Requesting class change kindergartener

[Anonymous]

Without going into too much detail- we would like to ask for a class switch for our kindergartener. Does anyone have experience with this? Are we likely to get denied or do principals sometimes make accommodations? I know it’s only been two days but I’d rather address it now then wait. I’m sure it’s school by school but I’d love to hear others’ experiences.

[Anonymous]

A lot of principals will preemptively state in their back to school messages that they will not be considering any requests for changes. I'd be reluctant to request a change unless there was some really serious situation that would warrant it.

[Anonymous]

Just do it. At least you’re getting in at the ground floor even if then deny you now - you can ask again later if it gets worse. Many years ago my DS had a very bad start to the school year. A wiser and more assertive friend said we should ask to change classrooms. I didn’t and it only got worse. And the teachers were later revealed to be very well known for problematic behavior.

[Anonymous]

Those principals are idiots and I'd ignore that nonsense.

We've had some great teachers at MCPS (the vast majority in middle and high school were truly excellent) but my son's 1st grade teacher was typically absent, had dance parties for the kids once a week where they did no work, ignored my kid because she said he seemed ahead and there were lots of kids who needed to catch up and gave the same homework assignment every single week. She was useless. I regret not asking to switch. Instead we left MCPS for a few years for private school because that teacher really made it such a miserable year.

Children are entitled to an education and a hiring mistake should not mean my kid gets no instruction for a year.

Of course I'd phrase it differently than just "I don't like the teacher," We tell our kids that isn't grounds to switch. There must be a real issue that is going to prevent them from thriving that year. And thriving is important - it isn't just about survival.

I think if there is a bullying situation with other kids, it's an easy reason to switch. It's when you don't like the vibe from the teacher that the principal is going to ignore the request.

[Anonymous]

I think this entirely depends on the reason for the change. If it's just that you got a crap teacher--well, someone has to get that teacher. If there is a specific reason your child needs a new teacher--particularly if this relates to an IEP accommodation--then you may have more luck.

[Anonymous]

Not a chance any principal will make a change after 2 days. Esp in kindergarten, where the kids don't know the routine yet and everything is nutso.

- EE in an ES

[Anonymous]

I suspect the squeaky wheels get the class switched. I know some do every year. Most of us won’t ask because we’ve been told we can’t and it would be super awkward with the current teacher. The brazen might get their way.

[Anonymous]

You know I would just try to frame things in a really respectful way and explain why a teacher change/classroom change would benefit your kid without insulting their current kindergarten teacher. It's really hard to give specific advice without the details.

That being said it's only been 2 days and you might need to give the teacher at least a week or two to get things sorted out. It's possible that the principal is not going to make a switch right away either for that reason.

[Anonymous]

If your kid ended up with the weak teacher, they will not do it as everyone wants out. If it is something else then try it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It’s actually got nothing to do with the teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It’s actually got nothing to do with the teacher.

So what is it? Another student in the classroom?

[Anonymous]

I think OP posted in another thread about having conflict with another mom during summer camp and asking for the kids to be separated but theyb were still placed together

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think OP posted in another thread about having conflict with another mom during summer camp and asking for the kids to be separated but theyb were still placed together

if that is the case, they should deny it. Moms are adults, get over it.

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen it done multiple times, principals really don’t have as much say over this as you think. It goes best when approached calmly, assertively, with definitive reasons why it’s better for the child. Yes, sometimes they first say no, but a single strongly worded letter to the superintendent about the difficulty with the principal usually gets things moving. If not a legal letter always works. Squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease.

[Anonymous]

This is the thread. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1078203.page