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Date: 3/4/2006 2:09:00 AM
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Author:
Anglea Passi
(zeta1995xi@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Teacher Barefooted
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Hi,
My name is Angela Passi. I am a single mom of a 4year old. I live in New Mexico and I just put my son in a new preschool at a local YMCA. I have an issue with my son's preschool teacher. Today, (3-3-06) I picked up my son from the preschool center and to my amazement, his teacher was walking around completely barefooted. And her feet were pretty dirty on the bottoms. This morning when I dropped him off, she was wearing gym shoes and socks.
I come to find out from my son and another parent who use to work in the center that on a regular basis this woman takes off her shoes and/or socks and goes completely barefooted outside on the playground and throught the center (a ymca). And this woman routinely picks at her feet in class, in front of the children.
So my question to the rest of the board here is simple: Is it common for a preschool teacher to go barefooted in and around the school? It doesnt seem really healthy or safe to me. Am I making a big deal out of nothing?
I am not trying to offend those who go barefooted or work in their schools barefooted, I just wanted some opinions from those who work in preschools and child development centers. Have a great weekend, God bless.
Angela
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Date: 3/9/2006 8:41:00 AM
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Author:
Barb
(bjliben1386@aol.com)
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Subject:I think this whole bare foot discussion ...
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I think this whole bare foot discussion goes back to being professional. How often do you see doctors, nurses, teachers, attorneys, etc. working bare footed? My staff and children take their shoes off to foot paint or to walk on different textures as part of a scheduled activity, but they must have their shoes on the rest of the day. During the summer, flip flops are OK inside (except on pool days), but children and staff must have sneakers or some sort of closed shoe for outside. It is hard to climb on the equipment or run in flip flops. We have enough skinned knees with children wearing sneakers. Just imagine what it would be if they were wearing flip-flops.
And on the shoe topic......it was in the 30's this morning with the afternoon temperature to be in the high 40's. One parent (a staff member) brought her children to the center today in sandles and no socks. Both of her children have lots of colds and her one child was out several days last week with strept throat. What was she thinking this morning? I often wonder if parents let their children make their own clothing choices without checking them.
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Date: 4/19/2006 2:03:00 PM
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Author:
Suzanne
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Subject:No Shoes!!!
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I have two boys and They love going barefoot! I think it's fabulous when a preschool allows that. I don't think going barefoot is going to cause more germs to be spread than they already are, but for those Germ phobia parents - my sons school has the children take their shoes off at the door and they put on "surf/water" shoes. The soles are soft to encourage more muscle strength, but they do protect the feet. Doctors tell us to let our children go barefoot as often as possible because the soles of childrens shoes are so rigid. I'm really surprised by this debate - I would love for my child to have a teacher that is willing to get dirty and interact with him, especially since I'm not able to most of the time. A preschool should absolutely be clean, but would you prefer that she would be more woried about apearances than caring and interacting with your child?
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Date: 7/27/2006 4:28:00 PM
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Author:
Dee
(deedee19514@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Barefeet
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Pay a visit to the Parents For Barefoot Children web site at www.unshod.org/pfbc There is a barefoot to school section.
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Date: 4/19/2006 6:55:00 PM
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Author:
Melody-Little Sonbeams Christian Daycare & Preschool
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Subject:barefoot preschool teacher...
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I own and operate a Licensed Group Home Childcare business (capacity 12). I require that all children come in socks and gym shoes. I feel that for maximum fun and safety outdoors children need to be in socks and gym shoes. Outdoors, there are rocks, sticks, bees, etc. that could pose dangers to bare feet. Indoors we do not allow shoes, because it is my home and I like to protect my carpet. However, I REQUIRE all children to be in socks at all times for safety and cleanliness. I think what your son's teacher is doing sounds pretty unprofessional and I cannot believe a director of any program would allow that. Have you brought it up with the director? That would be my suggestion, because that just isn't sanitary, safe, or professional. Good luck!
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Date: 10/3/2006 12:23:00 PM
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Author:
Peggy Ussery
(usseryp@ci.pacifica.ca.us)
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Subject:Barefoot....
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I love all the discussion that this subject has stirred up. Barefoot????I remember my daughter's preschool....barefeet, bare butts...no clothes was the norm. What ever happened to those 60's?
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Date: 10/23/2006 2:04:00 PM
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Author:
Kristine
(ssnydremarks@aol.com)
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Subject:Bare Feet at School
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Ok, I am jumping in on this one a little late. I also must say I have not read all of the posts, but have a point myself :)
We are required to wear shoes all day as are the children. There are two main reasons for this.
