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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 12:48:17 GMT
In all my years of my kids being at the elementary school, I have never heard of any child being turned away because the before care slots were full. EVER. I've been going back and forth to that school and volunteered there since 2005. This year I need to return to the work force outside the home because my home transcription job is just not pulling in enough money and it's now become necessary. I have been working up the courage and prepping my resume and getting the courage but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the before care program at the school would not be available for my child (10). They've always had it available for any child that needs it an at the beginning of school have staff for it. I'm feeling like I'd like to scream.
Seriously do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you are met with obstacles in your way all the time? I live across the street from Ms. Rainbows fly out of my a$$ that things magically fly into her arms whereever she turns and I am constantly having days like this all the time. WTH.
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Aug 26, 2014 12:55:11 GMT
Oh, no! Do they have a waitlist? Are there others in your position? If there are enough people left out in the cold, maybe they'll add a staff member and open up some spots. I'm sorry you have to deal with this right as you start a new job.
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Post by alibama on Aug 26, 2014 12:58:26 GMT
I am sorry. I would be frustrated too!
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 13:02:37 GMT
Oh, no! Do they have a waitlist? Are there others in your position? If there are enough people left out in the cold, maybe they'll add a staff member and open up some spots. I'm sorry you have to deal with this right as you start a new job. They do have a waitlist, apparently it is not long which is good and bad. Since it's short, if there are enough people that drop out he may get a spot that way. However, since it's not very long, it's not long enough to justify another staff member. I have NEVER even heard of this happening, the company that runs this must have a staff shortage. I haven't started work yet, I was signing up with a temporary job agency this fall while school was in session, figuring it would be easier to do it then while they were both in school and because before care was available. For every freaking other working mother in town apparently who had convinced me I could do this. I'm so pissed off right now I never thought to register him early because I didn't have the job yet and you have to pay for the slot once you get him enrolled and I couldn't pay for the slot without a job. I can't get a job and leave him hanging in the morning to get on the bus and breakfast for himself. A freaking hamster wheel of WTF. I have been home for 14 years and finally get the courage to leave the house because I know my kids will be covered, and now this. Freaking awesome.
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scrappinmama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 26, 2014 13:02:35 GMT
How frustrating. Sometimes it really does feel like everything goes wrong all at once. Hopefully a spot will open up.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Aug 26, 2014 13:09:34 GMT
Definitely ask about a waiting list. Other families' needs may change last minute just as yours have. I hope it works it for you. That kind of stuff is frustrating. --------- Whoops. Just saw about the waitlist. Anyway - I hope you get it worked out.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 13:12:45 GMT
How frustrating. Sometimes it really does feel like everything goes wrong all at once. Hopefully a spot will open up. Yeah, you are right. I am just taking a deep breath and hoping that he gets a spot or that I find a job that doesn't leave him home for too long to get the bus. His bus comes at 8:15 but I live at least a half hour from any business and I don't know of many that are going to let me start work at 9. Just going to pray that another door opens here where this one has shut.
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freebird
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Jun 25, 2014 20:06:48 GMT
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Post by freebird on Aug 26, 2014 13:14:11 GMT
Let us help you sort it out. What time is work. What time does school start. How does he get to school?
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Post by *sprout* on Aug 26, 2014 13:15:47 GMT
Is there a neighbor available in the morning who could help? What about bringing him to a friend's house in the morning? Even if it's just temporary until a spot opens up.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 13:16:34 GMT
Definitely ask about a waiting list. Other families' needs may change last minute just as yours have. I hope it works it for you. That kind of stuff is frustrating. --------- Whoops. Just saw about the waitlist. Anyway - I hope you get it worked out. Thanks, yes i am definitely going to put him on the list. I feel so incredibly stupid because other daycares have limits, the school having one never entered my mind because it never has turned kids away before, so why would it enter my mind, right? It's a public school, they always talk about it, it's never happened before. Not realizing other factors may come into play. This poor kid never gets a break. The year he was ready to start preschool, the fabulous one my DD went to closed, after being in business for 30 years. Seriously having a flashback to that feeling of complete panic and frustration.
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scrappert
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Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Aug 26, 2014 13:17:37 GMT
Very frustrating. Can't say that I have heard of that happening either. I hope something works out for you.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Aug 26, 2014 13:18:37 GMT
I have definitely had times in my life where it seemed no matter where I turned I was getting hit with something and I could not catch a break!
Life is hard at times for most everyone. Some people are better at hiding it though. Your rainbow lady is probably one of those - it may look like everything is going great for her but she's likely had her struggles too.
I hope things go smoother for you in the near future.
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kate
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Post by kate on Aug 26, 2014 13:18:45 GMT
Would the school put out a message that the are desperate parents on the waitlist, to see if all the registered spots will truly be filled?
