catmom
09-11-2007, 04:55 PM
Just curious. Does you preschool require you to use the "carpool line" (ie, an adult will come to your car, take your child out, and walk them inside, but you stay in the car)?
View Full Version : does your child's preschool require you to do a "carpool iine"?
karlatta
09-11-2007, 05:20 PM
The preschool my DS goes to does, for preschool-aged kids. DS is younger, though, and in Mother's Day Out, so we enter the parking lot from the other side and I walk him to his class.
LeslieR
09-11-2007, 05:28 PM
Not in pre-school yet, but the center we are thinking of sending him to does have that system. I prefer it because (hopefully) at that time we will have an infant and I'm not going to want to cart him or her out of the car for drop off and pick up 3 times a week.
karlatta
09-11-2007, 05:43 PM
LeslieR - That is a good point. I have to walk DS in, so every morning and every afternoon I have to cart DD in and out too. And I can't use a stroller or carry in the car seat because the halls are so crowded with all of the other parents and kids, so I have to wear her in a sling or carrier. It's such a pain to get her in and out of her carseat.
LeslieR
09-11-2007, 05:46 PM
Karlatta, I found this out from one of my friends that sent her oldest to pre-school right at the time she was due with twins.:eek: Can you imagine having to drag in twins plus your toddler? No thanks!
Renrel
09-11-2007, 06:32 PM
We don't have one though I can see the advantages. Mine is a city center with mostly working parents. There are two spots which we all strech into 4 spots for pick up and drop off. We are not supposed to be in a spot for more that 15 minutes. The school is full day, 7:30 to 5:30 with pick ups and drop offs happening mostly during the first and last 2 hours of the day, so it would be hard to have someone waiting around to take the kids for such a long stretch of time. They also really encourage parental visiting and interaction and walking in to the classroom helps with that.
Koala_Gurl
09-11-2007, 08:45 PM
Karlatta, I found this out from one of my friends that sent her oldest to pre-school right at the time she was due with twins.:eek: Can you imagine having to drag in twins plus your toddler? No thanks!
A friend of mine has to drag in three kiddos (twins & a baby) to take her 2 1/2 yo to preschool. :eek: I think it is hard enough to just get DD in to school carrying DS.
A friend of mine has to drag in three kiddos (twins & a baby) to take her 2 1/2 yo to preschool. :eek: I think it is hard enough to just get DD in to school carrying DS.
Delta
09-11-2007, 10:51 PM
Yes and I love it, love it, love it.
His last school didn't have it. Back then, like many og you, I had to also take my baby in and out of the car. But that wasn't so much of an issue as it was holding the baby while also trying to keep my DS from running off or sitting down in the street (because he refused to walk while holding my hand) or what have you in the 2 minutes it took to get from the classroom to the car. Ugh, that was a pain.
His last school didn't have it. Back then, like many og you, I had to also take my baby in and out of the car. But that wasn't so much of an issue as it was holding the baby while also trying to keep my DS from running off or sitting down in the street (because he refused to walk while holding my hand) or what have you in the 2 minutes it took to get from the classroom to the car. Ugh, that was a pain.
Winter Biscuit
09-12-2007, 02:53 AM
No, we don't have that, however I do see the value of it.
On Wednedays, I work from home with DD#2 while DD#1 goes to preschool, and it is always a PITA to haul DD#2 inside when I drop DD#2 off. Not to mention that sometimes the baby will fall asleep in the car on the way there and I hate hauling the carrier out because it always wakes her up.
On Wednedays, I work from home with DD#2 while DD#1 goes to preschool, and it is always a PITA to haul DD#2 inside when I drop DD#2 off. Not to mention that sometimes the baby will fall asleep in the car on the way there and I hate hauling the carrier out because it always wakes her up.
catmom
09-12-2007, 06:59 AM
Interesting- sounds like they are not the norm in many areas. In my area, these seem to be pretty standard. I think the option is great, but I'm not a fan of the fact that so many schools around here seem to require them and won't allow for any flexibility, especially for really little kids (less than 3).
emschwar
09-12-2007, 11:27 AM
No, we don't. At noah's school, we're supposed to come in with the kids and stick around for a few minutes while they get settled. We also have to empty the cubbies every day and bring all the artwork and papers home. Plus, it's nice to have a chance to say hi to the teachers and let them know what's going on. I can't imagine not having the time with him in the classroom every day.
Peever
09-12-2007, 11:37 AM
I can see where it would be nice to not have to get out of your car with a new baby, but I can't imagine not walking my son in either. I like to make sure he's settled in, address any concerns (didn't sleep well last night, didn't really eat breakfast, etc) and be able to see what he's up to and meet his friends.
mia's mama
09-12-2007, 11:41 AM
nope, but I wish it were an option. I do like going into her class everyday but it would be SO nice to have the option to just "drop off" in the winter and not have to take both kids out of the car in the rain/snow.
