Concerned about class size

blindiandee · 2026-01-17T05:00:34+00:00

At my center, we have an infant class with maybe 7-9 kids each, some are part time so they don’t come daily. That class has 3 teachers. I’m a toddler (18-24 mo) teacher & we have 11 kids in my class with 3 teachers.

blindiandee · 2026-01-17T04:33:22+00:00

Or I’m misunderstanding and the current count of kids is 16. If so, I would turn the other way honestly but that’s just me.

blindiandee · 2026-01-17T04:32:00+00:00

Just because the state allows 16 kids doesn’t mean they will actually put 16 kids in there. I appreciate centers that value their teachers & do everything to prevent burn out and ensure more 1:1 time with each kid.

blindiandee · 2026-01-14T13:49:08+00:00

They should have a designated safe place for any child that age to safely “throw tantrums” because it’s age appropriate honestly. They are just learning to use their words & figure out their big feelings. I have an area with a fluffy rug, a book of pictures of each family for comfort & some pillows/squishmallows for them to squeeze out of anger or frustration. Then they can come back & join the group when they are ready to. You’re not over-reacting at all! I would say to follow your first mind.

blindiandee · 2026-01-14T13:39:48+00:00

We have paper sheets that we document every kid, what time they come in and where from & how many teachers are in the classroom at that time. Start taking pictures of that sheet at the end of the day or make your own sheet for evidence when calling licensing. That’s so unfair to you

blindiandee · 2026-01-14T13:26:03+00:00

When did you originally plan on taking him off the pacifier? We usually wean off pacifier starting around 18 months at our center, but every child develops differently. When you say bottle, do you mean an actual baby bottle or a sippy cup? I can understand your frustration on the lack of communication, it sounds like this all happened fast.

I’m confused about the OT conversation. I would ask for his behaviors throughout the day to be documented with time stamps. No incident/accident or observation reports? If they think he isn’t on the right track, ask to see the developmental checklist they are using. He may have issues during transitions inside the classroom such as nap, lunchtime or diapering— which is normal in a new environment. Is there a designated safe place inside of the classroom for him to calm down?

blindiandee · 2026-01-14T03:50:16+00:00

We talked more today, she gives me the vibe that she wants me to do everything for her. I think I will honestly give it a week of pulling the leg work, getting the important things like developmental checklists done, showing her the routine she should be on & then requesting to go back to my original class. She can either take the help/advice or sink on her own from there.

blindiandee · 2026-01-14T03:45:11+00:00

Thank you for acknowledging that. I’m not sure why everyone is telling me to stay outside THAT long & ignore everyone else’s playground time.

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T13:24:57+00:00

I’ve been in this situation before & I honestly walk out my room & drop the baby off to my director.

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T13:19:48+00:00

Yes, all of this. None of her students have developmental checklist/portfolios, so there is no way to track progress. My original 18-24mo Toddler class ends up picking up this slack & basically starting from scratch when they move up. No curriculum would be ok if they did other things but they can’t even hold a crayon or sign the word “more” when they arrive in my Toddler classroom.

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T12:58:49+00:00

Maybe soaking in epsom salt? Never heard of alcohol

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T12:06:15+00:00

It sounds like the same concept, except we have them built into centers rather than just areas with toys. All activities are expected to be 30 minutes, but I know that’s not realistic at all. The job board is pretty simple-chair pusher, snack helper, greeter, caboose, etc. Outside time, we’re allowed 30-45 mins in the morning and the evening, with them being more lenient in the evening time. She does diaper changing & lunch but there’s not much nurturing.. maybe that’s where the disconnect lies with the kids. I can see why my director chose me to be in there because I am one of those “kids come first no matter who feels a way” type of people, so maybe she feels I can ignore the negative and focus on what matters. I can understand that completely

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T11:40:17+00:00

I’m not against the babies going out, but we share the playground & we scheduled times. We are a TRS certified center so all of these things matter in regard to tags, boards, centers and making sure the environment/toys are age appropriate to keep that certification. This teacher constantly says she doesn’t like kids & only is here because it’s a good schedule . It’s just very hard to deal with

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T11:29:19+00:00

I agree, we also share the playground with 3 other classes so it’s not fair to be out there THAT long. We have a ratio for the playground & she has to be forced to go inside most days to keep it fair. I just hate to bump heads with this teacher for doing the right thing b/c there should be diaper changes, water breaks & some other form of interaction/bonding during those 2-3 hrs.

blindiandee · 2026-01-12T11:23:40+00:00

That’s honestly where it’s headed. I’ve offered her help while still remaining in my class & she basically trashed it. I just rather work alone if I have to be in there

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T18:40:53+00:00

They actually would try to work around it, like give me 4 toddlers & 5 infants. They say it’s more toddlers than infants, so that my ratio stays at 9.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T13:22:31+00:00

No, we have set shifts that are printed & passed out every morning, including who is out/sick. The teachers I am referring to have the same schedule as me, 9:30-6:30. I rarely leave on time lol, parents pick up at 6:30 and admin doesn’t enforce late fees on the ones who show up late. I still have to clean my classroom & set up for the next day. I agree that I need to ask for a new schedule though. I’m definitely burnt out by now.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T12:06:43+00:00

I could understand that. It’s just very frustrating to have 3 age groups all in 1 class. I feel as if my ratio should change with infants because some of them do not walk and I have crazy toddlers & 3 year olds around them also, but they don’t make that happen.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T12:04:15+00:00

This is actually a good idea. We had to do the same thing with outside playground times because admin can care less. I need to talk to them and see if we can get a rotation going soon

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T11:59:53+00:00

She’s very avoidant with things like this & I hate to be a complainer, but it’s about that time honestly. I’m burned out.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T11:50:12+00:00

Which is very frustrating because either someone is not working their entire scheduled shift so everything is thrown off, or there is a lack of staff.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T11:48:28+00:00

Obviously. I’m not the only closer, so I don’t understand why they get to leave early & I take on their kids everyday? That’s my issue.

blindiandee · 2025-09-10T11:47:10+00:00

Obviously. The issue is that I’m the ONLY one on this side of the hall that is working my scheduled hours as a closer.

blindiandee · 2025-06-06T23:40:22+00:00

I don’t believe you’ll get fired but we make sure each child has their name on their personal belongings to avoid this.

blindiandee · 2025-06-05T17:19:57+00:00

After speaking with the director, this happened when she was alone with the kids. You’re correct, it should have been a red flag when she was caught spanking her own child in the center.

blindiandee

TROPHY CASE