WinWood Two's Room

Our son has been at Winwood since he was 12months. He started in the infant room and really enjoyed the toddler room. Now that he's transitioned to the Preschool II room (2-3 yr olds) he's starting to not like going there anymore. He doesn't like the room, the teachers, etc. My husband and I too aren't very impressed with the teachers in this room or the way the room is structured.

Has anyone had any problems with Winwood, especially the two's room. We were wondering if we should pull him out and look at other schools or if just this particular room isn't good since we've been happy up until this point.

Thanks for any info.

 

I'm sorry to hear that you guys are having "iffy" feelings about Winwood.

I worked for Winwood a few years back before I had my son and I can't say enough about their programs. I have lots and lots of experience working in the childcare setting (both at Winwood and at other centers) and I truly believe that they are a top notch program.

With that said, I will say that it is not uncommon to have to have "issues" in a two's room. Let's face it....the two's room is hard for everyone involved. When you mix 20+ two year olds in one room you are bound to have some chaos. However, when I was working at Winwood I will say that I thought that the staff did an amazing job at keeping that room under control and creating a warm and loving enviroment for those kids. Winwood, unlike many other centers did a great job at keeping the chlid to staff ratio low. I can remember when I filled in for the two's class one day I thought it was great how they tried to break the class up into groups and for most of the day (or at least morning) there were only two groups in the classroom at a time.

Now I will say that the teachers can make a huge difference in the classroom. Like I said, I haven't been there in a couple of years, so I have no idea who's still there or not. Trust your gut, you know your child like nobody else does. I just wanted to let you know how I felt about Winwood and to let you know that if you decide to pull him out that it may not be tons better somewhere else. KWIM? It's just a really hard age group....speaking from experience. I have a 2 almost 3 year old little boy of my own. They are going through so much at this point in their lives and I don't know about you buy my son can be quite "emotional" at times!!

Anyways, I hope this helps!

 

We have had our son in Winwood for 3 years-he started in the toddler room and has moved on up. Miss Mobina and Miss Jen in the twos room are both wonderful. I don't know the other teachers in there, as they have had a little turnover over the years. Miss Mobina pretty much single-handedly potty trained our son.

That being said, any time any child has to move to a new class (as I'm assuming yours did at the beginning of September), they are going to have a transition period. It is hard for them to adjust to the new teachers and expectations. Personally I say hang in there. Your child will adjust, it just takes a little time.

I will use my own disclaimer. We came to Winwood from another local daycare and couldn't be happier. I am a big fan. I hope this info helps in your decision.

 

I would tend to agree with the insight of VTHokie on this one. The twos rooms are always the toughest. They are tough for the kids, and hardest to staff. I'm the parent of a 3 year old and on the board of directors for two non-profit daycare centers in Fairfax County. I would have a meeting with the center director and get it all out on the table. When my son went through this transition I tried to grin and bear it for about 6 weeks but then I just lost it. He was miserable and I was feeling so guilty. We worked out a plan to make it easier for him. They let me drop him off in the toddler room. Cinch. Then, they transitioned him to the twos later in the morning when the twos were doing a project that he was interested in or having a snack. His main problem seemed to be that he could not take the chaos of drop off into a room of crazy two year olds. Despite his attachment to the tods room, he was more emotionally mature than most of the twos and they drove him nuts. Even when dropoffs at the twos were AWFUL, after I left they said he had absolutely fine days. I also tried to adjust my dropoff time when I could to coincide with the time they were on the playground. That helped alot.

I'd hang in there---but only if the director and teachers are responsive to your stated concerns and needs. If not, that will tell you something and you might need to explore other options.

 

My daughter is 2 1/2 and in your child's same class (Winwood twos). We love the classroom, school and teachers and wouldn't think of going anywhere else (been there since she was 12 weeks). We also noticed less enthusiasm when she moved into the class. Now, she loves the room and adores all the teachers. The two's class has much more structure and discipline than the toddler room (where they were free to roam and do as they wish). The teachers and directors prepared me for this change ahead of time and I've personally witnessed the increased structure (you might even say strictness to rules) during snack time, lining to go outside etc. Personally, I think it's good for them to get more structure and discipline, especially for my daughter who is very strong-willed. I've even noticed a very positive change in her behavior...and I echo the earlier posting about potty training! I know, and have gone through the tough time you're having, but hang in there and if you want to talk, email me your contact details to LMKHRIO@netzero.com (plus it would be nice to meet another parent in the room!)