Not Allowing Parents To Walk Children In

[Unregistered]

I took my daughter to her day care/learning center this morning as I usually do. We have a routine of me walking her in, putting her stuff away, me taking her to the bathroom, and then us doing our secret handshake to say goodbye. Well today when i walked in I was met at the door by one of the workers, as usual, but then told that parents were no longer allowed to walk the children in. The lady said that it was for the safety of the kids and to prepare them for preschool. My kid just turned 3 last month and was not prepared for this. I told my daughter that I could not go in and she freaked out. Is this a normal thing? This is the only daycare we have ever been too so I have nothing to compare it to. I just feel like it is wrong for them to tell me I can not walk her in there.

[Heidi]

I'm guessing they had a number of problems with (other) parents prolonging goodbyes, adding chaos to the morning routine. If they are a corporate center, someone from above may have mandated the change due to liability (if another parent were to harm a child, for instance).

I personally think that you should call the director and ask the reason for the change. Then, I would point out that punishing one parent (and child) for the actions of others is not ok. Next, if they decided to make a change like that, a letter should have been sent home to warn parents, who could then prepare their children for the change.

As far as "preparing for school", that's b.s. Generally, schools allow parents to walk their kindergartners to class. At the very least, they tell you otherwise during the process so that you can say "bye bye" outside. They dont' need to practice this at 3 for what happens when they're 5.

OH wait...you said Preschool. What preschool? Their preschool? The public preschool? :confused:

[Willow]

I will do that if I have a kiddo who acts up at drop off or a parent who lingers despite repeated requests to make drop offs quick.

As a center they may have had both parents and kids alike struggling with both and decided to make an across the board rule.

Think of it like this, maybe there was a mom or dad who was hanging around for a good hour at drop off (some do try on occasion believe it or not). They don't know anything about that mom or dad, what if they have a criminal record? Meantime they are spending upwards of that hour in direct contact with your child and everyone else's.

Do you see where that would be a huge liability for anyone licensed? I can't even have my own mother in my home without her being background checked, the same rule typically applies to parents as well beyond the typical quick pick up and drop offs.

It really is about keeping everyone safe and calm/happy with as little interruption as possible during those transitions.


Would have been noce if they had been able to give you warning things were changing but they may not have even had that option. It may have been something that did indeed need to change effective immediately.

[crazydaycarelady]

I think they should have given a notice that walking in would no longer be allowed as of ? But I am agreeing that some parents are probably causing a ruckas and this is the easiest solution.

[Cat Herder]

I think this policy is becoming more and more common.

I also have the same rule for various reasons . The most difficult parts of my job are the Adult behaviors. Don't take that statement wrong, it is simply true.

Kids behaving badly can be redirected easily. Adults behaving badly become indignant and often aggressive or accusatory when redirected to a less disruptive routine.

The simple answer is to do an across the boards rules change to a more easily managed routine. By doing so no lone adult is singled out and the risk for poor adult behavior is minimized. happyface

[Unregistered]

I'm guessing something took place that made them review how they did drop offs & pick ups. Perhaps something significant enough they decided to make a change effective immediately, without notice.

At my child's school for kindegarden, all drop offs are done at the gate or door. This is for children 3.8 - 5 years old.

[cheerfuldom]

very common policy although I do agree that a few days warning would have been nice.

but at this point, i would just adjust.

[daycare]

many moons ago when my oldest was at a center, adults were not allowed past the main gate of the daycare and were never allowed in the childrens restrooms.

As a parent I was at first upset about it, but when I asked them why, they had a very good reason.

Parents should never be in the bathroom with children of the daycare ever. Other children also use the bathroom and it is not appropriate for parents to be in the restroom where other children are undressed.

Parents come from all walks of life, Sex offenders, criminals and what not. While the center cannot deny their child care, they can stop the parents from coming into the area that the children are cared for. Without a proper background check, we have no clue who we are letting come around the children. Best way to deal with this, is to not let any of the parents.

I know that a new routine is often hard, perhaps you and your daughter can develop a new one together that will support the new policies.....

[Unregistered]

I called up there at lunch to check on her. They said it took a bit to calm down but has been fine the rest of the day. I asked them why the sudden change in procedure. They told me that they had been having problems with some of the new kids during drop off. They would run out of the class room and down towards the doors to get to their parents. One child tried to open the door. I can understand their concern but would liked to have had a warning.

[Crystal]

Personally, I would not take my child to a program that did not allow me to enter the facility. Seems they might be "hiding" something. It may even be illegal/against regs. I'd call their licensing entity and ask.

[Cat Herder]

I'd call their licensing entity and ask.

That is one route to go. It may end in a quick termination, though, so please be careful and have a backup plan.

I think there is a HUGE difference between A.) wanting to inspect your childs daycare randomly and B.) disruptive morning drop-offs as a matter of routine.

Parents can access my playroom at ANY time they like, they simply must take their child with them when they leave. It is not fair to add more stress to my day. I planned and worked hard for our calm and pleasant learning environment.

If parents are that suspicious that this is a common concern or occurrence, they really need to find a new childcare situation to begin with.

I need to be able to do my job without constantly being micro-managed like every parent who walks out my door to their job. It is a two way street.

[Heidi]

Personally, I would not take my child to a program that did not allow me to enter the facility. Seems they might be "hiding" something. It may even be illegal/against regs. I'd call their licensing entity and ask.

I'm not surprised at your answer.

While I understand the concerns they might have with some parents, I agree with you, Crystal. Allowing parents to visit unannounced is a requirement here, and in most states. Allowing parents to walk their children in, to observe the program's activities in the process, and to interact with the teacher/provider are indicators of a warm, high-quality environment.

As I said before, I would never "punish" a group for the actions of a few. I would address the parents that are causing the issue individually, not make a blanket rule. I believe around here it's called "bye bye outside".

[Heidi]

That is one route to go. It may end in a quick termination, though, so please be careful and have a backup plan.

I think there is a HUGE difference between A.) wanting to inspect your childs daycare randomly and B.) disruptive morning drop-offs as a matter of routine.

Parents can access my playroom at ANY time they like, they simply must take their child with them when they leave. It is not fair to add more stress to my day. I planned and worked hard for our calm and pleasant learning environment.

If parents are that suspicious that this is a common concern or occurrence, they really need to find a new childcare situation to begin with.

I need to be able to do my job without constantly being micro-managed like every parent who walks out my door to their job. It is a two way street.

But, OP wasn't doing any such thing. Someone obviously was, and that parent should be dealt with, don't you think?

[Cat Herder]

But, OP wasn't doing any such thing. Someone obviously was, and that parent should be dealt with, don't you think?

Not in a large group setting.

We LEARN from our mistakes and find solutions to make sure it does not happen again.

One child almost made it out of a secured daycare while chasing a parent per OP statement. THAT could have been a fatal mistake.

They addressed the cause and now NO child will be at risk of leaving unattended.

This is addressed in "Risk Management" classes required by my state CCR&R, even. This is not targeting any one parent.

[Heidi]

Not in a large group setting.

We LEARN from our mistakes and find solutions to make sure it does not happen again.

One child almost made it out of a secured daycare while chasing a parent per OP statement. THAT could have been a fatal mistake.

They addressed the cause and now NO child will be at risk of leaving unattended.

This is addressed in "Risk Management" classes required by my state CCR&R, even. This is not targeting any one parent.

Ok...got it. Makes sense when you point it out that way.