Q for Childcare workers

Is this normal?

My sons childcare centre has a new director, who has decided to rotate the room teachers on a regular, ongoing basis. So he might have the same teachers for 1-2 weeks, then it changes to new ones.

Currently its changed on an annual basis, and children who are moving up to the next age group/room will usually have one teacher in there that they're had before.

Is this constant rotating thing normal? Is it evidence based?

As it is, DS gets upset if on of the regular teachers has an RDO, I just don't know how he'll cope with this!

All of the staff I have spoken to are not impressed, and have encouraged parents to complain about it.

Hi I used to work in childcare - as a room teacher for 0-2 years and then as 0-3 years old. Currently in final semester for Bachelor in Early Childhood.

Personally I would say for the unders 3's it is not necessarily the wisest thing to have rotating teachers cos little children need familairity and routine. I suppose other things the director might be taking into consideration is that the teachers are from within the same centre and it gives all the children the opportunity to become familiar with all teachers and then when RDO's happen in the younger room she can replace staff with someone within the centre and put the casual in the bigger room where they are more able to adjust with new faces.

I probably wouldn't like to be rotated so frequently either - perhaps monthly is better - has the Director offered an explanation to the parents has to why she is doing this - perhaps she is trying to put 'her stamp' on the centre or she has seen it work in other centres. Have you heard any feedback from the teachers themselves, they may not like the change either? Oops just reread that the teachers are not happy, so perhaps voicing your concerns abt consistency in the room routine, planning and familiar interactions with the children could be raised with the Director. Unhappy teachers is not condusive to a pleasant environment for anyone concerned and as a parent you are a valid stakeholder in what happens at the centre and how your child will be affected

In regards to your DS I think it can be unsettling especially if he only attends a couple of days a week which means that it will take him longer to adjust to teacher changes. I believe that children need to develop a sense of security and a bond with their teachers so that their time at the centre is spent playing, making friendships and taking risks in what they choose to play with, exploring and investigating and I think this is hindered when they do not feel comfortable and secure within their environment.

In my studying so far (8 years) I haven't really come across anything to validate the Director's choice although the moving the teachers up along with the children annually is widely recognised and advantageous. In Emilio Reggio schools (Italy) children remain with the same teacher for 5-8 years as they progress through their schooling cos it is believed to benefit the family style of learning and investigation that develops as the children are encouraged to follow their interests and have these expanded upon by teachers who understand the children at a high level.

Sorry I rambled - very passionate abt little children and their education - hope you get some help from this!

Thanks Ursula. I'm gald its not just me being precious.

No, there has been no consulation with parents, or official notification.
DS's carer told DH about it last night, and gave the impression that she is less than impressed, and asked us to forward complaints.

i just spoke to DH, and he said another parent was not happy about it when they were told this morning, so I about to call and get the full story before I shoot off a letter of complaint.

This is what I have so far, but after reading your post I would like to include some of your points, that is if you don't mind?

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I am writing to express my deepest dismay at the recent decision made in regards to the ongoing rotation of teachers between rooms at XXXXXX
The annual rotation of teachers/staff was one of the main reasons that we chose XXXXXX when we looked at childcare options for our son, and this is about to be abolished.
I think this will seriously undermine the child/carer relationship by removing the sense of stability that is presently in place. As it is my son (and I am sure he is not alone) is more unsettled on days where regular staff in his room have an RDO, or training, or are on leave. I really do not see the reason to do this to the children on an regular, ongoing basis.
Child/carer relationships are not something that can be built overnight, or in a week. Its an ongoing process, and I think its sad that the children at are not going to have the opportunity to build these relationships. My son is comfortable with, and has built up a trust relationship with his carers. I also believe that some of the younger children are not old capable of understanging or coping with this constant change and will potentially be left upset and confused.
I am also disappointed that parents’ opinion was not sought during decision making process, for something that is a fundamental change to the way the centre will be run.
I will now need to seriously consider keeping my son at the centre if this policy remains in place.