One, fire drills. If we have a fire drill, we evacuate across the street and meet under a pine tree. There is no way a two year old teacher could careyy seven children in the snow, heat or on pine needles. And that is what would end up happening, kids crying due to outside hazards. We also would not allow anyone to stop and put on shoes. This habit is one that needs to be "burnt" into their minds in case there ever was an emergency.
Two, we have had kids take off their shoes and get serious injuries. This also include kids in sandals, a huge pet peeve of mine in the summer. The kids can not play as well with them on as they would sneakers. They are learning to move those little bodies still and need the support.
So, there is my .02 worth. :)
Kristine
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Date: 10/24/2006 12:34:00 AM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:Sneakers
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Isin't it funny - here in QLD Australia i am thanking god for the beautiful weather that permits me to leave the children barefoot until very late in the afternoon ! (in fact many of our children arrive barefoot) and i find sneakers the worst of all to wrestle back on to hot sweaty little feet. We are very fortunate that our yard backs onto a school oval (About 1 and 1/2 football fields) with no roads to cross, it is our safest meeting place for our fire drills (Funny now i think about it the 3 times we have had to really evacuate it was to get away from the oval - a bush fire where we were smoked out, an unwelcome snake and an unexploded world war 2 bomb that some kids at the school dug up) We prefere that children do not climb in sandles, they are not allowed to climb in thongs (flip flops?) and its just too hot here for shoes and socks for most of the year.
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Date: 12/18/2006 9:39:00 AM
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Author:
Amy
(amyb@smartstart-fc.org)
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Subject:Teacher barefooted
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I think that while you have a valid concern, there are other things that need to be considered. Do the children seem happy and well engaged throughout the day? Does the teacher have a developmentally appropriate classroom? Is health and sanitation being completely ignored? If teacher is a whiz at what she does without compromising the health and safety of the children, it may not be as big of an issue. I do agree that it is not best practice to go barefoot in a preschool class for a number of reasons. However, think about some of the positive things that go on in the class. If this is the only negative issue you have, I would say that your child is pretty fortunate. Good luck!
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Date: 6/11/2007 9:42:00 PM
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Author:
Jamie
(jamie_charles2003@yahoo.com)
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Subject:barefoot
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I am a preachool teacher and in my school we wear no shoes. i live in Japan and it is part of their culture not wear shoes inside. the kids must wear shoes outside. I personally think it is gross if the teacher would be picking at their feet.
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Date: 8/24/2007 6:06:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:barefoot
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No one is questioning if it is your culture to not wear shoes then that is ok for your situation. It isn't appropriate or safe in some cultures. In the US there are places you can not go into if you are not wearing the appropriate clothing or SHOES. So why should a school be different?
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Date: 8/28/2007 1:52:00 PM
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Author:
haifa
(yalema49@hotmail.com)
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Subject:preschool
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Hi jamie, i read your note and I would like to ask you about teaching preschool in Japan It must be great. I am a preKG teacher in Amman Jordan and I would like to no more about your daily routine. if it is possible.thanks
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Date: 3/4/2006 5:41:00 PM
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Author:
mosquito - from Australia
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Subject:to shoe or not to shoe!!!
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I would LOVE to walk around the centre barefooted!!! But we're not allowed to. We have to keep a 'professional' look!
I love playing in the sand and wearing shoes and socks just makes it annoying. On a hot day, I can't stand to wear shoes - so being barefoot would make it easier to stay cool. I figure if the children are allowed to take their shoes off during the day why not staff?
However, I would put my shoes back on (as the children do) before parents arrive. Parents don't really want to see my dirty feet when they arrive!!!
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Date: 3/5/2006 4:29:00 PM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:I love to go barefoot too! (maybe its a ...
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I love to go barefoot too! (maybe its a aussie thing!) but i too put them back on ASAP to maintain a professional look! (plus ours must be competly inclosed shoes, no trendy slip ons or comphy colrarados!) but in all honesty the best part of my day is barefoot in the sand squishing sandcastles with my toddler group.just the other day my assistant and i took our swimmers and played under the hose with the children and shared ice cream in the shade - it was a fantastic day that all the children loved. You might just have the best teacher there! she obviously is constantly interacting with the children at their level if she is getting that grubby!(any teacher that wears a high heals and a skirt that works with little children honestly could not interact with them at their level... she might break a nail!) You could drop her a really big hint and give her a relaxing foot scrub from the body shop as a christmas gift!)
