How are you picking daycares and preschools if we can’t tour in person?

[Anonymous]

With covid rules some preschools aren’t allowing us to tour in person. We have done several “virtual tours”. Some of the directors took us around the classroom via zoom so it felt as real as possible, others just showed us pictures of the classroom and that was it. How do they expect us to decide like that? A couple schools made exceptions and told us we could come in an afternoon when the kids aren’t there (this was after already completing the zoom tour) and others just had a strict no visitor policy. I find that ridiculous. Anyway are you all ok with choosing based on virtual tours?

[Anonymous]

Depending on where you live “they” aren’t making up the rules, these are rules from the licensing bodies. You may find it ridiculous but they are sticking to regulations that have been sent down from above. If you are already looking for them to bend the rules to accommodate you it will be a red flag for them. Personally I would be hesitant to go somewhere that is bending rules.

As far as picking a preschool/daycare, speak to the families who have been there long term to get a better idea and that may help you make a decision you are comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depending on where you live “they” aren’t making up the rules, these are rules from the licensing bodies. You may find it ridiculous but they are sticking to regulations that have been sent down from above. If you are already looking for them to bend the rules to accommodate you it will be a red flag for them. Personally I would be hesitant to go somewhere that is bending rules.

As far as picking a preschool/daycare, speak to the families who have been there long term to get a better idea and that may help you make a decision you are comfortable with.

God. I am not asking them to bend the rules. Did I say that? I just said it’s a very difficult decision to make without going in person and it’s ridiculous when they aren’t even doing proper virtual tours (i.e showing us the classroom in real time on zoom). I had two schools show me PICTURES of the classroom. Who knows when those pictures were from.

[Anonymous]

I found it hard because I care little about the physical space. I care about the teachers. Without seeing them interact with kids, you are really going in blind.

Talking to families currently there, especially ones there long enough to have seen the classes in action, helped. But it is even more of a leap of faith now.

[Anonymous]

Honestly I go wherever there is an opening. My child started post covid restrictions and I’ve still never been inside. Drop off and pick up at the front door.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found it hard because I care little about the physical space. I care about the teachers. Without seeing them interact with kids, you are really going in blind.

Talking to families currently there, especially ones there long enough to have seen the classes in action, helped. But it is even more of a leap of faith now.

We selected preschool precovid, but even then we visited numerous preschools, but don’t remember a single one that had visits during actual teaching time, as most consider it disruptive. So we had a chance to see premises but no actual class visits. The premises gives an idea (cleanliness, cheerfulness) and we eliminated a couple because the premises seemed too gloomy. Otherwise, speaking with the management gave an idea and a feel for the place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depending on where you live “they” aren’t making up the rules, these are rules from the licensing bodies. You may find it ridiculous but they are sticking to regulations that have been sent down from above. If you are already looking for them to bend the rules to accommodate you it will be a red flag for them. Personally I would be hesitant to go somewhere that is bending rules.

As far as picking a preschool/daycare, speak to the families who have been there long term to get a better idea and that may help you make a decision you are comfortable with.

God. I am not asking them to bend the rules. Did I say that? I just said it’s a very difficult decision to make without going in person and it’s ridiculous when they aren’t even doing proper virtual tours (i.e showing us the classroom in real time on zoom). I had two schools show me PICTURES of the classroom. Who knows when those pictures were from.

Then it should be easy for you to cross those off your list. Or, if you’re really interested in those locations have you tried asking them to do a zoom video tour?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depending on where you live “they” aren’t making up the rules, these are rules from the licensing bodies. You may find it ridiculous but they are sticking to regulations that have been sent down from above. If you are already looking for them to bend the rules to accommodate you it will be a red flag for them. Personally I would be hesitant to go somewhere that is bending rules.

As far as picking a preschool/daycare, speak to the families who have been there long term to get a better idea and that may help you make a decision you are comfortable with.

God. I am not asking them to bend the rules. Did I say that? I just said it’s a very difficult decision to make without going in person and it’s ridiculous when they aren’t even doing proper virtual tours (i.e showing us the classroom in real time on zoom). I had two schools show me PICTURES of the classroom. Who knows when those pictures were from.

Then it should be easy for you to cross those off your list. Or, if you’re really interested in those locations have you tried asking them to do a zoom video tour?

