Concerns About Early Pickup Expectations and Child Comfort at After-School Program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Then perhaps you can tell the teachers that you will arrive consistently by 5:45, and that you will dress your child yourself. And then you need to do it — so that you and your child actually leave by 6. Keep in mind though, that this might be confusing for your child if the other remaining kids are getting ready to go home while your child is not.

what are you taking about? it is confusing for my child to sit in the winter coat indoors fore 15 minutes

Keep in mind too that if the group activity for all of the other kids involves getting ready to leave, your child will probably have to wait while this is happening, unless you’ve already come early to get him ready to leave yourself. Keep in mind also that your “at most 2 minutes” might play out differently for teachers working with multiple kids.

what activity? putting the coat and a hat which most kids do on their own

- Really? How is it “confusing “ for your child — along with his classmates— to put on his coat, gather his things, and wait to be picked up? It sounds like a routine, and one that might even make it easier for some kids and their parents. Again, you also have the option of getting there early enough, consistently, to handle these things yourself.

yes if he is getting picked up right after he is dressed up not like 5-10 minutes after
yes, that is why the teachers are doing that, but the school is downtown and traffic sucks. When I signed I did not think that pick by 6 should be more like pick by 5:45

- And, yes, scheduling a set amount of time for the kids to put on their coats and getting their things together — transitioning from school to being picked up — actually is an activity. It supports the development of quite a few pro-social skills.

what skills? the kids are being picked at different times except 2-3. What pro-social skills?

It’s picked UP. Not “picked.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Then perhaps you can tell the teachers that you will arrive consistently by 5:45, and that you will dress your child yourself. And then you need to do it — so that you and your child actually leave by 6. Keep in mind though, that this might be confusing for your child if the other remaining kids are getting ready to go home while your child is not.

what are you taking about? it is confusing for my child to sit in the winter coat indoors fore 15 minutes

Keep in mind too that if the group activity for all of the other kids involves getting ready to leave, your child will probably have to wait while this is happening, unless you’ve already come early to get him ready to leave yourself. Keep in mind also that your “at most 2 minutes” might play out differently for teachers working with multiple kids.

what activity? putting the coat and a hat which most kids do on their own

- Really? How is it “confusing “ for your child — along with his classmates— to put on his coat, gather his things, and wait to be picked up? It sounds like a routine, and one that might even make it easier for some kids and their parents. Again, you also have the option of getting there early enough, consistently, to handle these things yourself.

yes if he is getting picked up right after he is dressed up not like 5-10 minutes after
yes, that is why the teachers are doing that, but the school is downtown and traffic sucks. When I signed I did not think that pick by 6 should be more like pick by 5:45

- And, yes, scheduling a set amount of time for the kids to put on their coats and getting their things together — transitioning from school to being picked up — actually is an activity. It supports the development of quite a few pro-social skills.

what skills? the kids are being picked at different times except 2-3. What pro-social skills?


Yes, traffic sucks. So do bus and Metro schedules. That’s why the teachers want to leave on time. One extra minute at the school could easily mean missing a bus or train or a change in the traffic patterns, which might then mean that they’re seriously late with their own responsibilities.

Following a routine, getting dressed in outdoor things — and getting help with this process , waiting with a group for a few minutes, and managing the transition from school activities to being picked up are all age appropriate skills for pre-schoolers. There are more, of course, but that’s a start.

So I guess you have a choice. You can pick up your kid by six, and choose his clothing accordingly, or you can pick up your kid early enough to help him with the process. Since you know that “traffic sucks” you can plan your time to allow for this —
Just like your child’s teachers are allowing enough time to get the kids into their coats and ready for pick up by 6.

Peace out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, hon, it's ok for your child to wait! This is a normal part of being in a group setting, and it's an important life skill. It's really not that big a deal. Learning to wait patiently is an age-appropriate thing for a preschooler to develop. He will not be confused. He will think "I am ready to go and waiting for my mom." There's nothing confusing about it.

sure thing, he is waiting for his mom from the moment I leave him in the morning...why does he needs to be waiting in the winter jacket and a hat, why the security protocols and policy imposed by school are no longer in place after 5:45...I mean they are established for a reason

There may be a reason, I suggest you ask your school for the reason. Likely the security contract only goes until 5.

People have tried to tell you why. You don't agree, but you can stop asking the same question over and over. Your school has crap aftercare, they have it for reasons, and it may be hard to change so you can take it or leave it.

But I really don't understand why you are taking this so personally. It seems a very normal level of crappiness to me.

[Anonymous]

Lazy staffing. I never encountered this at the Y aftercare. Not once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, hon, it's ok for your child to wait! This is a normal part of being in a group setting, and it's an important life skill. It's really not that big a deal. Learning to wait patiently is an age-appropriate thing for a preschooler to develop. He will not be confused. He will think "I am ready to go and waiting for my mom." There's nothing confusing about it.

sure thing, he is waiting for his mom from the moment I leave him in the morning...why does he needs to be waiting in the winter jacket and a hat, why the security protocols and policy imposed by school are no longer in place after 5:45...I mean they are established for a reason

There may be a reason, I suggest you ask your school for the reason. Likely the security contract only goes until 5.

