So DS's School Is Unsafe...

[readyin07]

I have thought this before, but it is similar to where I went to preschool and that is what I wanted for him. Now it is giving me pause. It is a very nurturing church preschool for 3 and 4 year olds and a small amount of 2 year olds. 80 students. This is his first year and he will go to "full time" school there next year before graduating to public school.

Basically there is a parking lot and all of the classrooms open to one big corridor. The classrooms on one side also have back doors that open to the playround. The doors lock from the outside during the day but there are ginormous windows right next to them that I am sure are not impact resistant - ie could be easily shot out or broken into. The kids all go into chapel once a week at the same time and also have a music class in this little classroom area...The main chapel doors are locked but it is easily accessible via the main office door which isn't.

IDK I just feel the need to share this. I always knew it wasn't the most secure - or at least as secure as a school that is all inside a building but it has never REALLY bothered me. Until now.

[kimibrighteyes]

I think that it is easy to get scared when the media is broadcasting all of these events. Its important however, to recognize that the world is full of risk and that you can go crazy trying to protect your child from everything. Your child is much more likely to be hurt in a motor vehicle accident or choke on something than have someone attack them at school. It is hard to be a parent and think "what if" all the time.

[drloretta]

I agree with kimi. And I think it's a fine line. I wouldn't want so much security that my child was scared by going through the security gauntlet every day.

And you may want to suggest small changes, like keeping the main office door locked during chapel time, that will make everyone feel more secure.

[knitty]

The doors to none of my kids school or preschool buildings have ever been locked. They're more likely to need to evacuate for a fire or to have a car crash on the way home than have something like that happen.

[luvmagoldn]

OP I know what you mean. Our preschool is bright with lots of huge floor to ceiling windows. Each room has a door to the outside as well as the main hall.

I was thinking about the teachers in CT putting kids in closets and cabinets. These rooms have none of that. There is the bathroom but it only has a curtain over the door. I don't think 13 kids would fit in there.

But, all the outside doors are locked at all times except the main door is open for 20 mins during drop off. The receptionist and director are always right at the door to greet everyone so they would notice someone out of place.

I keep telling myself they have two exits and woods all around the building they could run to. But what a terrible thought.

[hannamaren]

There was a shooting in the mall here (gang related) and I kept going thru my head what I would have done. Would I have left the stroller and just carried the baby ?
Too many what ifs. You never know wrt to hiding in the closets and stuff.
That guy in Norway dressed like a policeman.
You have to just hope it won't be you.
Horrible world.

[readyin07]

Realistically, I know there is more chance of him getting seriously injured in the trampoline I am controversially thinking about getting him But of course your mind just goes there. There are no closets in the room...only a (very) small bathroom and cabinets. No way they could all get in the bathroom. I assume they would have to keep down and evacuate out another door. The pastor of the church invited all the parents to stop by for a quick 5 minute prayer service and then to stay and discuss whatever we needed to. I will have DS2 so I don't know that I can stay...he is going to put up a ruckus and our stroller is broken and in the shop so I have no way to keep him quiet and off the floor.