I bet your 4 year old just loves her... ask him who is best teacher is?
A quick question of the ex staff member that told you she picks at them all day - did they leave in good will? or work in her room? its very hard to really tell whats going on in the next room when you are in yours all day - they might be exagerating.
if she is picking her feet, can only hope she is washing her hands, - but remember the kids pick much worse body parts, sneeze and cough on each other anyway!
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Date: 12/24/2006 8:44:00 AM
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Author:
C. Burton
(burton1271@verizon.net)
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Subject:Shoes or no shoes professional or not
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My question to this is, "Does the shoes a person wears or dont wear make him/her any more a professional?" I think not. My shoes dont retain the knowledge/skills needed to do my trade nor makes me any more a professional. If a person doesnt have the knowledge or skills to perform their job it doesnt matter what they wear on their feet.
Bottomline the shoe industry has "brain-washed" our society into this "germa-phobic", "foot-phobic",and weakened our feet from wearing these "casts". Shoes are casts which weaken the muscles in our feet and we wonder why we have so many foot problems. In countries where shoes are not worn people have few foot problems. Granted shoes can protect our feet when absolutely necessary. But for the most part people could go 70% of the day without shoes and survive if we were not SO worried about what others think. With some exceptions of certain health care jobs and mill industry jobs where shoes are a absolute safety issue.
All school/daycare teachers as far as I am concerned could go barefooted. Not allowing your students to be comfortable may inhibit them from doing their best. Many students probably go barefooted all the time at home and study that way. Just like if you are one who has to have it completely quiet to study some may be bothered by simply having their feet covered.
Fire drills--simple solution-- build and assigned shoe boxes by the door and practice drills grabbing shoes during evacuation of the room.
I am sure some will absolutely disagree with me and that is your right. But that is my two cents.
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Date: 1/3/2007 11:05:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:no shoes
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That is true that soceity tells us to conform to certain things. You have to be a certain size, have a certain hair color stc. to be anybody. Thes also don't affect the abilities anyone has to do their job. So everything is basically run on what soceity wants.
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Date: 1/3/2007 11:05:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:no shoes
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That is true that soceity tells us to conform to certain things. You have to be a certain size, have a certain hair color etc. to be anybody. Thes also don't affect the abilities anyone has to do their job. So everything is basically run on what soceity wants.
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Date: 3/8/2006 6:05:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:barefoot
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It is totally disgusting to do that in a public place. Your feet are dirty, who knows what germs are there. Then she touches her feet then the children. GROSS!!!!!. Yes it would be cooler in the summer but it is not clean and safe for the children. I would hope that the children are not allowed to walk around barefoot either. There could be something on the floor that cold get into their feet. If the person wants to go barefoot at her home go for it. But it should be allowed in a public place especially a school.
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Date: 8/9/2006 12:38:00 PM
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Author:
Just me
(eachpeachpearplum0314@yahoo.com)
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Subject:I have to second that, my o my, would th...
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I have to second that, my o my, would this mother love my home preschool, which is registered as a preschool/daycare
I breastfeed my baby and I walk around barefoot and I have two large dogs and about 7 cats. And 3 babies and 4 preschoolers. More of a homeschool enviroment, then a normal preschool, but do the kids learn they sure do, and they run around barefoot with me, and dance in the rain. Eat yummy, whole foods, that we general plant out in our garden, which I may add has dirt in it
And OMigosh the children are all healthy, and learning. And I have a waiting list for slots. And most my kids have been with me since they were infants. We have never had an issue with fugus, ringworm, pinworm, fleas, ticks or any other nasty. And as a whole the kids are healthy
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Date: 3/8/2006 12:29:00 PM
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Author:
bethie
(Early childhood ages)
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Subject:A question
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This might be a really dumb question, but how is it less sanitary to wear shoes than to "wear" bare feet? Dirt and germs get on your shoes and you wear them inside spreading the dirt and germs around and the same thing happens with bare feet. I can understand the teacher picking at her feet is not sanitary, but otherwise ?? I know it is more professional to wear shoes, that is a very good reason to wear them.
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Date: 3/8/2006 6:25:00 PM
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Author:
mosquito - from Australia
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Subject:no shoes!!!!!
