Choosing and finding the right childcare provider for our kids is never an easy process. We research and read and do our due diligence, but we never really know what we’re getting into until we’re actually there. Sometimes, it might seem like we’ve found the right setting, only to discover that it’s a less-than-ideal arrangement.
There are many reasons we might think about switching to a new childcare setting; some are relatively minor, but some are serious enough to warrant urgent action. All are valid.
Even so, it’s tough to switch. Finding the right childcare can be such a difficult process that we might be reluctant to make a change once we’ve already made a decision. We might also be concerned about how our kids will handle the transition to a new setting.
While it’s true that switching childcare providers can be a pain, there are some signs you just don’t want to ignore. These signs might be indicators of an unsafe or neglectful environment, in which case we’d probably want to start looking elsewhere ASAP.
The effects of changing childcare providers on children
One of the biggest concerns parents have is how our children will be affected by changing childcare environments. Will they make new friends? Will the transition affect them negatively? Will they be able to adapt again?
Thinking about the-potentially negative effects of change on our kids can make it hard to switch, even if we are confident it’ll be better for them in the long run.
If you’re thinking of finding new childcare, here’s some comfort. A 2014 article published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly stated that:
“It is important to note that not all changes in child care providers or multiple, concurrent arrangements will be detrimental to children’s development. Changes that are planned and purposeful and that lead to higher quality or more developmentally-appropriate care, such as transitioning from in-home care to center-based care during the preschool years, may lead to more positive outcomes (Ansari & Winsler, 2013; Morrissey, 2010). In these cases, any negative effects of changing to a new setting or new caregiver may be short-lived or outweighed by benefits. Moreover, the effects of long-term instability may be non-linear, such that any adverse effects occur only after children have experienced multiple provider changes.”
Basically, if you’re moving your child into a better environment, the positives of the change will likely outweigh the negatives in the long run. I think that’s something moms intuitively know in our hearts, but just need to hear from someone else.
Rest easy, mama. Switching childcare providers might not be the easy thing, but it’s probably the right thing, especially if you notice any of the following signs.
5 major reasons to switch childcare providers
If you notice any of the signs below in your current childcare setting, it’s a good idea to start looking for other options.
You should also discuss your feelings with the director or person in charge. If there is an immediate change and your concerns are addressed quickly, that’s great. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to “stick it out” – continue to keep your options open and search for better childcare.
1. Signs of neglect
Child neglect is always a reason to switch providers as soon as possible. No provider is worth our kids’ safety and wellbeing.
Neglect may not always be in-your-face obvious. Instead, it may manifest in subtle ways – frequent diaper rashes, too many injuries, changes in your child’s behavior, and dirty, unsafe, or unsanitary conditions are all signs that could point to neglect.
In practice, neglect might look like not changing diapers frequently enough, ignoring basic hygiene, or not paying attention to children when they are crying or asking for help.
These may all be signs of an uncaring, under-resourced, or poorly staffed childcare setting. Ultimately, this kind of environment can negatively affect our children’s physical and emotional health.
2. Crying or avoidance of teachers
If it’s one thing I learned when it comes to daycare and childcare providers, it’s this – when your child talks, listen.
My son once attended a daycare where he strongly disliked one particular teacher; let’s call her Miss A. I’d always ask if he liked Miss A, and he’d say “no,” but he’d say “yes” when asked about his other teachers.
Miss A usually came into the class a bit later, after I had already left for work. One morning during drop-off, I stuck around long enough to see her interact with the kids.
When I saw her in action, I immediately understood why my son didn’t like her. She was loud, clearly frustrated with her job, borderline disrespectful, and uncompromising – not what I imagined a daycare teacher working with toddlers should be like. She was one of the major reasons I started looking elsewhere.
Teacher warmth, engagement, and attentiveness are some of the most important contributors to healthy child development and confidence. If you’re not getting that at your current location, it might be time to consider making a switch.
Some of the signs that your child isn’t getting the attention and care they need from their teachers include unusual clinginess at drop-off, avoidance of teachers, behavior changes, not wanting to go into their classrooms, or just outright telling you they don’t like them.
3. Serious or consistent injuries
Children should not be getting major or frequent injuries while in a childcare provider’s care.
If your child is coming home with major or frequent bruises or injuries, you might want to look for an alternative arrangement ASAP.
We know that children are curious and they get into things, so a few bumps and scratches are inevitable. But when the injuries are major or they’re happening more than just once in a while, that’s a sign of a more serious problem.
It could mean children are being neglected, not being supervised appropriately, or the environment is not safe and properly maintained – all big reasons to start looking elsewhere.
4. Safety concerns
I once had my son enrolled in a daycare (same daycare as Miss A) where a few kids actually escaped from the playground into the parking lot behind the school. As if that wasn’t crazy enough in itself, the teachers didn’t even know – a parent reported it.
Needless to say, once I found out I pulled my son out immediately – forget the deposit – and got out of there within two weeks. I didn’t even bother having a conversation with the director because my child was literally not safe in their care.
Safety is the most basic necessity for any childcare provider, and if that’s in question, you should find another provider immediately.
Some safety issues that would warrant an immediate switch include poor classroom and building security, limited teacher supervision, unsafe class ratios (the ratio of children to teachers), lack of attention to childproofing and child safety, and poor storage of potentially hazardous substances like medications or certain food items.
5. Consistent staff turnover
One of the biggest reasons parents switch to a different childcare setting is high staff turnover.
This kind of problem is more common in large childcare centers or newer facilities that haven’t quite established themselves yet. It might not seem like that big of a deal, but consistent turnover is actually a big problem.
For one, it’s not good when our children constantly have to re-adapt to new teachers. It limits their ability to form strong bonds and develop relationships with their caregivers, which can negatively impact their confidence and growth.
Secondly, frequent turnover can be signs of a more serious issue – poor or inexperienced management, a toxic work culture, or lack of teacher support could all be underlying reasons. Whatever the reason, high turnover rates definitely warrant looking into alternative childcare options.
Starting over at a new childcare facility is never easy, but sometimes, it’s necessary. If you’re noticing any of the signs above and feeling like things just aren’t quite right, take comfort in the fact that you’re probably doing the right thing by looking for new childcare. The switch might be temporarily uncomfortable, but in the long run, your child will be safer and better cared for.
Sources
“Daycare Provider Negligence.” Cochranfirm.com, 2021, www.cochranfirm.com/daycare-provider-negligence/.
Pilarz, Alejandra Ros, and Heather D. Hill. “Unstable and Multiple Child Care Arrangements and Young Children’s Behavior.” Early Childhood Research Quarterly, vol. 29, no. 4, 2014, pp. 471–483, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2014.05.007. Accessed 3 Mar. 2020.
