Where do I find information on state laws regarding preschools?

Question

My sons preschool is state funded and they are telling me that i can't just drop in to visit him any time I want. I know this has to be against the law but I'm having a difficult time finding information to back me up.

Answer 1

google the department of social services in you county or parish.  you should be able to access the childcare or preschool regulation on line.

Answer 2

I taught preschool for many years and I never had a problem with a parent dropping in.  I used alot of parents that were willing to help in special projects. Reading stories, or with crafts, etc.  

Is your son having trouble seperating from you? or you having trouble leaving him?  If either one of these are the problem then I would say that you have to give him the chance to see that he will be ok and that he can have fun learning and making new friends.  If you are having trouble seperating from him know that what you are doing for him is the best and that you are going to make him a stronger person and more independent.

I am a mother of two grown children and now I have three grandchildren and I do know how hard it is to see them grow up and not need us anymore but I always think of the saying that we have to give our children wings and let them fly.  They will never leave us or not need us there needs will just change as they grow.

I have listed several websites for you before I do wish you the best and hope something can be worked out with your sons school.

Answer 3

The law varies from state to state. In NY, for instance, parents of children in licensed day care programs are entitled to "immediate and on demand" access to their children. However, state funded Pre-Ks, unless they happen to be located in a day care, are governed by the rules of State Ed. You'll have to find out who regulates the program your son is in. They cannot stop you from picking him up and taking him home at any time, but they may be able to forbid visiting. That's bad policy but it may be legal.

Answer 4

I own a daycare centre. I understand your point completely b/c I volunteer at my older son's school and was mortified when I was told that even though I'm a parent volunteer, I am NOT ALLOWED to help supervise the children at recess. He's in grade 2.

Back to your question, you need to think about a few things.....

1. How will the other children react...they are all missing their mommies.

2. How will the teachers feel to have their classrooms distracted? It's really hard as it is to maintain the children's attention.

3. What if all the moms wanted to visit...it would be chaos.

When I first opened my centre I had an open door policy (100 children). It was a disaster. Parents would show up at all times of the day. There was nothing to hide...we run an awesome program and my staff are great... but it was aweful b/c parents would want to ask questions during program time, children who were finally settled in the program would see another mom and that would really upset them. There's more to it than just them not wanting you there. Don't take it personally. It's a distraction for everyone. Try scheduling a time to go in. I don't think it's too much to ask that parents schedule a time so that the supervisor is aware and is available to you to answer any of your questions. If I ever open aother centre, I would definatly include an "observation room" where parents can see their children but the children can't see them. Good luck to you. Try talking to the program supervisor about your feelings.

Answer 5

Try calling the school district under which the program is enrolled, the Department of Child Care Licensing, Human Services, or even another preschool nearby and get the right people to talk to.

Good luck.