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If you allow the children to sit on the floor then why can't they walk on it with bare feet. As long as the floor is clean I don't see a problem with it. Children should be allowed to experience different textures and surfaces on their feet, as they do with their hands. It encourages them to move their feet in different ways and develops muscles in their feet and legs which they can't do with shoes on. In Australia children are encouraged to play on the fort (jungle gym) with bare feet to help them to develop these muscles.
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Date: 3/9/2006 6:03:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:barefeet
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They can develop muscles in their feet with shoes on also. I don't know how it is in Australia but sitting on the floor in your clothes is totally different than your feet being expose to the dirty floor. Even if the floors are clean people still walk on them so they aren't that clean. There could also be something on the floor that could hurt their foot that no one can see. Having shoes on protects this from happening.
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Date: 3/9/2006 11:01:00 PM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:shoes!
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the floor in my toddler room is swept three times and mopped twice a day! and is perfectly sanitary for bare feet! and clothed bottoms ( i do have a rule that they must sit at the table to eat and drink)
It is proven fact that children are sicker now than they were 2 decades ago... why because everything is disinfected so much that their little bodys dont know how to deal with germs
the children in my room have always been barefoot for the bulk of the day - only when it is cold (which is all of 8 weeks in a year in QLD Australia)do i leave shoes on them all day - the germs they might carry on their shoes is no different to the germs that could be on their feet.
Plus i too think it is much safer for the children to climb with bare feet. the soles on most shoes are far to slipery to risk their little arms and legs on.
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Date: 3/23/2006 7:11:00 PM
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Author:
Ashley
(babybiggs2002@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Narelle I agree with you 110%..im barefooted also at work
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Narelle, PLEASE email me at babybiggs2002@yahoo.com, as we are alot alike and need to talk. This woman isnt committing any crimes doing what she is doing by no means, give this poor , hard working gal a break.
Ashley in Virginia
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Date: 10/27/2006 3:09:00 PM
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Author:
hulacoupe
(r)
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Subject:shoes
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I work at a private center in a Christian school and shoes are mandatory for kids. Teachers wear them most of the time but aren't required to do so all day. I love that our kids can play outside on our playground and feel the grass on their toes and wiggle feet in the sand. They love it if I join them. Our parents like the fact that the kids feel "at home". The one rule is that during the winter - socks muust stay on inside. THat and shoes go on after nap before moms and dads pick up. Just for the sake of ease for parents. My two cents... Check out the Ooey Gooey Lady's web site for a great article on preschool teachr's "uniform."
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Date: 3/15/2006 10:29:00 AM
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Author:
Lola
(lolakemper2000@yahoo.com)
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Subject:NO, NO, NO!
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I will not allow my teachers to go barefooted. COMPLETELY unprofessional, NO, No, No!
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Date: 3/23/2006 1:07:00 PM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:For 90% of the day my shoes are on my fe...
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For 90% of the day my shoes are on my feet - but there are times in everyday where i have my shoes off - when i am playing with and teaching the children at their own level in the sand or during water play and when i am patting them off to sleep (i am not putting my shoes on their beds)and i very much consider myself to be a professional. I have spent the last 12 years working with children and some of the best times have been barefoot! I am very forunate to have directors that encourage us to interact with the children at there level and allow us to be a little bit silly at times which the children love (i keep a clown suit and wig at work to liven up story time! and i have been nominated as the easter bunny to dress up in a big silly suit to come and visit the children easter week)
I guess what i am trying to say is Relax and enjoy the kids - its not about looking like a Dr, or Lawyer its all about the children and helping them have the best childhood ever.
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Date: 3/22/2006 5:51:00 PM
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Author:
Jade Renee
(jrlea2@student.monash.edu.au)
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Subject:Bare feet
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It really just comes down to your personal philosophy-to me exploring the centre and being close to nature are more important values than looking profesional! Playing in the sand and walking around in bare feet offers children a wonderful sensory experience, and the teacher is probably leading by exaple. People only started wearing shoes in the last few hundered years,and many cultures still dont wear shoes at all, so thinking its 'unhygenic' to go bare foot is an unfound cultural prejudice. Why not just approach your sons teacher and ask her why she chooses to go barefoot-im sure she has a very good explination! And remember to keep an open mind- just because somethings not 'normal' doesnt mean it wronge-there would be no point sending your child to pre school if the teacher did exactly what you do at home!
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Date: 3/23/2006 1:58:00 PM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:barefoot
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Some cultures do not wear shoes true but in our we do. There may be times when children could be barefoot if swimming etc. but just for everyday playing and exploring in the classroom NO. That is not being as you call it culturally predjuice.