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I would be concerned too Rayray. Another thing to consider is that I you as a parent need consistency. If you give instructions about Milo (eg needs teddy to go to sleep), you know it will be remembered and that you don't have to repeat it in a fortnights time to the next batch of carers. Also you build a relationship with those carers and they get an understanding of you parenting style.

Currently at my centre they do what your centre, same carers all year, 1 moves up and stays at the change of year. That does not mean though that the same carers are in the room all day. Due to the different shifts and combining of the rooms of an early morning and late afternoon, it sometimes means that Maggie's normal carers are not there at drop off and pick up. I never feel fully comfortable dropping her off and worry that instructions will not be passed on. In fact I had a run in with one carer from an older room who just trivialised and dismissed my concerns about the latest gastro outbreak. I put in a complaint as this would not have happened with the main carers. So can just imagine what would happen with more frequent change overs.

Anyway that is my experience, and just another point to add to your letter.

Astrid - thats what happens at ours at the moment, but there is usually one of the 2 main teachers there at dropoff, and one at pickup.

I've have just called - they are rotating it DAILY! and it starts on Monday next week, with there still having been no formal notification to parents.

the same teachers will be there on the same shifts, on the same day (so each teacher will have set shifts) but every day its going to be different people. The only consistency is that every monday will be the same as every other monday etc - except Fridays, which are different!!!!

they are having 4 different shift start times. there will be 2 days out of 5 where neither of the 2 main teachers will be there for pickup or dropoff, and I think she said 2 days where they are not there for either the whole morning or afternoon. theres one day where that alternate so one week its X teahcer, and the next its Y

I can't belive this, its ridiculous. I'm so angry. Off to update my letter!

no way should they be rotated ....
ds is in there 1 day a week and loves his carer .. and he would be lost with out the familiar faces and routine ...

complian , if it was me i would ..

My DD's childcare only rotate on an annual basis and its not usually a huge change either (only usually one person per out of 3 per room). I would be putting in a complaint about that (and the workers are probably hoping u do to) cos I know my daughter would be upset if the ladies in her room are swapped around.

Astrid good point abt parents needing consistency as well although I can imagine that the director will have a response to this by saying they can use communication books where teachers and/or parents can write down instructions that can be referred to by the teachers during the day.

Rayray feel free to use any of the points I raised that you feel can help your letter, I think your letter is good and raises issues of concern in a non-aggressive manner. Hard to believe that a director would go forward with this system if teachers are voicing concerns especially without proposing first to staff and parents to get feedback and to point forward the so-called benefits for this choice. I wonder if this is her first directoring position???

Crap just read rotating each day that is ridiculous and in no way provides benefits to the children or teachers. Maybe great for those children that only come once a week so they see the same teacher each day - but heck it just seems wrong!!!

I wonder if she is keeping ratios and qualifications the same within the rooms. I predict there will be many staff leaving and children/parents leaving if she continues with this system especially with no regard to the clients/stakeholders of the centre whose concerns and care the centre is to provide for!!!

Thanks so much Ursula and everyone for your comments.

All I know is the director is new to our centre, and she sounds young on the phone. I have not met her as she started either this week or last. I really like the old director.

Its apparently being trialled for a month. Hmm. I'll be putting my letter in tonight hopefully.

Thanks everyone. Janeo - if you see this I'd really like your take on it too

Wow I think thats crazy!! They dont even do that in primary schools because it is recognised just how much children need that stability and routine, it makes them feel safe. Your letter is great..i hope lots of other parents get onboard and back you.

Jo

Good luck with your letter and thank you for the thanks, much appreciated. If you have anymore concerns let us know, I liked to know what happens.

OK, I have updated it with many thanks for your input.
this is what I'm sending - its not aggressive is it? I want the director to take my points on board but I dont want to come accorss as scary!

