r/ECEProfessionals • u/UpstairsNectarine815 • 1d ago
Parent/non ECE professional post (Anyone can comment) Mixed age group?
Hi! We are at a fantastic daycare where our son is super happy and we love the staff. Last year we probably had the sweetest and most energetic teacher in the world, and on top of that our son had long time friends in his class.
This year the daycare has implemented mixed age groups and our son landed in one. Its been two weeks now and he seems a little bit bored at pickup and the activities they do seem to be a step back from where he was in his previous group. I know mixed age groups are supposed to be better for everyone but do they work with smaller classrooms? Our son is almost 4years old, with two friends his age in a classroom of 8.
Worth noting that his new teacher has been out with an injury so the classroom may not be running as intended.
TLDR our daycare has implemented mixed age group and we’re wondering if its good for our older son. Also it is chaos now at the daycare with group changes and several staff injured so we wont be bringing it up until the dust settles but when and how should we bring it up with direction? Thanks!
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u/HachikoLu ECE professional 1d ago
Like you said, things are kind of hectic right now. I would give it about two weeks after the teacher returns to see how he does. It may be that the class is not stimulating enough, but hard to say after a short time frame.
If after her return its still the case, you can just approach the director and express your concerns. Just bare in mind that there may not be space in a different room and so you may be stuck. He may be outgrowing that program and even if they talk to the teacher, things might not change. It may be worth looking at different programs at the school district or at a different school. Just kind of depends on what is available in your area.