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Date: 12/1/2006 2:35:00 PM
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Author:
Lin
(followthebutterflies@gmail.com)
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Subject:barefeet teachers
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I can understand the need to be barefoot - I do it occasionally especially when I'm physically active with the children. Some centers require you to have professional footwear - how the shoes look take precedence over how they are going to support your feet during muscle room time or any time when you can't simply walk. They need to come with a compromise - if you're working sans shoes, you need to have an extra pair of socks/stockings that has not been in your shoes to put on, and be able to quickly put on shoes for emergencies/the bathroom.
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Date: 3/23/2006 1:55:00 PM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:barefoot
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that is great taht you interact like that with your children. It isn't a matter of how it looks professionally with me it is a health and safety issue. Steping on something bad, or the germs being spread etc.
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Date: 4/1/2006 4:48:00 PM
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Author:
Michelle
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Subject:Im really surprised about this debate. I...
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I'm really surprised about this debate. I thought all child care centres, like mine, have the rule that you staff must wear closed in shoes all day all year. This is a OH&S; and work cover issue. Eight years ago when I first worked in child care I used to go barefoot on hot days and I miss that (I particularly hate wearing shoes in the sand pit) but times have changed drammatically. I didn't know there were centres where people got the choice about shoes - enjoy it while you can!
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Date: 4/4/2006 6:05:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:shoes
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There should be rules about this. I would be very upset if my child walked around with out shoes on and even more upset if the teachers did. I think that is a good rule.
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Date: 4/4/2006 4:09:00 PM
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Author:
mosquito - from Australia
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Subject:barefoot all the way!!!
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wow! I'm amazed at how much discussion this topic has had!! As someone else said - it all comes down to where you live and how you were brought up.
I would be upset if my child was not allowed to take off their shoes!!!! I am upset because I'm not allowed to take mine off at work!!!
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Date: 4/4/2006 11:14:00 PM
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Author:
bobbiann
(bigddog803@go.com)
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Subject:it all depends on were ya live!
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I visited schools in the South (USA), and the preschools there many kids came to school barefoot. Hawaii is pretty much flip-flops, which can be taken off when you are seated in class or out on the playground. You can stub a toe as easily as pinch a finger. Doctors recommend shoes for babies when they hit 2! Shoes outside if protection is needed. The foot muscles need to develop. And then there are those Waldorf schools. Many lessons encourage the kids to go barefoot. There are many foot muscles that are never used if you have shoes on. And if you don't work those muscles, you'll never develop full use of them. All though I wonder, one activity was picking up small ojects like a pencil or a marble with you toes. After you pick the object up, then you pass it off to the other child in the circle. Teaches motor balance and an awareness of your body center. The oine use I have for this, I can pick up a pen off the floor without bending over! Try that shoe wearers!
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Date: 4/4/2006 8:11:00 PM
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Author:
Ashley
(babybiggs2002@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Im a barefooted preschool teacher also, contact me
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Mosquito,
My name is Ashley. I go barefooted at my job in a presechool also. Please email me at babybiggs2002@yahoo.com
Take care,
Ashley
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Date: 4/5/2006 12:47:00 AM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:Bobbiann you are so right, it does depen...
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Bobbiann you are so right, it does depend on where you live! we are on the coast, the centre is built 100 meters from the the pacific ocean - the weather is perfect 300 days a year (today was 34 not sure what that translates too about 110 i think?) it is a beach culture we have Mums that pick their children up in a bikini with the dog so they can go to the beach! thats why i dont think its a big issue if i take my shoes off while i am in the sandpit!
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Date: 4/19/2006 11:24:00 AM
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Author:
Linda
(t0good@webtv.net)
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Subject:bees
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Speaking of feet, I have about an acre of land here. i just discovered a MAJOR problem with bees that are living in the ground. I sprayws a few weeks ago - we were closed for a whole week, but they made new holes elsewhere. Anyone know of anything that will kill them outright? I'm not looking to be humane and could care less to be honest!
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Date: 4/19/2006 2:12:00 PM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:no shoes
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Just think of all the parents and teachers that want the children running around in barefeet. BEE stings on their feet. I hope you care more about the kids than that.
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Date: 4/20/2006 2:26:00 PM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:Bee Stings!
