too soon, and you were also given an abrupt announcement about the move with no appropriate meeting or discussion. I think you are well within your right to put a halt on this if they arent willing to do a trial period. The last thing you want is to push your child too fast too soon and then be stuck with no other option because the toddler slot was already filled.

this

[DaisyMamma]

It sounds like they need her spot for a new family.
And my second thought was , is it even legal for her to be in the next class when she isn't age appropriate? The state sets ratios based on age. Your post even mentioned ratios.
And if she has only been there 6 months, but will be there 3.5 more years I see no need to rush the change whatsoever! Advanced or not, she has only recently adjusted to her current classroom.

[originalkat]

I would just tell her that you want to wait until she is three to switch her. Maybe you don't like being told what they are going to do? I completely get that. Six months is a LONG time in their development so if you think she needs to stay in the lower ratios.. just tell them.

I will bet they will just pick someone else and move on. Your kid is the best fit in their mind and EVERYONE wants to be told their kid is advanced so they didn't expect you to be against it. You save money and they give you a prop on your kid.

They will just pick another kid. Just tell them.

Yep. I have worked in many centers and this sounds exactly like how it played out IMO.