Kindergarten staggered entry? (day care, pre-school, camps)

[FLtoNC]

I just got the kindergarten information letter in the mail today with a staggered entry schedule. School starts on a Tuesday this year, and kindergarten students will only go to school one day during the first week of school. Additionally, they will not go to school the following Monday (the first official day of kindergarten is Tuesday, 9/1). What are parents who work supposed to do with their kids for a week when all the other kids are in school, and how come they wait until 2 weeks before school starts to tell parents this?

[cmhousesearch]

Hi! I can imagine that must be frustrating, especially if you did not know about it ahead of time.

I think the reason behind this type of schdule is to help the kids "get their feet wet" so to speak, since it's such a big transition from pre-school or day care.

Having back up child care arrangements is essential if both parents work. Not only for situations like this, but also for school holidays and teacher workdays, where the kids have off, but the parent's work schedule may not allow for the same days off.

Some employers will work with parents on scheduling days off according to their child's schedule, but it's always good to have a back up plan in place.

I hope everything goes well for you and your kindergartener !

[catonc]

It is quite a shock if you are not aware of it ahead of time. It is done with good intentions though. The staggered start allows the students to see what Kindergarten is all about while also allowing the teachers a chance to evaluate each of the kids to see where the best placement is for them. They try to have a good balance in each class with those that may need extra attention and those that are more ready. You definately need to have back up care because there are a lot of random days that the schools are closed where it isn't a holiday that your work would be closed.

[FLtoNC]

I do have backup for other days off, as my kindergartner will go to the afterschool program, which also is available on teacher workdays. The problem is for that first week of school, there are no camps/daycare since every other kid is in school then, & I don't think the afterschool program will provide all day care for kindergartners only. I was aware of the staggered entry, by the way. I just didn't know it would be a whole week out of school. I figured it would be a day or two that would be missed at the most.

[cmhousesearch]

Originally Posted by FLtoNC

I do have backup for other days off, as my kindergartner will go to the afterschool program, which also is available on teacher workdays. The problem is for that first week of school, there are no camps/daycare since every other kid is in school then, & I don't think the afterschool program will provide all day care for kindergartners only. I was aware of the staggered entry, by the way. I just didn't know it would be a whole week out of school. I figured it would be a day or two that would be missed at the most.

I'm so sorry! Nothing like a little last minute stress, right?

Could you work something out with whoever is watching your child now while you work? Maybe an extension for that unexpected week?

[FLtoNC]

I am watching my child now! I don't work over the summer. I go back to work on the 18th.