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I am writing to express my deepest dismay at the recent decision made in regards to the rotation of teachers within rooms at XXXX

The annual rotation of teachers/staff is widely recognised as advantageous, and was one of the key reasons that we chose XXXX when we looked at childcare options for our son, and this is about to be abolished.

I think this will be quite unsettling and will seriously undermine the child/carer relationship, by removing the sense of stability that is presently in place. As it is, my son (and I am sure he is not alone) is more unsettled on days where regular staff in his room have an RDO, or training, or are on leave. I really do not see the reason to do this to the children on an regular, ongoing basis.

I believe that children need to develop a sense of security and a bond with their teachers so that their time at the centre can be spent playing, making friendships and taking risks in what their play, exploring and investigating. I think that this is hindered when the child does not feel comfortable and secure in their environment, and I don’t think that the increased frequency in staff rotation is conducive to strong relationship building.

Child/carer relationships are not something that can be built overnight, or in a week Its an ongoing process, and I think its sad that the children at XXXX are not going to have the opportunity to build these relationships. My son is comfortable with, and has built up a trust relationship with his carers. I also believe that some of the younger children are not old capable of understanding or coping with this constant change and will potentially be left upset and confused.

While this may give children the opportunity to become familiar with all carers at the centre, I think that this is adequately catered for at present, with the annual staff rotation, floating staff and the joint/family groupings in the early morning.

I am also disappointed that parents’ opinion and feedback was not sought during decision making process, for something that is a fundamental change to the way the centre will be run.

I will now need to seriously consider keeping my son at the centre if this policy remains in place indefinitely.

I also have a couple of questions, are staff ratios and qualifications going to remain the same within the rooms? Also, is it possible to outline the proposed benefits and examples of this having worked well at other centres?

I am happy to discuss these concerns in person, please feel free to contact me at any time.

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Sounds very good Rayray, reads well and presents your concerns in a professional manner. I hope the Director is able to respond to your concerns - perhaps she will see reason.

Good letter Rayray, hope it the new Director takes notice.

RayRay - I can't believe they are doing that at the centre. Is the centre part of a large chain? - if so i would go straight to the top with this one. I don't see how they can be fostering each individual childs development running the program this way. When i worked in childcare - i had to keep developmental records on each individual child in my class, and tailor the program to suit their individual needs. There is no way the programs are going to be able to run in this way if staff are changing weekly.
I hope lots of other parents join you in complaining so they don't even get to trial it.

Hi, no its not a private centre its a not for profit centre.

My goodness that sound dreadful! I am a primary teacher and my boss was concerned for the children in my class because there are 2 of us job sharing on one class- this situation at your CC is far more unsettling and the children involved are younger. i think your letter sounds brilliant. if it is a non profit organisation, who is it run by? When my DDs were at preschool it was community based and run by a committee of parents in conjunction with the director.

Appalling situation, Excellent letter. I have also worked at an Early Learning Centre where this kind of arrangement would have been seen as highly detrimental toward the children. The staff must be miserable and/or outraged. I am almost at a loss for words...

Let us know how it goes RayRay.

Thanks everyone.
Its run by an independant organisation. There are no council daycares in Wyndham, the council decided there were enough already, but many are still run in ex-coucil buildings.

Well, I was planning to take it in Friday night, but DH finished work early and had already picked Milo up from creche. I have also been told there's an Article in June 'Melbourne's Child' with a similar topic, so I'm going to try to get a copy of that before wednesday and either reference it or attach it with the letter.

I'm a bit concerned about how it (sending the letter) will effect Milo's being at the centre, but I guess since the parents and majority of carers are coming for the same side, it should be OK....

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I'm a bit concerned about how it (sending the letter) will effect Milo's being at the centre, but I guess since the parents and majority of carers are coming for the same side, it should be OK....

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I feel the same way whenever I need to say something at my childcare, but when the wellbeing of you family is going to be majorly affected then often something has to be said.