^ This. If they aren't offering, or telling you flat out no they won't do a virtual tour, that doesn't seem like a school you would want to be at anyway. Ask for a zoom tour after they send pictures (if they don't offer upfront). Some places do that so you can get an initial idea of what they look like. The "strict" no visitor policy is for everyone's safety. If they aren't even allowing the children's parents in the building I don't know why you think they would make an exception for a stranger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depending on where you live “they” aren’t making up the rules, these are rules from the licensing bodies. You may find it ridiculous but they are sticking to regulations that have been sent down from above. If you are already looking for them to bend the rules to accommodate you it will be a red flag for them. Personally I would be hesitant to go somewhere that is bending rules.

As far as picking a preschool/daycare, speak to the families who have been there long term to get a better idea and that may help you make a decision you are comfortable with.

God. I am not asking them to bend the rules. Did I say that? I just said it’s a very difficult decision to make without going in person and it’s ridiculous when they aren’t even doing proper virtual tours (i.e showing us the classroom in real time on zoom). I had two schools show me PICTURES of the classroom. Who knows when those pictures were from.

You did say they made an exception for you....

If you want a video tour just ask for that.

[Anonymous]

I do think what one of the pps said is helpful to remember, that even in pre-covid times usually tours weren't done during classtime because it is too disruptive. So I've always relied on talking to as many parents as possible, learning about the philosophy/figuring out what philosophy's I align with most and then specifically seeking out schools like that. This also may sound creep but I go by during school hours and walk by when kids are outside because that can help get a sense of things as well, even in covid times. But yeah if a place is only showing you pictures and not doing a great tour that helps you get a sense of the place and makes you feel good - then that's your answer, cross it off your list. Probably means they aren't great at communicating and you won't have a good sense of what's going on once your kid starts.

[Anonymous]

My in-home has cameras so we could see inside. The main play area is readily visible from the door. They keep the kids outdoors as much as possible, so the teachers invited us to watch from the gate. We also spoke to a few of the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly I go wherever there is an opening. My child started post covid restrictions and I’ve still never been inside. Drop off and pick up at the front door.

+1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With covid rules some preschools aren’t allowing us to tour in person. We have done several “virtual tours”. Some of the directors took us around the classroom via zoom so it felt as real as possible, others just showed us pictures of the classroom and that was it. How do they expect us to decide like that? A couple schools made exceptions and told us we could come in an afternoon when the kids aren’t there (this was after already completing the zoom tour) and others just had a strict no visitor policy. I find that ridiculous. Anyway are you all ok with choosing based on virtual tours?

Really? Because the PARENTS aren't even allowed inside, what makes you feel so entitled and privileged that you think YOU should be allowed inside? I find YOU ridiculous.

Hire a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With covid rules some preschools aren’t allowing us to tour in person. We have done several “virtual tours”. Some of the directors took us around the classroom via zoom so it felt as real as possible, others just showed us pictures of the classroom and that was it. How do they expect us to decide like that? A couple schools made exceptions and told us we could come in an afternoon when the kids aren’t there (this was after already completing the zoom tour) and others just had a strict no visitor policy. I find that ridiculous. Anyway are you all ok with choosing based on virtual tours?

Really? Because the PARENTS aren't even allowed inside, what makes you feel so entitled and privileged that you think YOU should be allowed inside? I find YOU ridiculous.

Hire a nanny.

Why are people here such assholes? Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With covid rules some preschools aren’t allowing us to tour in person. We have done several “virtual tours”. Some of the directors took us around the classroom via zoom so it felt as real as possible, others just showed us pictures of the classroom and that was it. How do they expect us to decide like that? A couple schools made exceptions and told us we could come in an afternoon when the kids aren’t there (this was after already completing the zoom tour) and others just had a strict no visitor policy. I find that ridiculous. Anyway are you all ok with choosing based on virtual tours?

Really? Because the PARENTS aren't even allowed inside, what makes you feel so entitled and privileged that you think YOU should be allowed inside? I find YOU ridiculous.

Hire a nanny.

The difference is that they would be allowing parents to enter the school AFTER the kids have left the building for the most part. We just did an in person tour after hours when most of the kids were gone. A small number of kids were there but in a completely different room that we didn’t even go near. Parents dropping kids off inside is totally different because the kids are there. So yeah, different and RIDICULOUS