Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I was given a list of people that care for my son (at some point each day) while he is at daycare/preschool. He attends five days a week, from around 7:30am until 5pm.

There are literally ten people on the list that are mentioned as his "caretakers" at one point or another. I only "know" two of them - the director and his head teacher, by name and like, I speak with them often and "know" them... Otherwise, I feel awful but most of them I'm not quite 100% on their names and there are other rooms for children of other ages so there are tons of caretakers in those rooms. It's a lot of people.

Anyway, they list ONE teacher as his "head teacher" and that's one of the two I know... then there is a "director" who is, I guess, "above" the "head teacher". Then, there are eight or so "FT and PT assistants"

They gave out this list because "parents have requested the names of the staff in preparation for the upcoming holiday season". Translation: for tipping.

I tip the head teacher how much??

I tip the director how much??

And then I tip EIGHT people -- and how much each for them??

I am a generous tipper but this seems like a lot to me

Thanks so much for your advice!!!

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I would tip the head teacher - and maybe do a little something for everyone else (not necessary though)...

In my son's daycare, he has a head and assistant teacher - I know both of them so I gave them both the same amount ($25 each - I've polled the parents and that seems to be the norm at our center).

For all of the other people I don't really know and are only there part time, along with the director, I got them Bath and Body Works soap and a hand sanitizer. It just gets to be too much!!!

Other friends send in a food tray for everyone.

I was annoyed at our daycare - my older DS is in the afterschool program and they listed 8 teachers. My friend and I went in on giftcards there (since our kids are PT and only there for 2 hrs a day if that) and did it before the list for 3 teachers. They put some kids who will be helping over their college break on the list (who aren't there yet). I didn't get them anything since they haven't done anything for my kid.

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I was a "floater" at the day care I worked with. Every room had a head teacher and an asst teacher. I filled in where need be. Vacations, just an extra set of hands, but did mostly work the pre-school room. There were also part time teachers, that came in after school. But I knew most of the parents very well. I got a range of gifts. From same as head teacher to as little as a mug. Nothing every bothered me, I appreciated it all. I would say give the head teacher the biggest gift. Whatever you were planning and the director, especailly since you know them. They for the rest maybe $5-$10 dd or starbucks giftcards.You don't need to spend a lot, especailly not knowing them. You don't need to give at all but that's what I would do. Keep it simple

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Hi, I am in a similar situation, I had 11 people to buy for just for my DS' preschool... I ordered bath & body works hand soaps and I am going to package them along with hershey kisses. For the main teacher I would prob give a $25 GC. I wish I could do more but $ is tight. I also have more people to buy for at DD's daycare as well.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I would probably do $10 dunkin donuts gift cards for all of the assistants. Is it really necessary to tip the director? At my place, the director doesn't really interact with the children so I don't know why I would tip her.

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

The moms for dds preschool all chipped in for gifts. It was literally like 8 people

Head teacher
Assistant teacher
Floater teacher
Music teacher
Nursery director
Nursery admin
Two janitors (I questioned that but apparently it's the norm?!)

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

we are tipping the lead teacher, the assistant and the afternoon assistant in each of our sons rooms.

Since there are so many floaters and the directors and managers too, we are also bringing in bagels for everyone on friday instead of giving every floater a small gift. It would just get too crazy. If I was made of money I would tip all the teachers and floaters that watch my kids, but it can just get so out of control.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I would send in a lunch or tray of cookies and just give the head teacher a gift

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Um no.
I did not ever "TIP" the director.

I gave gifts to her main teachers and aids. (very generous gifts)

That's it

Not floaters who I saw once a week or month.
Not directors.

If they didn't like it they could tell me and my grand a month for 3 days to go take a hike.
Please.


You are paying them MORE than enough. It's ludicrous what they expect

Message edited 12/15/2015 3:08:06 PM.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I wouldn't "tip" anyone. If you want to give a gift for whoever you know/like, I would do that and maybe provide bagels one day for everyone else.

It's ridiculous to expect to have gift for 10 people that might see your kid for less than 30 mins a day.

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I'm just giving a gift for the main teacher and the assistant teacher, who I see everyday. If I had to give gifts/tip everyone that my DD came in contact with everyday I'd be broke!

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I give to his teacher and 2 assistants. He is there for early and late periods and I do not give to those teachers....it varies by the day. I have in the past given cookies or something to the center.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

Posted by DaniJude

Posted by NervousNell

Um no.
I did not ever "TIP" the director.

I gave gifts to her main teachers and aids. (very generous gifts)

That's it

Not floaters who I saw once a week or month.
Not directors.

If they didn't like it they could tell me and my grand a month for 3 days to go take a hike.
Please.


You are paying them MORE than enough. It's ludicrous what they expect

I do feel like I am paying a shit ton of money...

Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I would not Tip the director. They are not caring for your child. I am giving the lead teacher and the assistant teacher that is there most of the day. I am not giving to the people who are in the room every once in a while for a few hours. Last year I baked cookies and brought them into the center and left them in the common area so everyone can enjoy.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I just got an email from DD's daycare listing the teachers. I'm still not sure who is mostly with her during the early am and late pm times, I have to clarify so I know who to tip. I will probably give $50 each to the main teachers and $15 each to the helpers.

Re: Daycare/Preschool Gratuity:

I get Mrs. Printable apples for all,of the floaters that handle a half hour or so here and there.