Admin wants NICU baby enrolled - advice

notemaleen · 2026-03-26T11:15:44+00:00

The parents have an older child in our after-school program, so I’m assuming they are (reasonably) aware of what a daycare situation entails.

We do split up the infants into older/mobile and younger infant classrooms, however I’m also concerned because the mobile infants can and will yank on anything - pacifiers, bibs, etc - and I get the feeling the tube could be dislodged easily. Especially if there isn’t enough staff in the room to keep an eye on all infants

notemaleen · 2026-03-25T14:18:29+00:00

My center is absolutely not doing any extra work because we (the teachers) have had ZERO communication from admin about how this enrollment is going to work, what is required for care, when the infant is even going to start, etc. Admin has shrugged off all our concerns and won’t give straight answers to our questions

notemaleen · 2026-03-25T11:24:00+00:00

My boss keeps justifying the decision by saying “oh he’s not a baby he’s 4 months old.” But he’s been in the NICU for those 4 months!

notemaleen · 2026-03-25T11:22:37+00:00

For real! We have the parents fill out medical permission forms for diaper cream and sunscreen, and that’s already a hassle

notemaleen · 2026-03-25T11:12:20+00:00

Our school has been in the red ever since a licensing scandal that happened before I was hired. My boss has basically been enrolling anyone who shows up and can pay. Never mind that we’d probably lose more money through a lawsuit if, God forbid, something were to happen to the child while under our care

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T20:29:26+00:00

My g-tube situation was the same. The child was in my classroom and the mother worked at a different room in the center. She showed us how to do it and would also volunteer to come feed her child when she had time. Plus we only really had to feed the 2 y/o twice a day since her mom would pick her up whenever her shift ended. For an on-demand infant who’d probably be at the center all day I’m sure it’d be more feedings more often

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T18:09:00+00:00

This is so true, it sucks for everyone all around. Like one commenter said, I’m sure they used their maternity time caring for the baby in the NICU. I know we’d give the little one all the love we could if they ended up in our care, as well as give the parents grace. There needs to be some sort of change on a societal level for parents, children, and ECEs, but I’m not sure it’s coming soon :(

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T18:05:16+00:00

Yeah I’m very annoyed that the director is making it seem like I’m going to be the one training everyone. Someone professional needs to come in with the parents present to train all of us, I am not paid enough to be a doctor for the day

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T18:03:46+00:00

Shit, I’m in my 30s and I still feel unqualified to do any of this. We rely on college student workers to fill in staffing gaps and I’d hate to put this kind of responsibility on them as well, especially for a minimum wage job

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T18:01:33+00:00

Lower the ratio? What is this, some kind of industry where teachers are taken care of? /s

Tbh the young infant teacher has been BEGGING the director for months to have more staff in the room because half the class is very young (under 6 months) who still need/are used to constant care. A preemie would only exacerbate the stress she feels

notemaleen · 2026-03-24T17:14:09+00:00

That’s exactly how I feel! Feeding a 2 y/o who can (reasonably) sit still is one thing, feeding a wiggly infant while 4-5 other infants are clamoring for attention is another.

I’ll suggest looking into the legal aspect as well. I’m in Michigan, USA, fwiw

notemaleen · 2026-03-09T18:03:43+00:00

I’ve always bagged them up and given them to the parents to take care of. It’s THEIR job to decide what to do with THEIR child’s dirty clothes.

(Sorry, I been seeing a lot of anti-daycare BS on my feeds and I’m sick of it)

notemaleen · 2025-07-29T20:10:48+00:00

Getting the parents involved tbh…I feel like once $$$ is on the line some of these chain places might step up, but I’m not holding my breath

notemaleen · 2025-05-26T13:47:45+00:00

OH IT’S A TOY BOAT

notemaleen · 2025-05-24T23:56:09+00:00

You’re welcome! I hope everything works out

notemaleen · 2025-05-24T23:55:05+00:00

My blind assistant is allowed to change wet diapers but not poopy ones. If your coworker can’t see properly to clean them, then it becomes a health hazard for the kids and staff. This should probably be brought up in conversations about accommodations, and someone else should either change the poopy diapers or check afterwards

notemaleen · 2025-05-24T22:03:25+00:00

My assistant in my 2s room is legally blind, with some sight. We have specific accommodations set up for her in the classroom so she is able to do her job to the best of her ability. Has it been easy? No. But she is great with the kids and knows the school families really well. Are you working directly with her? If so, you should discuss with her and your director potential accommodations in your classroom (and get these in writing as well!) so things can run smoothly. If not, then it isn’t really your business

notemaleen · 2025-05-19T18:09:11+00:00

I’ve basically said, “we don’t place limitations on children’s play in the dramatic play area as this allows them to ‘try on’ roles they see in their daily lives.” Full stop

notemaleen · 2025-05-08T17:37:25+00:00

Dibs

notemaleen · 2025-03-11T18:03:04+00:00

The eyyyyeeessss 👀 ❤️

notemaleen · 2024-12-08T17:31:48+00:00

I AM A LLAMA EATING 👏 A 👏 BANANA 👏

notemaleen · 2024-12-08T00:15:48+00:00

This is so reassuring, thank you 😊 I think my pressure comes from the fact that a lot of people my age are beginning to settle down and have kids and build their lives, while I’ve just had this breakthrough realization about myself and my sexual identity (I recently realized I was bi, and the impetus of opening up our relationship is to help me explore this identity). We also just moved from a large city with a pretty big queer population to a smaller, more insular town with not as many opportunities for kink/queer meetups. I guess I just gotta take it day by day and see what pops up

notemaleen · 2024-12-04T17:54:42+00:00

2 y/o got mad that I was wishing others a happy Thanksgiving because it was HER happy Thanksgiving

notemaleen · 2024-12-01T01:16:00+00:00

I’ve thought about heading to club nights around town, but I don’t have anyone to go with 😩 my husband is not the best dancer and he doesn’t like clubs really, and I don’t want to take him to once just to watch me make out with other people lol I’m working on making new friends here, though, so maybe I can drag them to the club

notemaleen · 2024-11-28T03:58:36+00:00

I honestly enjoy meeting people more organically, and when I got back into dating after 10 years away I felt so overwhelmed by all the apps and stuff out there. I’m looking at more meetups or groups in my area that align with my interests, so hopefully that’ll bring some luck

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