People have tried to tell you why. You don't agree, but you can stop asking the same question over and over. Your school has crap aftercare, they have it for reasons, and it may be hard to change so you can take it or leave it.

But I really don't understand why you are taking this so personally. It seems a very normal level of crappiness to me.

No that is why I want to hear- the provider Flex is crap and it is a norm for DCPS, moreover people have seen much worse from after care

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lazy staffing. I never encountered this at the Y aftercare. Not once.

good to know - I have started to loose the faith in the system

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Whaaaat? Why are you taking this so personally?

They have to stay until all children are out of the room. Then they lock up. It's not up to you when they are allowed to leave.

+1 you think the staff can just walk out of there wit a parent, child, and unlocked room left behind?

that is the point they leave the room, lock it at 5:40, transition to the downstairs halway by 5:45 with 2 -3 kids left, no room to lock...so the question remains...how much time do they really save if my child stays in the jacket and a hat ?

If you are really that bothered by the jacket, ask them to put it in his backpack instead. They're probably doing it so his outerwear doesn't get left behind. But I'm really perplexed why you care so much about this.

+1. OMG, OP is blowing this way out of proportion. She is one of those demanding PIA parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Whaaaat? Why are you taking this so personally?

They have to stay until all children are out of the room. Then they lock up. It's not up to you when they are allowed to leave.

+1 you think the staff can just walk out of there wit a parent, child, and unlocked room left behind?

that is the point they leave the room, lock it at 5:40, transition to the downstairs halway by 5:45 with 2 -3 kids left, no room to lock...so the question remains...how much time do they really save if my child stays in the jacket and a hat ?

If you are really that bothered by the jacket, ask them to put it in his backpack instead. They're probably doing it so his outerwear doesn't get left behind. But I'm really perplexed why you care so much about this.

+1. OMG, OP is blowing this way out of proportion. She is one of those demanding PIA parents.

Great to see that someone is standing up for their kids. After-school providers are becoming unhinged.

[Anonymous]

After care providers could resolve this by charging late parents by the minute. Sure, we’ll dress your kid when you show up, but it’s $15 per minute past six your kid is in the building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Whaaaat? Why are you taking this so personally?

They have to stay until all children are out of the room. Then they lock up. It's not up to you when they are allowed to leave.

+1 you think the staff can just walk out of there wit a parent, child, and unlocked room left behind?

that is the point they leave the room, lock it at 5:40, transition to the downstairs halway by 5:45 with 2 -3 kids left, no room to lock...so the question remains...how much time do they really save if my child stays in the jacket and a hat ?

If you are really that bothered by the jacket, ask them to put it in his backpack instead. They're probably doing it so his outerwear doesn't get left behind. But I'm really perplexed why you care so much about this.

+1. OMG, OP is blowing this way out of proportion. She is one of those demanding PIA parents.

Great to see that someone is standing up for their kids. After-school providers are becoming unhinged.

I’m the PP and a parent, not after school provider.

OP is the one becoming unhinged because the staff had her kid all ready to go, waiting for her at 5:45pm, one of the few kids left. She then proceeds to call this a safety concern and proceeds to say she expects the staff to have her kid dong an activity up until 6pm.

Many on here have replied this is normal, and she continues to adhere that it is not.

The staff needs to leave at 6, not entertain her kid til 6. That means lock up and ready to go, especially since most of the kids are picked up by 5:30.

Above is absolutely normal and not unhinged or child abuse or whatever OP is trying to imply.

OP is so naive and stubborn thinking she is all righteous and such. She can die on this hill if she wants but she has a long, long road ahead of her then and will be seen as THAT parent. All staff and teachers will know that she is a PITA. Truth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After care providers could resolve this by charging late parents by the minute. Sure, we’ll dress your kid when you show up, but it’s $15 per minute past six your kid is in the building.

the parent is early- that is why they torture the child as they cannot charge the parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After care providers could resolve this by charging late parents by the minute. Sure, we’ll dress your kid when you show up, but it’s $15 per minute past six your kid is in the building.

the parent is early- that is why they torture the child as they cannot charge the parent

This is paranoia. Seriously.

Why ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH would you want to leave your child at a place you think he is being "tortured" just to "spite" you? Why would you ever think of taking him back?

You need to make other plans. Oh, let me guess -- you have a history of not being satisfied with the services you receive. At some point, you'll have to deal with the fact that the only constant in all these encounters is you. You.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Whaaaat? Why are you taking this so personally?

They have to stay until all children are out of the room. Then they lock up. It's not up to you when they are allowed to leave.

+1 you think the staff can just walk out of there wit a parent, child, and unlocked room left behind?

that is the point they leave the room, lock it at 5:40, transition to the downstairs halway by 5:45 with 2 -3 kids left, no room to lock...so the question remains...how much time do they really save if my child stays in the jacket and a hat ?

If you are really that bothered by the jacket, ask them to put it in his backpack instead. They're probably doing it so his outerwear doesn't get left behind. But I'm really perplexed why you care so much about this.

