If Your Momma Ever Told You

Most of us know how important it is to tell the truth, and most of us at some point in our lives will get into a situation where we must or it could mean the loss of a job, a relationship loss, or something to that effect. Well, I had my time today. I've already related the tale of how an employee was fired and I obtained (not assumed!) her position. Well, said employee, whose granddaughter was at the root of all this, decided to call up the Department of Children and Family Services at report that there was serious mental and physical abuse in the classroom. And lucky me, that is the classroom I was assisting in until I was "promoted" on Tuesday.

Now I'll admit. I've griped alot to some of you about some of the things I've seen in the classroom, and I haven't liked the tones and words used with the kids at times. But do I think it was ABUSE? No, that is pushing things a bit far. I would also argue that, had my concerns mentioned to the director been noted more seriously, that this would not have happened. But then, considering this grandmother, perhaps it would have.

To make a long story much shorter, DCF came to the center today and stayed there all morning and into the early afternoon. My former lead teacher was questioned, the other prekindergarten teacher was questioned, the Director was questioned, and I was questioned. I had to be honest that I had seen the lead teacher be too verbally rough with the children. I was also totally honest in that I had NEVER seen any marks from any physical contact the lead teacher had with the kids. I also had NEVER seen her take a child by anything other than the arm or the hand (the arm is a risky choice for grabbing purposes, but I had to be honest.)

Well, the honesty paid off, I think. I hope. Sounds like the lead teacher was very honest in that she does at times raise her voice. She was also in that there are times her 'buttons' can be pushed. So I think things are going to be ok, for now. And hopefully, the lead teacher I was with will now know how VERY important it is to consider your tone when working with children. At least, I hope that for my kids that I had worked with for nearly two years up until Tuesday afternoon.

But the moral of the story? Be honest. And by the way, pray that DCF does not come back and that this whole mess will be over and done with.

P.S. Incidentally,the psycho teacher I'm replacing took our fish tank filter (and left the fish and tank!!!). Anyone know a good place to by a cheap, efficent filter? I need to find out where to get one...the kids are very upset the tank is gone. Too bad not one of them has asked me what happened to their other teacher...