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Rudy, I really dont think their is anyone in this debate that would send any child out into a playarea we knew was suffering from a bee plague! The mere thought of it is horrifying but got me thinking of all the stings and bites that i have treated over the years (aprox 13 now) and i honestly dont think there would have been 10 (in fact i have never treated a bee sting at all!) - grazzed knees on the other hand the number would be more like a 1000! The only broken bone that i have seen was when i was a student (not a paid care giver) and one of the children got his shoe! (a big gym shoe at that!) caught in the scrabble net - falling backwards and broke his coller bone.
I honestly think it depends on where you are - what the climate is like and what is considered socially acceptable i remember spending almost my whole childhood barefoot - running about outside with the bees and bugs and every other kid in the street.
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Date: 4/20/2006 6:16:00 AM
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Author:
Nikki
(daylilly@mywdo.com)
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Subject:re: barefoot
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I guess my thought is, has anyone considered ringworm, athlete's foot, pinworm, or any other funguses? I think it's great that people go barefoot. In a totally 'safe' setting. I feel it's up to the state health department to determine if the setting is 'safe' to barefoot. The teacher should not be picking her feet however. That's for her to do in the privacy and safety of her own home.
Have a great day everyone.
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Date: 5/2/2006 3:12:00 AM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:Parent Input
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It is a world wide problem! People are just too busy (most honestly dont have the time and other choose not to make the time!)Just the other morning one of my Mums passed me her son "GO TO THE LADY!" she told him as she ran off... I felt so insulted because I have looked after him for a year and had his sister in my class last year - I wear a name tag! and at the sign in desk is a photo of every staff member with their name, room, qualifiaction and years of experience. BUT you carnt let these parents get to you, you are doing all the right things by providing lots of opertunities for the parents who want to get involved - some things that did help me - I created a diary for every shild that i allow the parents to take home (its only a little more work than their old portfolios)Inside the cover i had a feed back sheet and got 80% feedback. The most i have ever had! I think it was because i let the parents take them home so they could do it in their own time (i made a copy of every diary for the centre as a backup - this also allowed parents to keep the diary) We also invested in a digital camera - as parents love to see pics of their children and you can use them as an opening to a conversation. My assistant and i keep a list inside the cupboard of parent names so we can address them by their first name - they appreciate that and tend to return the favor - much nicer than being called "THE LADY!"
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Date: 8/9/2006 12:32:00 PM
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Author:
Each Peach
(me@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Uh, you can get ringworm
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from hands alos, so should we be required to wear gloves?
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Date: 5/1/2006 4:19:00 PM
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Author:
April
(veronicalee97@yahoo.com)
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Subject:Communicating with parents
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I work M-F 8:30 to 3:15. Some parents I rarely or never see. I send home Daily Notes everyday, monthly newsletter, and any articles, ect. thoughout the month in between. I send home processed art work. At the end of the newsletters after signing my name I put my email and home phone number. We have scheduled times during the the year for conferences, which only a few parents participate even when offered to do it by phone or email. Seems like really the parents that complain that they don't know me are the ones that never read the daily notes or newsletters and grip about having a teacher that is following school policy about not to bring food from home or sippy cups. So, am I doing all that I can do? Does anyone have suggestions to reach out to the parents in a better way?
Thanks,
April
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Date: 5/1/2006 8:09:00 PM
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Author:
Linda
(t0good@webtv.net)
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Subject:Sad fact
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The sad fact is that we live in a world where most people ask "What's in it for me?" before deciding to do something or not. Their initiating anything has a slim-to-not chance of happening.
You're better off having a pot-luck dinner where everyone brings in SOMETHING and you can all sit down and be social together. If they can't be relaxed in a social setting, they never will be. So my ultimate suggestion is a picnic/dinnner/what not where the children don't need to perform and parents can come and relax after a full day themselves.
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Date: 5/13/2006 9:13:00 AM
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Author:
Abbey
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Subject:Hello from australia - we use email and...
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Hello from australia - we use email and mobile text messages with our parents - we send newsletters, photos of their children, notes of interest - been very sucessful thus far! Parents can view at own leisure and in the comfort of own home and occasionally we do get messages back.
We also burn things onto CDs - photos etc for parents to keep especially at Christmas. A great overview of the child's time at the centre.
Go with the technology - can't go wrong.
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Date: 5/2/2006 2:16:00 PM
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Author:
bobbiann
(bigddog803@go.com)
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Subject:one better!