JenniferEC
09-12-2007, 12:05 PM
DS's school has one and they encourage using it. We didn't use it last year since it DS was only going one day a week and he wanted me to bring him to his room. It was a pain to lug DD in with us, but it made me feel better seeing DS get settled and make sure he was ok. His teacher this year really wants us to use it. She said it will help with the separation anxiety and it makes it easier on the congestion in the halls. We will start using it in the next couple of weeks.
catmom
09-12-2007, 12:47 PM
I like to make sure he's settled in, address any concerns (didn't sleep well last night, didn't really eat breakfast, etc) and be able to see what he's up to and meet his friends.
This sounds so civilized.
My friend is pulling her DD out of preschool largely because of the carpool line and the school's attitude about it. Her DD, who is fine left at the gym daycare and other places, cannot handle being pulled out of the car by a stranger. The school will not compromise, and the director told my friend that the reason the child is having trouble with it is because she is spoiled and used to getting her own way. Can you imagine??
This sounds so civilized.
My friend is pulling her DD out of preschool largely because of the carpool line and the school's attitude about it. Her DD, who is fine left at the gym daycare and other places, cannot handle being pulled out of the car by a stranger. The school will not compromise, and the director told my friend that the reason the child is having trouble with it is because she is spoiled and used to getting her own way. Can you imagine??
kristin
09-12-2007, 01:45 PM
We don't have a pickup/drop off carpool line at our preschool, and honestly that was a big factor in choosing the school. Since my DS was only 2.5 when he started, there was no way that I was jut going to drop him off without going in. Like PP, I'd like to get him settled and take his coat off, say good morning to the teachers, and so on. Some days it was a PITA to bring the baby in, but it made me feel better getting him settled.
My DS's class is small enough where pickup usually lasts about 10 minutes while the teachers give a summary of the day to the parents. Sometimes as a group "they were really well-behaved today", "they all liked the pumpkin project we did", to more individual reports like "Timmy uses the scissors really well" or "Jack had a tough day today". I can't imagine not getting any feedback on the day.
Some schools in my area do not allow a parent to go in to pick up or drop off - you MUST use the carpool line. I have to say, I would not allow my child to be in any school or daycare that did not allow me into the classroom. I think if there is a carpool line the parents should have the option of going in to pick the child up - it shouldn't be mandatory.
My DS's class is small enough where pickup usually lasts about 10 minutes while the teachers give a summary of the day to the parents. Sometimes as a group "they were really well-behaved today", "they all liked the pumpkin project we did", to more individual reports like "Timmy uses the scissors really well" or "Jack had a tough day today". I can't imagine not getting any feedback on the day.
Some schools in my area do not allow a parent to go in to pick up or drop off - you MUST use the carpool line. I have to say, I would not allow my child to be in any school or daycare that did not allow me into the classroom. I think if there is a carpool line the parents should have the option of going in to pick the child up - it shouldn't be mandatory.
Toonces
09-12-2007, 01:52 PM
No, we don't. At noah's school, we're supposed to come in with the kids and stick around for a few minutes while they get settled. We also have to empty the cubbies every day and bring all the artwork and papers home. Plus, it's nice to have a chance to say hi to the teachers and let them know what's going on. I can't imagine not having the time with him in the classroom every day.
Ditto. DD will be 3 in Oct and she's in a Tiny Tikes class since she didn't make the age cut off; however, for pre-school they do it the same way -- parent/caregiver walks in and gets child situated in class. I have a 10 month old DS and the three of us go in together. I usually hang around outside DD's classroom for 5-10 minutes before leaving.
LOL! I said "...usually hang around" and she's only been in the class for 2 days. :p
Ditto. DD will be 3 in Oct and she's in a Tiny Tikes class since she didn't make the age cut off; however, for pre-school they do it the same way -- parent/caregiver walks in and gets child situated in class. I have a 10 month old DS and the three of us go in together. I usually hang around outside DD's classroom for 5-10 minutes before leaving.
LOL! I said "...usually hang around" and she's only been in the class for 2 days. :p
Paula R
09-12-2007, 02:00 PM
My boys school has a drop off lane that they encourage parents to use. It is not mandatory though. I too like to walk them in and make sure they are settled in the morning. I do like the thought of being able to use it in the rain or when it is really cold.
JAJ
09-12-2007, 03:04 PM
My DDs preschool does not have one but another school I looked at did.
They had a mandatory drop off line but pick up was walk in. They explained it really helped get the kids in the class and start their school day on time; most parents that had other children liked that they didnt have to take the little ones out.
