To switch or not to switch daycare?

I would switch. In "Kids" years 4 months is a long time and so much happens emotionally, and developmentally for them. If this new program is in line with your personal values and seems to be more along the lines of what you want for her do it. I know that every time *Emad* gets promoted to a new class in daycare I get sad about leaving the teacher he has bonded with and worry if the new one will be as good, but honestly, he forgets quickly, moves on, and continues to thrive. We had an incident at our first daycare when he was 2 months old, they dropped him on his head...I took him out that day, paid all the early out fees, etc without a care because it was for my childs sake and put him in home daycare. People said well that is even worse because they are not monitored, they are not as good, etc...but, it was the best decision we ever made. We chose someone who was the same faith and culture as us (Muslim), who spoke French and Arabic as well so could help us with language immersion, and she had raised 6 wonderful children of her own. Emad was a whole new baby. Later we transitioned him back to regular daycare, he is now 3, but I will always put his needs 1st. And YES kids do bite but that does not excuse them not calling to advise you and also punishing or reprimanding the child in front of her if it upsets her.

Samara, I am really glad you responded. I have a lot of respect for you, and your words mean a lot! You are totally right. Consider the switch done! :-)

Hey Samara - Did you ever get any response that made sense regarding Emad's eye the other day?

First of all... I would be ripping into that director! Broken skin resulting from a bite is considered a Blood Born Pathogen threat and can be extremely dangerous. Communicable diseases live in the saliva not to mention the number of times kids bite their tongues. UGH!!!!

That in itself would be enough for me to move her.

Second of all... yes, I would move her for the other rasons as well. Not that she should be taught to avoid confrontational situations or 'mean' people, but 4 months at that age is a life time... and a lot of emotional/psychological damage can be (however unintentionally) done. I'd move her...

What great insight! I hadn't even gone that far in my head with the biting and what it could produce! Thank you so much for your input! You are totally right, and I will make sure we conduct an exit interview with the owner and drive that point home! 

I would say if it's a option...move her. I know that in my mid sized community there is a waiting list for daycare so it might would take you awhile to even get her in ( depending on your situation) It's just not worth the risk, b/c most likely they are being slack in other areas too and your baby is too precious to take that risk. P&PT's in whatever you decide!!!

SO, I called this afternoon, and they can get her in right away. We are paid for the next two weeks at her current place, and I don't even think we will stay that long. You are 100% right, and I totally appreciate your response! Thank you!

I see that you are going to switch Lydia.  I'm glad you found a place that you are comfortable with and seems to take care of the kids in a similar manner to how you are raising her. 

I agree that you should talk to the 'old' daycare and make sure they understand why you're taking her out.  It seems the biggest problem is that they're not telling you about the bites in a timely manner.  We all know that kids bite...but you shouldn't be finding out later that Lydia was bitten.  I wouldn't say they should be removing the biter...but if they know this kid bites, then they should be right there with him/her at all times until s/he has outgrown that stage. 

My son was only ever bitten one time at day care (he only spent about 6 months in day care as a baby...from about 2 - 2 1/2 years old) and they didn't tell me at all.  I didn't find out until after we got home and I was changing his clothes and saw the bruise on his shoulder.  It was black and blue with red swelling around it and visible teeth marks.  I was furious - partly because they hadn't told me he'd been bitten, but mostly because as black and blue as it was...he was bitten hard and long - not like a nip that happens quick...it looked like the kid had bitten him and held on for dear life....which means they were not in the vicinity when it happened, because I know my son (as any other two year old) would have been screaming the roof down.  Fortunately he had on denim overalls that day and the kid bit where the denim strap was, so s/he didn't break skin...but it did seriously bruise him.

Good luck with the new place.  I hope Lydia - and you - find it to be a positive change and that Lydia adjusts well to the new school/teacher/kids. 

Hey lady ... thanks for your input! I'm sorry you had to go through something similar. :-( I am going to the new school today to fill out her admission forms. I know she will do great, she's such an awesome kiddo.

Switch her! Peace of mind is priceless!