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I was at the store, I heard Hi Mrs. Bobbi! said Hi Jakoby! Mom scolded the son for talking to a stranger. He told her "thats my teacher Mrs. Bobbi!" she said no, Your wrong, thats not your teacher! I tried but couldn't convince this mom. She screamed that I was a 'stalking stranger'! she even got help! and I had her boy for four months! (auntie brought him to school, mom worked, but I spoke to her before on phone) I even still had on my school ID badge! (thank goodness, that proved to someone with sense that I was his teacher!)
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Date: 5/4/2006 1:59:00 PM
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Author:
me
(danamg@earthlink.net)
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Subject:Question on getting parents involved
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How does everyone here get parents more involved in the classroom? How do you handle issues concerning parents, and what do you do to build rapport with them? Thanks in advance!
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Date: 5/3/2006 6:32:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:teacher
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Don't you have some kind of orientation before the children start in your care. We require ALL parents to come to school before their children start that way we know who they are.
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Date: 5/3/2006 11:45:00 AM
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Author:
bethie
(Early childhood ages)
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Subject:Irrate mom
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It seems like him calling you by name and you calling him by name would have given her a clue that you weren't a stranger. And getting help - after you explained to her who you were and showed your badge? Very strange, indeed. She might have a mental problem?
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Date: 5/3/2006 1:57:00 PM
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Author:
bobbiann
(bigddog803@go.com)
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Subject:orientations
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yeh, we have orientation. but both parents aren't required to attend. you get a few odd ducks every now and then.
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Date: 5/4/2006 2:04:00 PM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:parents
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we have a n orientation before the children start. They are required to attend before their child starts class. Then we have parent teacher conferences We go on field trips and get parents to go with us. We have night programs and provide food for them. We just instill that the parents are always welcome in the classroom anytime.
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Date: 5/16/2006 1:56:00 PM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:Abbey they sound like great ideas - i wo...
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Abbey they sound like great ideas - i would love to do the cd idea! but at the moment i am still gluing photos by hand into a diary with learning storys/art/checklists ect and the parents take them home to read and bring them back (hopefully still in one piece!)
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Date: 5/16/2006 6:25:00 PM
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Author:
Abbey the Australian
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Subject:Yep
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We do the portfolios as well and although they are great in every way, some parents still want more so we try to do it for them! (If you know what I mean...the more you give them, the more they want...) And I guess with a CD you can use the phots for screen savers, print them off at their own leisure...whatever floats their boat!
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Date: 5/16/2006 7:04:00 PM
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Author:
Abbey from Australia
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Subject:also...
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I wanted to also add, Narelle and anyone else listening out there, that I went to a PD in Melbourne on working collaboratively with parents and the like and a really good idea for communicating with parents that I got out of it was; using a portable dvd player or laptop with the cds that you have burnt the photos onto being used at the front entrance of your service or at the sign in area for a continual slide show. The lady presenting it said that she was overwhelmed by the number of parents who are 'usually too busy' to stop for a chat were observed standing for 5 to 10 minutes waiting to see their child appear on the screen...so I thought that was really interesting! I would love to do something like that myself but with limited funds, you know how the story goes! I thought that if there was anything you wanted to say, e.g. important info re meetings, working bees etc that you could have a screen entwined into the photos solely for that purpose, just a brief outline. The possibilities are endless. I often think that many of the photos we take of he children that don't make it into the portfolios could be used for this purpose, rather than trashing them. In the case of parents not knowing who you are, you could place your own photo on there...like I said the possibilities are endless. If only my centre had one...
(thanks for your positive feedback Narelle!)
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Date: 6/16/2006 2:19:00 PM
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Author:
terri enters
(teneters@lsswis.org)
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Subject:barefoot
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The staff and children can go barefoot inside and out. We never had anything bad happen. We work with children, being professional is being barefoot!
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Date: 7/13/2006 2:03:00 PM
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Author:
amy chance
(ALCHANCE123@HOTMAIL.COM)
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Subject:No Shoes!!
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The center I work at has just developed a no shoes in the building policy. It includes everyone(even parents.) We have "shoe zones" were parents stop to drop off or pick up their child. It is pretty neat! One of the things I am looking for is research to help support our policy of keeping shoes off and germs out. Any suggested sites to find research on this topic??
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Date: 7/14/2006 5:31:00 AM
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Author:
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Subject:i love it!
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What a great policy! i dont know where you would find research on it - but i do know that 'hard sole' shoes are not recomended for under 2's as their bones are still soft enough for a bad fitting shoe to do dammage. At our centre staff must wear shoes at all times, unless involved in sand/water play - we only enforce the children wearing shoes in cold weather and on excurisons. It is centre policy (and put into practice) that the floor is mopped twice a day and all out door play areas have a safty checklist that is done everyday.
