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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Good morning
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We usually talk for 10 mins. or so, as I'm the first one there. Small talk. [/quote]

10 minutes?  Wow.  My conversation is usually very brief general pleasantries unless I or the teacher have something specific to discuss.  Otherwise, I need to get to work and am not looking to chat.  [/quote]

Eh, you have to know your school. I'm a former preschool teacher & director and an early childhood researcher, and I specifically chose a school that has a lot of family involvement and an open door policy. I spend 10-30 minutes at drop off because I sometimes get involved in an activity, get sidetracked chatting with the director, have some type of volunteer work I'm doing / coordinating, etc. I always plan for a leisurely drop off.

I do a lot oif observations in preschool rooms, and I will say that in most public/charters, and, at the other end of the spectrum, in the "we have a valet for drop off" schools, there's a very "meet at the door and say goodbye quickly" vibe. There is also typically less physical warmth and affection (back pats, hugs, lap sitting) in those classrooms, and more focus on academics.

I wanted a more homey, tender, less academic setting for my LO, where I would be part of the daily life in the classroom. YMMV, as evidenced by the range of responses in this thread. [/quote]

I find this to be really untrue.  My kid has been in two different schools, and in both cases, the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming but simply busy and focused on the kids during drop-off and pick-up.  The kids do best in most cases when there is a clear break.  Having parents hang out in the classroom is annoying for everyone and makes it hard for kids to say goodbye.  Even if your kid is fine, another kid might not be and might be struggling with why his friend's mom is there and his isn't (even though perhaps it's been decided by the teacher and the parent that it's best for that other kid to have a brief and simple good-bye).

My school has specific times set up for parents to be involved.  There's a weekly time when all parents are invited for an all-school assembly, and parents are invited to come into the classroom to read a book and bring a snack a few times during the year.  Teachers are very warm with all the kids, and there's a lot of hugging and lap-sitting, etc.  Parents volunteer with things around the school but generally don't help in their kid's classroom except during specific and rare times.

I'm surprised that a former teacher would have the impressions you do.  Preschool teachers should be focused on the kids, not on the adults, and it's best not to discuss kid's issues in front of them.  I always feel welcome but also respect the teachers and their jobs, as well as my kid and the other kids there.  You can have time with your kid at home -- this is not the time for that.[/quote]

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