They had a mandatory drop off line but pick up was walk in. They explained it really helped get the kids in the class and start their school day on time; most parents that had other children liked that they didnt have to take the little ones out.
jay&erinn
09-12-2007, 03:10 PM
Ours has one that they encourage us to use for the older kids (after kindergarten). Before that they want the parent to walk them in. At the end of the day the kids are walked out single file and are required to wait in line until the teacher sees the parent. Then she sends the child over to the parent- that's for preschool and kindergarten. They use the carpool lines to cut down on the number of people wandering around the school, it's convienent for parents, there aren't nearly enough parking spaces for all the cars, and they don't want the parents "attacking" the teachers right before the beginning of the day- my mom's a teacher and you'd be surprised how many parents think it's a good idea to just pop in and ask about their child's behavior problem, why they aren't doing homework, etc and then get upset that the teacher asks them to make an appointment to discuss the matter. In general, it just makes the day go a little smoother.
OctoberPrincess
09-12-2007, 06:53 PM
DS's preschool offers this as an option to drop off your child only, it's not mandatory. For pick up all parents must come to the classroom where they are briefed on the days happenings. I'm really happy with this.
ThreeYell
09-12-2007, 07:04 PM
For drop-off and pick-up you can choose between carpool line or the walk up gate. Neither is preferred. DS has only been in school for a week but I do the walk up gate because I like to have a chance to say hi to the other moms. Parents don't go into the classroom at either time so I am wondering when I'll get a chance to see his teachers and find out how he's doing. The school as a whole is very laid back so I'm sure I could just corner one of them on the playground in the morning but I don't want to be that mom.
nancy drew
09-12-2007, 08:54 PM
dd's old school had no carpool line. i had to take my son in and out with dd and it really wasnt that big a deal. i put him in a sling, got dd out of a car, and took her into school. i really like being in her room twice a day so i could see what projects they made, see how the fish was doing (i never would have known there was a fish in their room had i not been in there) and talk to the teacher. i got to see classroom projects that didnt come home (group projects, like the giant israeli flag they made using hand and footprints).
her new school has an optional carpool line because the parking situation is horrendous. so you dont *have* to drop off your kid and run, but if you cannot find a parking spot and/or are in a hurry, you can use it. i think its only for drop off, because there are so many kids coming in at once. at pickup time i think you go in and get the kids. she hasnt started yet, so im not entirely sure. but i look forward to going in there 3 times a week and seeing whats going on, even though i have to bring my son up and down the stairs too.
her new school has an optional carpool line because the parking situation is horrendous. so you dont *have* to drop off your kid and run, but if you cannot find a parking spot and/or are in a hurry, you can use it. i think its only for drop off, because there are so many kids coming in at once. at pickup time i think you go in and get the kids. she hasnt started yet, so im not entirely sure. but i look forward to going in there 3 times a week and seeing whats going on, even though i have to bring my son up and down the stairs too.
AlisonCO
09-13-2007, 03:05 PM
Ours does not have one and I would not be comfortable with a school where it was mandatory - that would completely tramatize my son. I like to go in and peek in on the class, say hi to the teacher and read the board as to what they did that day. I also like that DD is seeing the class etc now so hopefully next year she will be comfortable with going too.
Delta
09-13-2007, 05:53 PM
Yeah, I can understand if your child hasn't been in a preschool situation before or anything. MY DS has been in an MDO or preschool since he was 1 and we've had both kinds of drop-offs. When he was younger and just starting out he would also have freaked if someone came to get him out and I drove off. Now though it's no big deal and he gets out by himself happily. Actually, this summer we did have to take him into his summer camp room and he didn't want us to leave, so the drop-off is actually easier on both of us now.
He also goes to a Montessori that is very big on routine and fostering independence (enter the classroom, greet teacher, change shoes, choose work, etc.) so it would never work if 30 sets of parents took their child into the class every morning. :eek: The first month we aren't even allowed to observe the class until they get normalized (usually takes a few weeks.)
He also goes to a Montessori that is very big on routine and fostering independence (enter the classroom, greet teacher, change shoes, choose work, etc.) so it would never work if 30 sets of parents took their child into the class every morning. :eek: The first month we aren't even allowed to observe the class until they get normalized (usually takes a few weeks.)
MizLarner
09-17-2007, 04:56 PM
At the center I work at, it's a requirement for the parents to walk their kid to the classroom. Plus, we teachers REALLY appreciate getting to know what parents go to what kids! :p
The school my son went to for k-1st had a carpool line, but no one walked the kid to the door. There were teachers there monitoring things, but the kids were able to walk themselves up to the door. That was morning - in the afternoon for pick-ups, the kids were walked to the car and the car had to be displaying the correct child number. My niece's preschool was the same, only her name was to be displayed.
The school my son went to for k-1st had a carpool line, but no one walked the kid to the door. There were teachers there monitoring things, but the kids were able to walk themselves up to the door. That was morning - in the afternoon for pick-ups, the kids were walked to the car and the car had to be displaying the correct child number. My niece's preschool was the same, only her name was to be displayed.
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