Bullying of kindergartener in aftercare

[Anonymous]

DS has been complaining of bullying for several months now by several 5th graders in aftercare. He hasn't been physically harmed but he says they taunt him every day. He didn't ask for my help so I thought it was fine but lately my normally cheery child has become an emotional basketcase and it's time for us to escalate this somehow. Last night he even had nightmares about the bullying.

He says he's talked to the aftercare "teachers" about the problem but they haven't done anything.

Is it appropriate to talk to the guidance counselor or principal at this point? Is it appropriate to talk to the child's parents? Will this just make it worse?

We are at an almost all white school and my child is the only non-white kindergartener in the aftercare which makes him kind of stick out. He doesn't really understand race at this point as he was in a lovely, racially diverse pre-K program so even if they were saying something offensive I'm not sure he would pick up on that.

[Anonymous]

I would talk to the teachers and explain your concerns. Move him if it doesn't improve or take it to the school leadership.

Sorry to hear you're going through this.

[Anonymous]

Is it appropriate to talk to the guidance counselor or principal at this point?

Absolutely! Start with guidance and teachers. Give it a few days before principal.

parents? No. That seldom helps. Let the school do that.

[Anonymous]

p.s. I would talk to his K teacher, too. She may know who best to talk with about it. She may be able to handle it.

[Anonymous]

p.s. Fifth graders can be quite obnoxious and I don't understand why they don't keep these kids separate. Tell your son to avoid them as much as possible. Also, advise him not to engage them.

[Anonymous]

Is there an aftercare director to talk with? Good luck OP. So sorry your child has to deal with this.

[Anonymous]

Is it a school run aftercare or a private contractor? I'd go to whoever supervises the afterschool teachers, which is generally not the principal.

[Anonymous]

You need to talk to the aftercare director and then staff as appropriate. This is not an issue that the k teacher or principal really have any place in at this point. If, after speaking to the aftercare director, things don't improve, then I would talk to the classroom teacher.

[Anonymous]

Consider another program. Our aftercare separates the younger ones from the older. I really like that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Consider another program. Our aftercare separates the younger ones from the older. I really like that!

This.

Or can you spring for a sitter after school instead of the aftercare program. You might find it works much better for your K kid. You can go back to aftercare once he's a little older.

[Anonymous]

This is not an issue that the k teacher or principal really have any place in at this point.

Depends on where it is. In any case, the principal does not want this going on in his/her school.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what your options are, but I'd pop in earlier than normal and ask your son to point out the kids in particular. And report what's happening to the whomever supervises the kids. Then, follow up the the next morning, in writing, to the school and/or aftercare provider.

Your poor son. I can't believe that they don't separate the kids by grade. That's a problem waiting to happen.

[Anonymous]

I would either talk to the aftercare director or look for alternate care. If it is like our school the principal knows nothing about it.