Is This Micromanaging?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
My 7 month old started daycare two months ago at a center downtown. Generally, we've been really happy with the level of care, however there have been some inconsistencies. The daycare uses an app to update on # of diapers, feedings, naps, pictures, etc. When we took the tour, the director assured us that we would receive pictures/videos of activities daily and that the teachers would update the app regularly so parents were in the loop. Since starting, I'd say we only get about 60% of these daily updates - usually at least 1 -2 feedings or naps are never entered in, and I'm usually in the dark about how much my baby ate or slept while at daycare. Some days we don't get any pictures. Some days my baby is offered solids (entered into the app), somedays no info on solids is entered in. At pickup, the teacher often can't remember nap times so I don't know whether to adjust bedtime accordingly.
I've emailed the director once to (kindly) address these issues with the teachers and it did get better for the week following my email. Then updates started to fall off again. Should I email them again? I don't know whether to bring this up directly with the teachers because I don't want to overstep or micromanage them, and perhaps it's more appropriate coming from the director? Any advice welcomed! |
Anonymous
| My daycare has also always been a bit spotty about app usage. I would confirm with the director and/or teachers that your kid is getting solids every day (that should be consistent and at a consistent meal anyway) and that the teachers should be able to tell you when your baby last woke up from a nap at pickup even if it's not in the app. I found it hard to transition away from being hyperaware of every detail of eating and sleeping but in the end I would rather the carers were paying attention to my baby than remember to enter details into their phones. |
Anonymous
| The reality is, do you want them taking care of your baby - holding them while feeding, rocking when fussy, engaging in play - or do you want them to leave your baby laying somewhere while they update an app for 15 minutes for everyone who has a baby there? |
Anonymous
OP here - you make a great point. I definitely don't expect them to be on their phones incessantly updating the app. In fact, the director and teachers came up with a game plan that updates would only be uploaded twice a day (once mid morning and once later in the afternoon). I had even just asked that all the info be entered in by the end of the day, I don't even need it in real time. That still doesn't happen, so I'm debating whether to say something again. |
Anonymous
That's even harder, though -- they have to record every baby's stats constantly SOMEWHERE only to enter into the app later. I can't even remember when my baby napped this morning without checking the app I use to track his wake windows; trying to do that for 2-3 different babies (assuming the carers are with consistent children throughout the day and not trying to track all 6-8 who are in their room) in my head seems crazy. |
Anonymous
This! I am a director and am hesitant to begin using an app. It is a slippery slope from using the app to checking email, etc. I only allow them to use devices at rest time/when children are asleep. Otherwise I see babies by themselves while staff are on a tablet/laptop/phone. |
Anonymous
How does your staff update parents? Is it written down on paper and given to parents at pick up? |
Anonymous
|
We use this app and it’s a wonderful tool! But the reality is it takes a lot of time to enter in the information and we’re very busy! So while I understand your desire to have more frequent updates you should understand that that time is being used to be with the kids.
|
Anonymous
|
I think for an infant you should get accurate info on diapers and feeding...with sleeping close behind. Pictures are a lovely perk when available. Recording these should not take any amount of time.
I will add that I once picked up my preschooler from daycare early. It was really amusing to read a full report on the afternoon activities..with personal details about how much Larlo loved riding the swings at outdoor time...none of which had happened yet. Preschool details are not vital though. |
Anonymous
I will add that this was pre-ap time. Infants just had a sheet of paper for each where they jotted the info. I can not imagine it took more than 5 mins a day per kid. |
Anonymous
"Not take any amount of time"..haha. Try having 8 or more babies that you constantly have to record info for. I promise you this takes more time than you think. |
Anonymous
|
As the parent of three children who started daycare as infants, I think you are micro-managing. If you have concerns about diapering/eating, why don't you ask the teacher at pick up? Once you develop a relationship with the teacher(s), you can also get their numbers and text with them?
|
Anonymous
|
I think unless there is a medical need to track diapers and naps, the teachers usually follow a set schedule. They change diapers on demand as needed. And the days are fairly predictable. all of this information overload is the cherry on top to a good day but why would you really truly need to know exactly what time and how many diapers they had?
I think you have to accept that some days some data will be missed but is it critical data? Ask yourself that. |