How do I get better feedback from my kid's school beyond "he was great?"

[Anonymous]

This is my second day care/preschool for my 2 year old since he was 6 months old. I have not been successful in getting good feedback out of the teachers beyond "oh he had a great day.". For those of you who do get good feedback, can you please share some tips?
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

What kind of feedback are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

Don't worry OP, after a while you'll be ecstatic to hear such a positive report. Remember -- no news is good news!

Signed,

Older and wiser mom of three teenagers

[Anonymous]

I'd love more detail about his day (eg, he really liked playing with X or Y today; Didn't eat much lunch whatever ). Both to actually find out what he is doing at this crazy expensive preschool, and also to have some indication that his teachers are paying attention to him or "know" him at all.

[Anonymous]

OP we're going through that too. Pick up is really hassled because of the line and I just don't feel like they have the time. I would ask point blank "what did he do today that I can discuss with him?" And then they'll give you something. You need a specific question.

[Anonymous]

when picking up at preschool they dont have time to talk to each parent individually to give a complete report. They have other parents to deal with, the kids to watch. What more do you need? I had a parent who wanted me to write in a notebook. for gods sake, your kids are old enough to TALK. ask them about their day. My 3yo will tell me about his time at preschool and when he is with friends.

[Anonymous]

I ask specific questions "Has DC been sharing?" "Is DC having any trouble with his numbers?" "Has DC been eating vegetables at lunch?"

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs that you need to ask specific questions. I also think that, unless you are looking for a daily report, you can get good answers about DC's day by calling the school or emailing the teacher. Sometimes my DC's teacher doesn't know the answer to a question, e.g. did DC take a nap. I imagine they would find it annoying if you call every day, but I don't think it is unreasonable to want a detailed assessment of how your child is adjusting to the new school.

[Anonymous]

Ask to schedule a brief phone call or ask if the teacher can send a short email once a week or every other week and good to give them a specific question or two you'd like answered. Do NOT expect the teachers to be able to give you reports/answers to these questions at drop-off or at pick up. I am a former preschool teacher and now director and these times are too hectic. The teachers are responsible for the safety of all of the children at this time and have a moving headcount if you lurk to the end, they often have other classroom/school responsibilities. I am not saying don't ask - just schedule a time or ask the best way to be in touch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask to schedule a brief phone call or ask if the teacher can send a short email once a week or every other week and good to give them a specific question or two you'd like answered. Do NOT expect the teachers to be able to give you reports/answers to these questions at drop-off or at pick up. I am a former preschool teacher and now director and these times are too hectic. The teachers are responsible for the safety of all of the children at this time and have a moving headcount if you lurk to the end, they often have other classroom/school responsibilities. I am not saying don't ask - just schedule a time or ask the best way to be in touch.

+1 I taught preschool for years and was happy to call parents/email them later in the day to answer any questions they had.

[Anonymous]

talk to the teachers when things seem calmer (i'm often one of the last ones to pick up, so they usually can chat a bit). i ask specific questions - did he sleep ok? how's he doing with sharing? etc. they're too crazed to put much on the sheets.

[Anonymous]

There's not a chart that indicates diaper changes and what he ate? Pickup and dropoff are really hectic times for the teachers.

My kid's aren't teenagers, but I have stopped worrying about this and just take it for what it is. I hope they will let me know if there's something amiss. Our school also does conferences twice a year where I can ask all the questions I want and they discuss a list of developmental issues.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone. Having gotten through BH day care where I learned nothing and got acclimated to knowing not much more than diaper changes and nap times, I was hoping for more info at the preschool. I like the suggestion of the emails. We do have the teacher's email address, so I will start using that.