I was waiting for the fallout from my complaint (just a gut feeling about the carer), but it ended up working in my favour (wont go into full details) and the other carers seem to be ok and have not said anything. I understand though that it is a scary thing to do.

hi.. this is not good!! i have worked in child care for ten years and have never seen this happen before.. has the girl ever been in lead role before?? because this silly stunt does not make any sense!! it could be damaging to the poor children that depend on having the same carer each day!!:( good luck with your letter but are you the only parent making this complaint?? because it could go unlooked if it is!!

me 28 dad 25
DD:babygirl: november 06 :dance:mummy big crawling girl:dance:

wow, I wouldn't be too happy about this situation either rayray. Nina is in daycare 2 days per week, with the same people, and she knows those ladies. One of them went on 6 weeks leave after Nina had only been there for 2 weeks, and when she returned Nina did not know her, and would not go to her. It's only in the past 2 weeks that she's started warming to her. I would definitely be voicing my concern, but also what maddymummy said, make sure you're not the only parent doing this.
Good luck and keep us updated.

Do you see any of the other parents Ray Ray? Could you organise a letter and get a lot of signatures on it?

Not really but DH does (he does the dropping off each day, we are both there at pickup) I know that the staff are unimpressed, and the other parents who'r reactions we have seen as the same as ours.

I think that he'd be too shy to talk to them though, so I might have to be late for work and go in myself.

The staff in his room are encouraging us to "comment" as much as possible.

With the staff behind you, you should be able to get signatures easily- they can direct other parents to you so DH doesn't have to actually approach people himself.

I think you're letter is great and you're definitely right to be concerned about it.
What's he thinking!?
I'd be livid if they were exposing my 2 year old to that sort of uncertainty on a weekly basis. It just seems totally unnecessary.

Rayray

Just dropping in to see how everything is going? Have you had a response from the Director in regards to your letter?

Thanks, I am taking it tonight. DS only goes wed,Thu,Fri and I didn't have it ready until yesterday (GRRR...Printers...)

I will keep this thread updated :)

hey ray ray just wondering how you letter went??? good i hope!!

I submitted the letter last Wednesday, and called an spoke to the Director that afternoon. Not much progress, although I know for sure that I am definitely not the only parent who is unhappy. Its been made clear that there is no point escalating it to the next management level, it would need to go higher if we want anything done before August.

There is a parents meeting in eary August to "review" the arrangement. I enquired about the parents committee, apparently there is none, so I think I will have a new project on my hands soon.

Are you saying that the next level up in management agree with the Director's actions?

Hopefully by starting a committee for the parents to voice their opinions and concerns it will display to the mgmt etc that you are a group of knowledgeable parents who have their children's best interests in mind. A force to be reckoned with, people who should be consulted before snap and possibly rash decisions are made.

How have things been with separation in regards to dropping your DS at the centre, have you noticed any differences???

Hi rayray
just found this thread and i am apalled at what the director has done. I am also a qualified CW (group leader) and am wondering where she got her teaching degree. I don't know any ideology that supports changing carers on a daily basis.

This arrangement is so not in the best interests of any of the children or staff, you may find that the staff will start resigning.....

I feel so sorry for your son and all the other children that are being put through this needless change. I hope that you can get a resolution before August as 4 weeks of this will probably unsettle your son, the other children and staff to the point of breaking.

Kelly

Some parents telephoned the next level up, and all they got were tales of how fabulous the new director is, they felt that their concerns were basically ignored.

DS has been a lot more clingy in the mornings, not sure how much of this is just developmental, but at pick up and in the evening he has seemed a lot more unsettled/hyped up.

HI Rayray,

I have just stumbled across this thread and I can see why you'd be so concerned.
I am an early childhood teacher and have been a director (have been a ccw for 11yrs).

I can't see how the director could think this would improve anything in the centre. There would be no carer/carer relationships or satisfaction, no child/carer relationships, no parent/carer relationships no stability and no continuity for anyone.

