Mom Seeking Advice on Head Start Issues

Updated on October 24, 2006
D.T. asks from Saco, ME
5 answers

I am writting to other mothers to get an idea of what I should be doing. My family has been involved with our local Head Start program for almost five years now. Last year we started having some real problems with the family advocate and myself, so much that we moved centers just so my child could stay in the program. This year we went back to the original center because it was supposed to be all new staff. We were excited and very happy she'd be back with her friends that she will be going to Kindergarten with. Well the cook at this center happened to be the one from before. We started off thinking htings were going to be fine, since she's not the one I had the problems with. Well little did I know she must have a problem with me, for I was called into the office the other day about my attitude (which this so called problem with me didnt' start untill after I told her I wouldn't ask other parents to write complaints aobut the assistant teacher for her). I had no idea what they were talking about but to save argument I appologized anyways and went home, thinking great already this year we're having problems and was extreamly upset. Well the next morning I got a call from the director (who from last year already admitted to not likeing me and my family) for a meeting about my attitude towards her. I agreed to hte meeting, but my husband just wants us to not take our child back there at all, especially since this isn't the first issue we've had with them. I have been terribly upset about the entire thing, to the point where my husband doesn't want me to have to go through this all over again. My concern is that because of me (and my mental health issues..I have bipolar disorder) or I should say because of the cook who has problems with me this year, my child has to miss out on going to Head Start her last year. I am wondering if I should go along with the meeting and try to expalain myself, to people who already dont' like me and tried getting us to leave the program last year, or if I should just let it go. I asked if the accuser could be at the meeting and was told it had nothing to do with her, that it was about my attitude again. I guess what I'm asking is if I should just let it go, and keep my child home with me or try to fight with people who I know Im just going to loose against anyways??????? What would you guys do, oh yeah and keep in mind I'm 5 months pregnant and off my normal medications. I'm having a really hard time with this one. I don't wnat my child to have to go without, but then again I know I cna't go through another round of me being bashed by the teaching staff and director. So do I do what's right for my stability as a mother and the unborn child I'm carrying, or try to keep her in the program and possibly have problems all year long? Any advice or support would be greatly appricatiated.

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So What Happened?

Thank you to all the respondants. I really appriciate your input. I just wanted to let everyone know that we decided to just pull our child out of the Head Start program all together. My husband and I felt extreamly bombarded with the FOUR higher ups that were waiting for us at the meeting. We thought that it was best just to finally give up and leave the situation, because after all being pregnant I really need to take care of me in order to take care of my children. We really didn't want her to have to be removed, but honestly feel that if we didn't there would be no end to hte accusations and my child would be the one to end up suffering in the end. So once again thank you for your concersn and suggestions. I really appriciate it!!!!!!!!!!

More Answers

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N.M.

answers from Rochester on

no where in what you wrote did i see you having an attitude.... I have heard nothing bhut bad things about the head start program... and that's really sad. I understand you wanting to have your child there with her friends and all that, but for all you know, she could be neglected throughout the day or whenever she is there. i dont see where you did anything wrong, so maybe if it's finacially possible, find some other nursery/daycare program.... good luck!!

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J.D.

answers from New York on

D.,

You mentioned that you moved your daughter to a different head start center last year. Did you have any problems there? If that center was a good experience for your daughter, why not go back there? I never agree with running away because someone decides not to like you, but I wouldn't advise putting your child in a position to take the brunt of their negative feelings. Get her out of there, and back to the other center if you can, or to somewhere else entirely.

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S.M.

answers from Portland on

This is S. again. Did you go over to bidd III last year? If so you know who I am I am the lady that helped out alot at the end of the year and I am Dana's freind.

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J.F.

answers from New York on

D.
I am so sorry for your dispute, unfortunately people listen to others and don't form their own oppinion of a person before making a judgement call. It sounds as if you are going to lose either way, I would go to the meeting but ask the teacher if she also has a problem with you, if she does not than try to work with her and ignore/keep your distance from the rest. Otherwise I would suggest that you enjoy the time with your daughter and leave the rest behind. Good luck, Judy

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N.M.

answers from Boston on

i would leave the program dont even go to another center with head start.believe me if your at another center the new center will know why and youll have a bad rep there too. if you keep your child in that center because the teachers and staff dont like you your child wont be treated fairley. trust me on this one i work in a pre school not head start but its all the same. good luck

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