Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

I enrolled DS in a 2 yo program at a school near my home. He goes 3 hours a day 2 days a week. They have a webcam that you can log into to watch your child throughout the day. Yesterday was the first day and it just seemed so chaotic. There are about 8 kids in his class with 2 teachers. When we dropped him off it was calm and DS went right in. However, when i checked in on the web cam it seemed like all the teachers were doing were holding kids who were crying and basically trying to stop other kids from escaping the room. When we picked him up every child in the room was crying and it was so disorganized. Not that they were disorganized that I felt DS is unsafe it just seemed so frantic. When we signed him up they said there would be this great curriculum but yesterday all they did was play and then go outside and play. They also had a snack. I know that it was the first day so everyone needs time to adjust but I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience with their 2 yo program. Does it get better?

Message edited 9/11/2013 4:17:55 PM.

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

Well it could be chaotic because it is the first day/week etc- the fact that the kids were crying a lot is probaby because they aren't used to it yet and are upset to be away from their parents- hence the teachers having to comfort them.
Give it some time- see if things settle down in the next few weeks as the kids adjust to being there, etc.

I do have to say that at my daycare, it's very organized. They have free play times of course, and there is chaos of course (that can't be avoided with kids that age) but they do so many structured activities and group games, etc

So it can be done.

Just give it some time and see if things improve.

Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

Mine started this week too. 12 kids and 2 1/2 teachers ( one floats between classes). The first hour was chaotic but by the time of pick-up all was well. One little girl who SCREAMED like crazy, went home early. Give it another week or two before you really judge, imo. Also don't forget that with only two classes a week, the transition takes longer.

Message edited 9/11/2013 4:32:46 PM.

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

dbl

Message edited 9/11/2013 4:32:29 PM.

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

I teach dance and start kids at 3-4 years of. Even at that slightly older age, it takes the kids a good month to know what's expected and be fairly orderly about it. I have them for an hour, once a week. I would say it will take at least 2-3 weeks for the kids to be used to the routine, the drop off, the other kids, the teachers, etc... It's all new to them and there's definitely an adjustment period.

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

You can't judge the program by the first few weeks. They are only 2, they are in a new environment with new people and no parent/caregiver they are used to. For most kids, this is a rough transition. It's going to be chaotic for a few weeks. These first months are basically to get children used to being at school - teaching/learning is not even possible on the first few days.

If it was like this in dec/jan I'd be concerned, but on the first day - I think your expectations may be a bit high if you think anyone can get a room full of 2 years to engage in a lesson on the first day!

Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

This is my worst nightmare.... I have decided to wait until 3yr old to send to school.

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

Re: Those with DC in a 2 YO program or something similar

Kids cry until kindergarten, I have seen it with my own DD who cried most of the school year when she was 3 and in pre-k.

I think it is new and it will be fine. Everything will work it's self. With in a month there may only be 1 or 2 kids left really upset still. Remember they are only going 2 days a week so it takes longer to adjust.

I would probably not look at the webcam until the class was settled.