I agree with the other childcare workers who have commented, in that there are no ideologies/theories that support this thinking, in fact all of the ones I know and have studied support the continuity and stability that having the same carers brings, particularly for children under 3yrs. Besides the fact that you as the parent will be more confident in the quality of care that having familiar carers with your baby would bring.

I suggest that you go to the meeting and voice your concerns to the director and anyone else who will listen. Perhaps document how Milo has changed when going to childcare, and any inconsistencies that occur, like carers forgetting to do things for him, having to tell carers info about Milo multiple times etc...if you have specific examples it will be better for you to show how the changes are affecting you, your DH and Milo. And if that doesn't work, I would try to find other arrangements for childcare.

In NSW, it is a part of our quality assurance system (accreditation) that there is continuity of care for the children (amongst other things) that changes like this would affect. Perhaps it is also a part of the quality systems in place in Vic too? It might be a good idea to ask about this?

I hope that you can sort this out, I know how difficult it can be to find good childcare, especially since Milo was happy there before the changes. Good luck!

Kellie.

Well, last week they set a date for the parents meeting, and its not til the end of august.
In the meantime, there have been a couple more changes
all the cots which were in a seperate room (with viewing windows in the wall and doors, and video monitoring) have been moved into the main room cos they were deemed to be "unsupervisable".

and more concerning to me, the director has decided the door to the ouside playground should remain open at all times so the children "can have a choice". Its 0-18months, I don't think they need the choice! I imagine its enough supervising the kids all in the one area, but what if ones having a nappy change, and a couple run outside, take off their shoes etc?

will see what happens next!

OH ray it sounds like it's getting worse! What a contradiction: moving the cots yet opening the doors! trying to supervise children of that age who are allowed to roam in and out sounds dangerous! I couldn't imagine trying to do it! you'd have to double the staff in that area or have a staff member standing in the doorway... and in the middle of winter????

Interesting tactics on behalf of the centre and the director - it seems she is really trying to put her stamp on the centre.

Atleast with making changes prior to the meeting you and the other parents will have more concerns to raise. Please remember to record DS's behaviour changes, comments and your questions as they come to mind so you are fully armed to address the meeting

Cot decision - rather strange - can't see the value or reason behind it, most centres catering for 0-2's or 0-3's would have a separate cot room so that the really young babies are not disturbed by the wandering bodies and arms of other younger children. Common practice is to have a staff member every 10 mins to look in on the cot room and initial viewing on a board nearby that records sleep and wake times. This practice would be in place regardless of children being inside or outside.

Open indoor/outdoor play - this is rather common in most centres and the rationale often stems from the relatively new reasoning behind programming for children's interests rather than stated developmental objectives. By allowing children to choose their play from a variety of experiences and environments you are catering for a spectrum of children's interests. Some children prefer to be outside for the majority of their time and vice versa, and takes into account that some children do not get much outdoor play when at home (live in apartments/small backyards). It works by splitting the staff between indoors/outdoors, it can be tricky to manage especially with younger children during nappy changing times, setting up rooms for rest and when parents are coming and going. It relies heavily on having an additional staff member who performs those duties while the other staff supervise and interact with the children. While it can be cold during winter and if the centre is sensible they will not operate this practice on really cold or wet days. The same can be said for hot days in summer and it is important to remember that the cancer council advise not allowing children outside during the hours of 11-3 (daylight saving or 10-2) to prevent against the strongest part of the sun's uv rays. I think however if suitable shade cover is available then the children are able to be outside as well as having sunscreen applied prior to going outside and must be wearing hats.

Anyway probably rambled on again - was actually thinking how everything was going and will continue to check in to see what is going on.... All the best for everything...

I hadn't thought of it that was Ursula, the indoor/outdoor play. See if she would give us this sort of information about why things are changing, it would be a whole lot less confusing.

I agree about providing info b4 instigating such changes - she seems to need experience in developing her personal communication skills!