I always sign up for after-school care spots for my kids. I don't use them often, but I like the option. If they ran out of spots (thus far, they never have), I would definitely give mine up for a family who needed it.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 13:25:50 GMT
Let us help you sort it out. What time is work. What time does school start. How does he get to school? Well I am working through a temp agency which I chose to get my feet wet so to speak because this is all new to me after working from home for 14 years. So it could vary. I am going to have to adjust my times with them before I get a job which I guess is all right because at least (silver lining) I am not matched up with anyone yet. However I live semi-country about 30 minutes to any of the towns where they would place me. He gets on the bus at 8:15. I am probably comfortable with him getting up and dressed on his own but definitely don't want him to be alone eating as he as asthma and he has almost choked and brought on an asthma attack eating before. So now typing that out and thinking about that I am in no way comfortable leaving him at home at all by himself like I thought I would be. He used to get the bus with the boy across the street but he is going to middle school this year (a year older) so bus earlier. I am going to see who else in the area is he could stay with though if need be for the time if I get a job that I have to be at earlier. I was feeling so confident going for interviews for the temp agency I am just going to have to adjust my start time now I guess. I guess the good thing as I said is that I didn't commit to a particular time/assignment yet, they were waiting until school started to get me up and running.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 13:29:45 GMT
Would the school put out a message that the are desperate parents on the waitlist, to see if all the registered spots will truly be filled? I always sign up for after-school care spots for my kids. I don't use them often, but I like the option. If they ran out of spots (thus far, they never have), I would definitely give mine up for a family who needed it. Now, see our program has us paying for the spots once you register. So are you saying you sign up for the after care and rarely use them but pay for it every week anyway? We have to pay for it whether we use it or not. I will check with the school and see, they normally don't get involved but since I know most of them from volunteering they may be able to put out a note about it, and either people will pull out that definitely aren't using it or others will sign up and we can get another staff member. There may be others like me freaking out just as much if not more so that's a thought.
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Post by Skellinton on Aug 26, 2014 13:38:50 GMT
For the first year ever our before and after care is full as well. There is a cap of the number of kids they can have due to space more than staff although they are desperately seeking staff as well. Even if they had more staff they couldn't have more kids, the extra staff is just to have a better ratio. Parents are wound up, let me tell you! Calling the principal and school district!
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georgiapea
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Post by georgiapea on Aug 26, 2014 13:40:20 GMT
By 10 my DD was getting herself to school on her own. Plus she came home alone as well. I worked during all her growing up years. If your boy has asthema he knows what he can eat and what he should not. Try it for a week. I'm sure he will be fine.
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kate
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Post by kate on Aug 26, 2014 13:42:41 GMT
We pay a deposit, and we're billed against the deposit until it runs out (hourly rate - kids are clocked in and out), at which point the school sends monthly bills. Sometimes I use up the deposit $, and sometimes I don't. Our family schedule is unpredictable, so I figure the deposit is like an insurace policy.
I'm sure the rules (and payment policies!) would be tightened up in a hurry if the demand exceeded the available slots.
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scrapaddie
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Post by scrapaddie on Aug 26, 2014 13:50:38 GMT
One of the things that you will learn is that a working mother has to be very proactive and does not assume anything when it comes to her child's care. You have to Plan ahead.... Have you planned for school holidays, for instance? Thankfully, you don't have a full time job... That gives you time to plan around this. But remember this. Iit is a valuable lesson. I imagine most mothers registered as early as they could... A working mom HAS to. Nothing falls into Place by itself... It is very difficult, even for those who make it look easy
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Post by elaine on Aug 26, 2014 14:16:24 GMT
In the 11 years we've lived here, there has always been a huge waiting list to get into before/after school care - you can only get on the list if both/the only parent works more than 30 hours a week. It can take years to get in. Needless to say, there is a thriving daycare business around here - Kindercare, Child Time, etc. - most actually then take the kids to school and pick them up after school in vans. Maybe you can look into something like that.
