Parents not allowed into the building - When will that end?

[Anonymous]

DD aged out of the infant room and should have started in the toddler room during this time we've been home. None of us have ever visited the toddler room or met the teachers. Our daycare (in MoCo) is following the MSDE and CDC guidance that no parents are allowed in the building. Is it clear to anyone at what stage of recovery parents may be allowed back in the building? DH and I are adamant that we are not going to leave DD at the front door of the building to go to an unfamiliar room after she has been away for more than 2 months. However, I expect to be going back to work within a few weeks, so if we need to get a nanny, now is the time. Our center director is disorganized and poor with communication; she has now given me two different answers when I ask about what policies at the center will be going forward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD aged out of the infant room and should have started in the toddler room during this time we've been home. None of us have ever visited the toddler room or met the teachers. Our daycare (in MoCo) is following the MSDE and CDC guidance that no parents are allowed in the building. Is it clear to anyone at what stage of recovery parents may be allowed back in the building? DH and I are adamant that we are not going to leave DD at the front door of the building to go to an unfamiliar room after she has been away for more than 2 months. However, I expect to be going back to work within a few weeks, so if we need to get a nanny, now is the time. Our center director is disorganized and poor with communication; she has now given me two different answers when I ask about what policies at the center will be going forward.

To answer your questions, it may be at the end of phase 3. As for your director, she may be disorganized but the information that we (day care centers) are receiving is unclear and changing often. I'm sure you did not mean to imply that your daycare has a choice in following MSDE and CDC, but in order for them to be open, they have to follow all guidance, it's not a choice. Maybe you can meet the teachers via zoom or get a virtual tour of the room?

[Anonymous]

OP, I totally understand your concern. Both of my children will move up to the next room when they return to daycare and I've never met their teachers.

Honestly, I don't like the guidance that parents aren't allowed in the building. While I trust my Center, I like knowing that I can walk into the building at any time with no notice. I think it adds a level of accountability. Now that's gone. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it still makes me uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

I think it will be a very long time until parents are allowed in on a regular basis (although centers may make occasional exceptions during a transition.) They definitely should let you meet the teachers (outside, and probably 6+ feet away, or else through videochat) though.

[Anonymous]

They should at least provided a video tour of the classroom that you can view and show to your daughter.

[Anonymous]

Give us a break! Everyone is trying to do their best in these uncertain times. Exposure needs to be as limited as possible. That is why adults won’t be allowed in the building. Teachers are risking their lives to provide childcare and socialization for children. They need to be kept as safe as possible. Limiting people inside the building is one way to do that.
I understand your discomfort parents, but this is an uncomfortable time. If you are nervous about dropping your child off outside, I understand. Keep your child home if you are worried. No judgement.

[Anonymous]

Why can’t you meet the teachers outside the building?

In general, if you can afford a nanny you should get one. There are going to be lots of closures as we get into flu season in the fall and you’re going to be scrambling for care on short notice again - just like March/April/May.

[Anonymous]

Can the teacher come outside the building to meet your daughter and take her in? Maybe even come out with a little engaging toy (or you could give your daughter something different/exciting to take with her and distract her as she's walking away) I have actually read that it's easier for kids separation-wise if they are the ones leaving, rather than watching their parents leave the room?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can the teacher come outside the building to meet your daughter and take her in? Maybe even come out with a little engaging toy (or you could give your daughter something different/exciting to take with her and distract her as she's walking away) I have actually read that it's easier for kids separation-wise if they are the ones leaving, rather than watching their parents leave the room?

No, they probably can’t leave their classrooms due to ratio issues unless she is the very first one there.

[Anonymous]

Have a zoom call with the teacher before reopening?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I totally understand your concern. Both of my children will move up to the next room when they return to daycare and I've never met their teachers.

Honestly, I don't like the guidance that parents aren't allowed in the building. While I trust my Center, I like knowing that I can walk into the building at any time with no notice. I think it adds a level of accountability. Now that's gone. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it still makes me uncomfortable.

Agreed. And honestly I think some of these measures are mostly for show. If a parents have covid their kids are most likely at least asymptomatic carriers.

[Anonymous]

In this situation - with moving kids into a new room, I would wait and get a nanny now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In this situation - with moving kids into a new room, I would wait and get a nanny now.

Seriously? If OP is familiar with the center, what’s the problem with going to a new room? You can meet the teachers at drop-off or pick-up, or have a zoom call with them.

[Anonymous]

Is this your first kid?

When you pick a daycare you ate picking the whole daycare, not just a single room. You should be comfortable with the entirety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this your first kid?

When you pick a daycare you ate picking the whole daycare, not just a single room. You should be comfortable with the entirety.

Its more about the child being comfortable IMO