Preschool teacher issue?

Question

I take my daughter to a parent participation preschool. The parents stay and the parents are expected to help out either the teacher or watch the kids. We all work hard except for this one lady who sits on her cell phone and chats the whole time. I don't know the other parents very well so I don't know how they feel about it but I think it really stinks. The preschool teacher just ignores it. When the teacher asks for volunteers for something, the cell phone lady never raises her hand. I wonder if the teacher is afraid of offending the parent or something. Should I talk to her and say it isn't fair or should I just let it go? Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Answer 1

I would suggest ignoring her if you can for awhile longer.  Get to know some of the other parents and try to get a feel for what they think.  Maybe the situation has been addressed in the past but nothing has changed and so the teacher and other parents just ignore her.  Or maybe this is a recent issue with this parent and the others are just waiting for it to pass.  Who knows?  Also, try asking the school administration if they have a cell phone policy for the volunteer parents.  Or maybe they have  a rule about how much volunteer time each parent must have (actively working with the children - not sitting and talking).    Maybe the administration could address the situation if the teacher will not.  However, I would try to find out what the other parents think first and maybe talk to the teacher privately to see if she has previously tried to take care of the situation.  Just remember this is more about the children and not about your personal feelings toward another parent.  After all, she's the one whose really losing out - not you.

Answer 2

Just ignore her. Enjoy your time with your child .

It's her loss... and sadly her childs.

Answer 3

Just a thought.... but maybe this parent, is using her phone as a barrier, she is out of her comfort zone, maybe not great at meeting new people? Maybe try extending a friendly hand... ask her if she would like to assist you with something you are doing with the children. (if you are able to catch her at a moment when she is not on the phone!)

That way, you can say you tried to do something in a positive manner. If that doesn't work then, I would just move on and make the most of your time there, and focus on the most important thing... the children!

Answer 4

i think that you should talk to the teacher, but don't say its not fair she would probably just laugh because the intention of this program is to get you involved with your child's life.  when you speak to her ask her to talk with her and find out what the real problem is and try to resolve it. because its not fair to the child to do that and if the teacher wont say anything shes not doing her job. she should let this cell phone lady know the people she is hurting is herself and sadly her poor child.

Answer 5

I think this is something that the teacher needs to take care of. It is not your place to say anything. Just enjoy your own child and enjoy the time you get to spend with your child. This lady is missing out so it is her lose. It is unfortunate that there are parents like this.

Answer 6

Certainly ask the teacher about it, but in private. Perhaps arrange a time to talk, not in front of other parents. I'd approach it from a cooperative point of view, as this is that sort of preschool. Tell her how you feel about it and ask what you can do, together, to resolve the problem.

Is there a parent board? Someone who sets the policies for the school? Perhaps something needs to be put in writing - a policy regarding cell phone use and not participating. Maybe a memo could be sent home reminding parents of the requirements and rules.

Answer 7

Yes talk to the teacher, that teacher is not doing her job. I taught preschool for ten years so i know what i am talikng about . TALK TO THE TEACHER

Answer 8

I would say just ignore her. If she doesn't want to be involved in something her child does than just let her be, she's the one who is missing out. I wouldn't say to her it's not fair she's not helping because you're really only doing this for your child not anyone elses. Maybe you can just mention that it is a preschool that parents participate in and if she has no intention of participating she should think about taking her child to a different one.

Answer 9

Bringing it up to the teacher might put the teacher in an awkward spot.  Bringing it up to the parent might even be more of an issue.

I don't know exactly how the classroom is set up, but I'm wondering if you can take an indirect route.  Invite her child and your child to do a work together with you.  Let them decide what it is.  The mother will probably see what she's missing out on and want to join in.  If not, it is her loss.

As far as people suggesting seeing if the school requires a certain amount of time to actually interact with the child, I wouldn't do that either.  These things only work for the parent if they WANT to spend the time there...not if they HAVE to.  

I don't have experience in this type of school.  So my feeling may change if someone that does have this type of experience says something different.  But that's my 2 cents.

Matt