Restricting access to teacher during dropoff

[Anonymous]

So all of you saw that OP responded on April 10 at 9:57am, yes? She got her answer and backed off.

[Anonymous]

I think it's weird because at our daycare all the parents chat with the teachers and make weekend play date plans with each other.
I think they should have told you their process at the tour. I understand some Montessori schools have the process you describe, but you would have been told at the beginning.

[Anonymous]

I have been a preschool teacher for 30+ years, at a number of different schools. We have always asked the parents to drop off at the door. Many people do not have the courtesy to see that the teachers need to supervise children and they try to monopolize the teacher's time. Day cares, where the children are away from parents all day, are a different story though. Parents require a different type of communication in that case.

[Anonymous]

I know this isn't the point of the thread, but it's surprising how many parents and teachers describe the teacher's job as "supervising" the kids. That conjures up the image of a bunch of kids playing a teacher standing over them, only acting when of the kids misbehaves, gets hurt, or needs help. Yeah, part of a teacher's duties are to supervise, but a teacher's real job is to engage the kids, take interest in them, have discussions. You know, teach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this isn't the point of the thread, but it's surprising how many parents and teachers describe the teacher's job as "supervising" the kids. That conjures up the image of a bunch of kids playing a teacher standing over them, only acting when of the kids misbehaves, gets hurt, or needs help. Yeah, part of a teacher's duties are to supervise, but a teacher's real job is to engage the kids, take interest in them, have discussions. You know, teach.

Teacher here.

I spend a great deal of my time teaching, but during arrival my focus is on physical safety, calm, routine, and supporting the kids with the transition. It's definitely more supervision than instruction. Are kids learning during this time? Yes, because we have routines that promote learning to be independent, and materials that promote exploration and development of fine motor and problem solving skills. But I'm not actively teaching.

Also, there are moments when every teacher steps back from actively teaching. I might touch base with a parent or a colleague on an important issue, or to help a child with a task like tying shoes or finding their lunch box. But as long as there are kids in my room, I never step back from supervising. So, something that impacts my ability to supervise and ensure safety is a significant problem.