The former Discussion Forum of After-School-Care.com has been moved to this website. The following is the ongoing dialogue between Unhappy Parent and Caregiver Visitors.
1. From Unhappy Parent
I see this is a site for school age care teachers. I am a parent of a child that goes to an after school program.
It seems that the teachers there are more baby-sitters than professional teacher-caregivers. They often are talking to each other when I come to get my daughter and also don't seem to do much in providing activities. The kids mainly do homework, color or play outside. Once in awhile they do a craft. There are some old games and blocks.
I have friends whose kids go to other programs, and do Spanish, science, parties, cooking and all kinds of things! My daughter (grade 4) doesn’t want to go any more and says it's boring. I have to work. Please give me some advice. Thank you.
A Parent
2. From Sarah in Oakbrook
A Parent, I'm so sorry.
Depending on who the supervisor of your daughter's program is (the principal, an outside agency or a central district administration center) I would suggest that you make an appointment or phone THAT person. See if there is any way a more stimulating program can be provided.
Is there a parent hand book where a program sample is- or is not -outlined? Is there a mission statement and is training provided? Maybe lack of budget? Of course, there is no excuse for the caregivers to be socializing while at work! I apologize for them.
See if the staff gets training and what their qualifications are. Sarah in Oakbrook
3. Thank you Sarah.
I’ll look into those things. It’s getting worse each day my daughter has to go—and school has just started! I don’t want it to get back to the women at the program where they may not treat my daughter fairly. So I wasn’t sure what to do.
4. From Jellybean in Wisconsin
Sarah’s advice is good. Talk to the administrator of the program. If it’s a case of budget needs—maybe parents could fulfill a wish list? I’d also stress that some basic training (or re-training) be provided. There are fun things that can be done with a very small budget. jellybean
5. To add to the good advice above, it’s usually a lack of knowledge or training that comes with programming that is deficient in stimulating curriculum. Most caregivers do care; however, scheduling and routine may be based on what they know or don’t know. Some caregivers feel that working with children is common sense—however we all know that common sense can fly right out the window when confronted with 30 to 80- or more- children at a time!
Others learn by a hit or miss method—if it works --good! If not_______??? That was the method 20 years ago. We have many resources now available to us – professional organizations, books, conferences, seminars, networking systems, etc. Oops! I’m getting off track!
What I’m saying to “A Parent” is I hope that with talking to the site director or administrator of your daughter’s program, an evaluation or assessment will be provided ….and then followed by the indicated training. Good Luck! Barb
6. From Cassie
Yes! talk to the administrator of the program. If it's a case of budget needs, maybe parents could fulfill a wish list? There are fun things that can be done with a very small budget. Cassie
7. From A Parent
Well, I did what you advised. The supervisor thanked me and said that she would do an assessment of the program and not involve me at all.
They do not have a trainer but have in-service meetings and learn from each other (paraphrasing). She will get back to me next week after an observation. I'll let you know in a couple weeks how it goes! I'm glad that I stumbled upon this site!
8. Response from Sarah
I just read the original note in this thread again...
AND THEN WE WONDER WHY sometimes we're NOT viewed as professionals?
I hope others read 'parent's note' and learn from it. Sarah
9. Back again! The administrator of the program took quick action---
Yesterday, the kids had more to do and there even was a schedule up of what they were doing that day!
I saw the same thing this morning.
There was a new person working there also--don't think she's staying but they're turning things around. Will be back in a week or so to let you know how it goes. Thanks again!
10. After I wrote a couple weeks ago--things were better for awhile, but when the new person left--it went back to chaos and seemingly lack of interest. Well, when I went back yesterday, the former person in charge was (is) no longer there! Guess sometimes shaking things up is the way to go!
The new lead teacher seems nice and my daughter likes her. In just two days, we can see changes! I think hearing from other caregivers in the field and reading what is on this site-gave me the understanding that my daughter's program wasn't OK.
Thank-you for understanding. Parent
11. Comment from another Parent...
I'm not the above parent but I'm also an unhappy parent.
I could have written that first note. I saw this thread two weeks ago and did what was advised. I was met with a "defensive attitude" after talking with the supervisor at the day care.
My son is in the 4th grade. He has been in the system since Pre-K and the staff does the same thing every single year! There is very little variety or the activities are just too young for upper elementary.
This is a private daycare with after-school provided by van pick up. The school he attends doesn't have a program. (No money to work with) So you see my dilemma. The only person I can talk to is the building director.
I started looking yesterday for a new program but so far no luck. I see by reading this site---what it SHOULD be like!
Any suggestions?????
Another Unhappy Parent
12. Dear "Unhappy Parent #2" I have a few questions but based on what you say:
Find a day care that has quite of few school-age kids in the program. The more older children attending and the more attention will be paid to their NEEDS.
Also, observe the program before you commit to attending. Since it'll be before or after school, take your child with you.
Find out how much experience the program has with older children.
If the program has mainly infants and toddlers--it may not be the place for your son.
Good for you that you're taking the time to learn what makes a good program! If you leave where you are--First check out the NEW!
Also, encourage the children to ask the caregivers if the children can be INVOLVED IN PLANNING. Have them talk to the caregivers about what they-the children would like to do. (In a respectful manner)
Can you request this of your program director?
Caregivers should automatically be doing this but for some reason the program your son attends is not including the children in activity planning.
If you are still searching for a new program, ask the new director if children are included in planning activities? Are their ideas sought out? How are their needs being met? Also, when there are many younger children--can the program be structured so that older children are "big-brother/sisters" to the younger? Can the older youth be mentors? Many skills can be developed in this manner.
They can read stories, lead games, write and put on plays and skits, plan parties, build on themes, make snacks, etc.? Yes, they need their OWN time--but some of the above could be included. Let us know how it goes. Barb
13. Reply from Parent #2
I'm meeting with the director again today after work. Will let you know what happens. Some good suggestions--Especially about the older kids having input into programming and being mentors to the younger. Thank you!
14. Just a quick note-about out meeting last Friday-
My son and I met with the director of the Day Care. We started out with MY SON SAYING he was talking with a couple of his friends at the center-and they all thought it would be cool if they could have a meeting with their room teacher about some of the things that would be fun to do.
He also talked about the Idea Box and Activity of the Week that we read about here...and also being "helpers" with the younger children as a Community Service or Act of Kindness.
The older kids are with the younger children a LOT and are expected to do what the toddlers and Pre-K do! (Which is ridiculous)
She listened and said that he has some good ideas. Kids' meeting is today! He has a lot of ideas because we talked about some of the things from here. Thank you for your help.
Parent #2
P.S. I want you to know that I'm using some of the fun projects on this site AT HOME with my three children (the others are 2, 4, and 6) We did some of the art, the egg science and made a couple of the goop and play dough recipes! Also did the cranberry/orange for Christmas--and the fantastic chocolate, nuts, raisenettes, pretzel, etc. thing. Oh my gosh! Was that good!!! Will def, do that every year.
15. UPDATE FROM BOTH PARENTS!
I received personal contact notes from each parent. They both shared that things were't perfect, but their children were more engaged in the programs because of the advice offered in this thread! Thank you to all! Barb
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