+1. OMG, OP is blowing this way out of proportion. She is one of those demanding PIA parents.

Great to see that someone is standing up for their kids. After-school providers are becoming unhinged.

I’m the PP and a parent, not after school provider.

OP is the one becoming unhinged because the staff had her kid all ready to go, waiting for her at 5:45pm, one of the few kids left. She then proceeds to call this a safety concern and proceeds to say she expects the staff to have her kid dong an activity up until 6pm.

Many on here have replied this is normal, and she continues to adhere that it is not.

The staff needs to leave at 6, not entertain her kid til 6. That means lock up and ready to go, especially since most of the kids are picked up by 5:30.

Above is absolutely normal and not unhinged or child abuse or whatever OP is trying to imply.

OP is so naive and stubborn thinking she is all righteous and such. She can die on this hill if she wants but she has a long, long road ahead of her then and will be seen as THAT parent. All staff and teachers will know that she is a PITA. Truth.

actually for any other business including some other school afterschool cares is not normal. It does not not matter when the other kids are picked up. The services the parents are paying for should be provided till 6:00. The regular school ends at 3:15- I never saw a teacher packing kids 30 min before just because she has to be somewhere else , and I am talking about free services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After care providers could resolve this by charging late parents by the minute. Sure, we’ll dress your kid when you show up, but it’s $15 per minute past six your kid is in the building.

the parent is early- that is why they torture the child as they cannot charge the parent

This is paranoia. Seriously.

Why ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH would you want to leave your child at a place you think he is being "tortured" just to "spite" you? Why would you ever think of taking him back?

You need to make other plans. Oh, let me guess -- you have a history of not being satisfied with the services you receive. At some point, you'll have to deal with the fact that the only constant in all these encounters is you. You.

I am sorry read this thread and others at this blog- the consensus is that Flex after school is crap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are the “ safety concerns” OP?

well, the kids are wondering around and anyone can get through the front door -one ring the gaurd opens to everyone has an easy acess to kids- we cannot pretend that school shootings do not happen.

Perhaps they did “spare the children a moment to collect their belongings” — prior to and in the process of getting them ready to be picked up as scheduled.

again I arrived 15 minutes BEFORE

Were you expecting the teachers to wait until someone arrived for each kid to begin this process?
yes the same if I were to pick my child at 5:00pm


“Poor kids”? Really? In any case, If you can’t “physically accommodate their expectations “ — which, as far as I can tell, are about picking up your kid on time, then perhaps this particular program won’t work well for you. And, yes, this is normal. The teachers probably are eager to leave. Just like you, they have scheduled responsibilities and appointments.

Well, as I am told the aftercare should run till 6:00 the teachers should not have any expectations to leave before 6.

Right, they want to leave at 6. Not after you show up at and it takes a while for you to collect your kid's stuff and get him out of there. Actual 6. Because they are busy just like you.

What are talking about grabbing little jacket, hat and backpack and walking him takes at most 2 minutes. When I pick my child early -I never wait more than 5 minutes, They do not have to dress my child and they are free to leave as soon my child is in my reach. I can dress my child . They do it to hurt my child and send me a message

Whaaaat? Why are you taking this so personally?

They have to stay until all children are out of the room. Then they lock up. It's not up to you when they are allowed to leave.

+1 you think the staff can just walk out of there wit a parent, child, and unlocked room left behind?

that is the point they leave the room, lock it at 5:40, transition to the downstairs halway by 5:45 with 2 -3 kids left, no room to lock...so the question remains...how much time do they really save if my child stays in the jacket and a hat ?

If you are really that bothered by the jacket, ask them to put it in his backpack instead. They're probably doing it so his outerwear doesn't get left behind. But I'm really perplexed why you care so much about this.

+1. OMG, OP is blowing this way out of proportion. She is one of those demanding PIA parents.

Great to see that someone is standing up for their kids. After-school providers are becoming unhinged.

I’m the PP and a parent, not after school provider.

OP is the one becoming unhinged because the staff had her kid all ready to go, waiting for her at 5:45pm, one of the few kids left. She then proceeds to call this a safety concern and proceeds to say she expects the staff to have her kid dong an activity up until 6pm.

Many on here have replied this is normal, and she continues to adhere that it is not.

The staff needs to leave at 6, not entertain her kid til 6. That means lock up and ready to go, especially since most of the kids are picked up by 5:30.

Above is absolutely normal and not unhinged or child abuse or whatever OP is trying to imply.

OP is so naive and stubborn thinking she is all righteous and such. She can die on this hill if she wants but she has a long, long road ahead of her then and will be seen as THAT parent. All staff and teachers will know that she is a PITA. Truth.

actually for any other business including some other school afterschool cares is not normal. It does not not matter when the other kids are picked up. The services the parents are paying for should be provided till 6:00. The regular school ends at 3:15- I never saw a teacher packing kids 30 min before just because she has to be somewhere else , and I am talking about free services.

It is being provided until 6. You don't like what he's wearing and where he's sitting and what he's doing, but as long as he's supervised, that's the service.