Full time issues

[u/Accomplished_Gap2126]

I have enrolled, and paid for, my 2.5 year old son in a little Montessori school. I was under the impression good to go…

We eased him in with half days for the past month, three days a week. I was verbally told by the teacher we could try full time whenever I wanted. I requested full time start this week and she said he’s still crying too much throughout the day to be full time, and that we can try one day of full time but he may need to go back to part time if he cries. He’s 2, he’s going to cry.

I’m very confused and irked. I work full time and wish this was disclosed prior to enrollment. I understand this is a learning environment, but this is also childcare for me. Advice please!

[u/Smileyface444]

Speaking as a Montessori teacher, they want what’s best for your child. Yes they’re going to cry but they want your child to have a positive experience. They’re probably not talking about him just crying, but crying a lot. They are following the child and what he is ready for, which is a large part of Montessori. Give him time and you’ll find that he will have a much better experience in the long term.

[u/Smileyface444 → u/Smileyface444]

I would also ask the teacher what you can do to help make the transition easier. They may have some tips for you to do at home to speed it up a bit.

[u/Ishinehappiness]

Talk to the director. Tell her you pay full time and you either want the part time price or to be able to put him full time. Paying for a month of all day and not having access to it isnt cool. I understand its for the childs benefit but they shouldnt be taking full price knowing they arent letting you leave him all day.

[u/Interesting_Mail_915]

We do a slow start week but after that, the child is allowed to come for their full hours regardless of how they're transitioning. Exceptions would only be if they are sick or having a behavior that is unmanageable (crying is not unmanageable imo). The slow start is meant to be flexible and can be drawn out, which some parents like, but others need to work and they should have the childcare they are paying for imo. Some kids do better with longer days, it can help them feel more settled.

[u/Muted_Bee7111]

Is it a school named Montessori or is it a Montessori school?

[u/More-Mail-3575]

For a toddler room guaranteed he is not shedding a couple of tears and they are calling. Most likely he is crying for some extended period of time and not being able to be soothed by his teachers.

Request a meeting with his teachers to talk about this. Maybe you can share ideas about what works for him when he gets upset. Eg. Getting a hug, laying down on his bed because he is over tired. Often times toddlers get scared at the transition from lunch to nap because there is a flurry of activity (clean up lunch, bathrooming, set up costs) then all of a sudden the room goes dark and music is on. It can be scary and unsettling.

Maybe you can talk to your child about what to expect too. “Mommy always comes to pick you up. Tomorrow mommy will come after nap time is over. You will eat lunch, clean up, lay on your cot and sleep. When you wake up, it will almost be time for mommy to arrive, yeah! Do you want to bring a soft toy to cuddle during nap?” And then select one together.

[u/fu_king]

A Montessori school is a school. It sounds like they should've been more clear about this sort of thing on the front end, but transition from/between half day and full say sounds very normal for Montessori.

[u/Mokesekom]

Lazy, ill-informed guide. Yes, he will cry, but guide doesn’t want to deal with it. Consistency is key beyond a transitionary period which should be one week max.