Originally Posted by jsloayza:
I just started working as an assistant teacher at a daycare center. I like the job a lot and the kids are all adorable. But we have one in our youngest group of two year olds who physically is bigger than the other ones and is very aggressive. I don't want to keep having to isolate him from the group but he is too physical and can hurts the other children. We try every day to include him then he kicks, punches slaps, head butts or pushes anyone who is within reach for no apparent reason. He can't sit still for more then two minutes and doesn't listen to directions well. I don't think there has been one day so far without an incident with him hitting someone and once a parent saw it and was floored because he was tackling a little girl. He is always smiling, very cute and likes puzzles. I play with him fine just the two of us and if another child wants to join it can go fine but not for long. What can I do to help? The other children are afraid and leave centers when he enters, refuse to sit near him and one boy will hold on to any teacher the whole day until the bully leaves. We do tell the parents he had an incident hitting so and so but they are not really being honest how severe it gets. They say they can't tell the parents too many bad things because that can reflect bad on the center and our care.
That is the BIGGEST issue! (the bolded part).
The parents can't address, fix or help with the problem if they don't know it exists.
The other parents also have a right to know and the fact that this center is trying to keep this under wraps or swept under the rug has me the most concerned.
The child care center has a duty and an obligation to address any and ALL incidences of aggression, violence and/or physical contact of this nature.
As an employee, I would
NOT address or tell any parents anything directly as that is probably not part of your job description. I would however, have a discussion with the director of the center and let her know your concerns.
If she refuses to do anythign about it, I would seek alternate employment and would report this facility to the licensing agency.
NOT cool when centers prioritize their reputation or income ahead of what is in the best interest of a child....and by the sounds of this, all the children in the center are affected by this situation.
Also, whatever issues this child may or may not have...it is between the parents and the director. When the parents and director get together and figure it out and have a plan of action, then it becomes an employees job to follow that plan. Anything that you do before the director and parents discuss and address the issue is over stepping your boundaries imho.