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Date: 10/6/2006 4:17:00 AM
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Author:
Anissa
(anissaskids@hotmail.com)
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Subject:Barefeet!
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I'm a home child care provider and during the summer especially we all go barefoot. The kids love it and so do I. I'm not sure that I would do the same thing if I worked in a school or center. This is yet another reason why I work in a home environment and believe that it is best for children.
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Date: 7/26/2006 8:25:00 PM
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Author:
Debi
(lhussell@charter.net)
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Subject:child wont eat
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I will be working with a 2 year old that can not eat---he vomits with most textured foods. He is highly allergic to many foods ( even touching them)--nuts, chips, oils, dairy, eggs...
He breaks out in hives if he just touches these foods.
I will working to build a trust with food--example feeding his mom, working in the kitchen (ex. preparing apple sauce). Any other suggestions.
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Date: 7/27/2006 3:31:00 AM
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Author:
Narelle
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Subject:special diet
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Food allergies can be really difficult to work with - i think the best thing for you to do is sit down and have a LONG chat with mum - Not ony for food ideas but also so for you to develop an action plan should he ever be exposed to any of those foods. Ask Mum what his faviourite foods are and stcik to them in the begining. Secondly you need to know why the child vomits so readily - Is it a medical condition or behavioural problem? ( a few years ago i had a two year old in my room who did not say no.... she just threw up! it was fowl! and the little minx did it to her parents and us at least twice a day)I would be guessing but think the vomiting is linked to his allergies - (or there is so much fuss about food in his world the smart little cookie has it sussed in his favor!)
The best thing for you to do is talk to mum - shes the person who knows him the best!
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Date: 10/3/2006 11:51:00 AM
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Author:
Linda ARocho
(t0good@webtv.net)
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Subject:special diets
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Doesn't this child's doctor have a list of foods he shouldn't ingest? Potato chips and oils have the common denominator of oils - while dairy is in a lot of different things.
Just read the labels carefully and avoid those things that he has reactions to.
We have a girl who can't have strawberries, a boy who can't have dairy products or things that are highly acidic (tomatoes, oranges), and a boy who's on a gluten free diet. The only "easy" child is the one on a caffeine free diet. When his mother asked if that would be a problem, I had to hold back the smile. Please, like we give any of these children caffeine!
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Date: 10/3/2006 5:22:00 PM
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Author:
katy rad
(katyrad@roger.com)
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Subject:biting
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hi
I run my own business as a home care provider,i have an early childhoo diploma and i have been in this field for several years. i have a 19 moths boy who gets frustrated so fast and bit the other kid. we try different strategy such as shadowing him or giving him a time out. if you have other strategy please let me know.
thank you
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Date: 12/15/2006 11:44:00 PM
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Author:
Nicole
(nickdave1@hotmail.com)
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Subject:No shoes or shoes!!
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I am way overdue on contributing to the shoe discussion but here's my view anyway. Living and working in Viet Nam and coming from Australia, one has had to adjust quite a few of my EC views. In Viet Nam it is customary that you leave your shoes at the door and children are therefore barefooted in the classroom. I have recently become barefooted in the classroom after a child commented that it was dirty to wear shoes inside!! More considerate of diversity than previously, I always still consider the health and safety and cleanliness issues in my class. I definitely don't think its unprofessional as some indicated. I consider myself a dedicated EC professional.
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Date: 6/24/2007 9:11:00 AM
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Author:
turtle gal
(schach-gray@rcn.com)
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Subject:shoes at school
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I think it matters where the school is located and what kind of environment is available. Certainly a warm dry climate allows for greater flexibility than a cold wet one, as going out barefoot in New England in January is a lot different than being barefoot in Florida in January! Also an urban vs. rural setting, as urban schools often have paved yards that are accessible to other groups at different times of the day. Even if the play yards are fenced in,thoughtless passersby will sometimes toss bottles or other trash over the fence. While teachers police the area regularly, it is impossible to find and dispose of every single bit of glass, bottle top or other potentially hazardous item. So we keep our shoes on!
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Date: 7/22/2007 6:34:00 PM
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Author:
felixbird
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Subject:shoes at school
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The daycare that I work at requires the nursery staff (6 weeks -15 months) to wear socks instead of shoes. I am in Pennsylvania. It is the norm here for infant rooms to be shoe free or to carry in clean classroom only sneakers to keep the floors clean.
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