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gloryjoy
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Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
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Post by gloryjoy on Aug 26, 2014 14:27:56 GMT
In the 11 years we've lived here, there has always been a huge waiting list to get into before/after school care - you can only get on the list if both/the only parent works more than 30 hours a week. It can take years to get in. Needless to say, there is a thriving daycare business around here - Kindercare, Child Time, etc. - most actually then take the kids to school and pick them up after school in vans. Maybe you can look into something like that. I was going to suggest this, maybe try a daycare center not affiliated with the school or even a private in home daycare. I know a lady in my neighbourhood who only does before and afterschool daycare.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Aug 26, 2014 14:43:04 GMT
I am so sorry.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 14:59:01 GMT
One of the things that you will learn is that a working mother has to be very proactive and does not assume anything when it comes to her child's care. You have to Plan ahead.... Have you planned for school holidays, for instance? Thankfully, you don't have a full time job... That gives you time to plan around this. But remember this. Iit is a valuable lesson. I imagine most mothers registered as early as they could... A working mom HAS to. Nothing falls into Place by itself... It is very difficult, even for those who make it look easy Oh I know, you are so right, I am so gobsmacked, ha ha !! The assumptions I had I feel like an idiot. It really never occurred to me, I thought it had to do with the school and they could not refuse children from the program. I have no idea where I got that idea in my head. It could have been the policy when they started, before they turned it over to the company that provides it now, is all I can see. I cannot even imagine what full time working moms do!! I am literally just getting things set up for the fall. I put paperwork into a temp agency but am not accepting work assignments until i had my ducks in a row so to speak. This was my first day with that. DH travels all the time and has been away since late April, and upon returning he got put on working nights. I delayed any changes due to that, so this was really my first step on my checklist. I never thought I would be stopped so short. This was probably a very good wake up call to make me realize I have to really get my head together to make plans for all situations, for sure, you are right.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 15:01:07 GMT
We pay a deposit, and we're billed against the deposit until it runs out (hourly rate - kids are clocked in and out), at which point the school sends monthly bills. Sometimes I use up the deposit $, and sometimes I don't. Our family schedule is unpredictable, so I figure the deposit is like an insurace policy. I'm sure the rules (and payment policies!) would be tightened up in a hurry if the demand exceeded the available slots. I put a post on our town message board letting them know the care center slots were full but if anyone was in need to get their applications in, if enough numbers on the list they would add staff. So far in the last hour i am getting some positive results. Cross fingers we get enough for extra staff. But this definitely made me think about other options.
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peaname
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Post by peaname on Aug 26, 2014 15:06:56 GMT
Could Ms Rainbows watch him in the mornings?
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 15:07:10 GMT
By 10 my DD was getting herself to school on her own. Plus she came home alone as well. I worked during all her growing up years. If your boy has asthema he knows what he can eat and what he should not. Try it for a week. I'm sure he will be fine. He is 10 but he's younger than DD was at that age if that makes any sense. I think he would be okay if I have to leave the house at 7:45, all he would have to do is wait for the bus. I think if I plan well I could swing that. I don't want a job too far away anyway with DH literally not being available EVER for the kids I'd like to be within a half hour, 45 minutes. I guess with this being so new I was hoping to ease into this and that was a nice peace of mind for me heading out to work. But that's okay, making my plan B and C and D list of options here.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 15:11:04 GMT
Could Ms Rainbows watch him in the mornings? ha ha ha ha ha ha ahahah! No, she works a fabulous job, ha ha.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 15:23:03 GMT
Well I am getting a huge response from a ton of families that are getting told the same thing after seeing my post. God love Facebook community boards!!! I'm in hopes this makes the list where it needs to be. At least there are other families that have been made aware, I feel good at least I was able to help someone out that thought they were all set only to be told not so much.
DH texted me that I should open a before care program in the house instead. I'm telling you if they all paid what they were charging at the school I wouldn't need to work outside the house. But I am so ready to get out and be with adults it's so not even funny. But I am keeping my options open. who knows, I won't rule out watching a couple of kids before school.
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Post by beanbuddymom on Aug 26, 2014 15:32:46 GMT
In the 11 years we've lived here, there has always been a huge waiting list to get into before/after school care - you can only get on the list if both/the only parent works more than 30 hours a week. It can take years to get in. Needless to say, there is a thriving daycare business around here - Kindercare, Child Time, etc. - most actually then take the kids to school and pick them up after school in vans. Maybe you can look into something like that. I was going to suggest this, maybe try a daycare center not affiliated with the school or even a private in home daycare. I know a lady in my neighbourhood who only does before and afterschool daycare. Thanks, I will see if there are other options out there.
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Post by workingclassdog on Aug 26, 2014 15:39:50 GMT
I totally understand!! My older son and daughter were a great help watching my six year old over the years. Fast forward.. son left for the military last year... so then oldest DD got to watch her, but then she had a job as well. I found a gal who I became great friends with and she started helping me out especially when DH and I were separated. She has helped ever since. Now older DD is even more busy and my friend has other commitments this fall so she is unavailable.. so I turned to the school's before/after program.. thankfully, there was space (and I didn't even think about it being full! I would have been in full panic)... so that is working out so far and not to expensive!
When she was in preschool, our first preschool also closed after 25 years in business at a church. No warning whatsoever. I wasn't told until three days after other parents found out.. so that left me with tons of other preschools full. Then I found a good one (I wasn't just trying to find any old place.. something good).. but of course you have to come up with registration fees, up front fees, meanwhile the other daycare was two weeks behind in billing.. so was supposed to pay them as well. Finally I stood up to the preschool admin person and they wrote off what I owed so I could use that money to the new school.
Stressful for sure.... hang in there!!!
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