[LailaCA]

Good morning all.

I have had to place my child in a daycare center due to my AP provider quit on me and then said she could take him back but instead of 220 a week (i provide all food, drinks, wipes and diapers for him daily) she would have to charge me 300, because she is tired. Anyway, I can not afford that and felt used. My child has always expressed interest when we drive past daycare centers. I am working until the 24th so I need one more full week. He started Kindercare last week and liked it on MOnday and Tuesday. Wednesday he did not want to go, Thursday he went, Friday he did not want to go.

I have observed these folks. In the two year old room they are supposed to comfort children when the parent leaves. I did not see that happening. On Wednesday the young teacher kept folding her cot sheets and one little guy was standing by a photo of his dad, tears streaming, and he was sobbing "daddy". ANother girl was also sobbing when her dad left her. The young teacher would occasionally call out to them but did not go comfort them. SHE HAD TO GET THOSE SHEETS FOLDED! They think I am wierd to nurse my child, who will be three next month, and have tried to get me to nurse in a different room or away from the children "the children shouldnt see this". On Friday there were two teachers when I was there and the young one was just floating around organizing and the older one was cutting out placemats. This was at 0800. The centers hours are from 615-615. THere is no organized activity until 900 when they have circle time. I find that a huge amount of time for children to entertain themselves. Certainly if there were some fun, adult directed, activity going on then it would make coming in and the parent leaving much easier.

What should I do? My child has told me all weekend how he does not want to go back to the center. I have one more week of work. I have no one to watch him. I took him to work with me one day and one day his father watched him (however, the roommate had his shackup girlfriend there, and there is alcohol sitting about all the time, smoking outside, and shroom statues lying around (dad is 46 friends are all 21 year old motorcycle guys and gals). I have no relatives and my friends are working. Everyone tells me "he'll adjust", however, I worry about his strong dislike for hte center. He is a very friendly, easy going child (due to our AP lifestyle I am sure). Will one week there, with him sobbing daily and not being comforted, be horrible? I think it will but I have no idea what to do.

 

[LailaCA]

THanks so much for the response.

Here are my thoughts:

1) I work for a school district, dept of special ed, it is absolutely critical that I work this week. I can not really work with my child there. He gets into everything and many times I must speak with county officials or parents at great length. I am also working on a couple of cases which have gone to office of civil rights and I am trying to make sure the appropriate services are provided. This idea is out...and thanks so much...but I tossed it over a million times.

2) I also can not give up this extra week of work since it is extra money and I am a single parent. I desperately need this money and wont get another paycheck until the end of september.

3) I can not take him back to the AP provider. This is not the first time she has betrayed me. I will not reward her by this. She knows how much I am struggling (low income apt, no child support, etc.). It would be reinforce to her that she can do this to people and get away with it. I am very disappointed in her and find this to be horrible ethics.

4) I will try contacting more colleagues and see what they say. I have talked to a few last week, but no help. I will ask a few more. I thought of the churches and called a couple ,however, they all said due to licensing the child must be potty trained. My child isnt. He goes potty sometimes but not on a consistant basis.

Thanks for all the ideas. If anyone knows someone in San Jose area...please let me know.