Does your child's daycare make them wear shoes all day?

Question

My 3 year old has been in daycare for about 3 months now. I drop her off at 7:00 am and pick her up at 6:30 pm. I know it's a long time, but I'm a single mom and have to work. Anyway they have a rule that the kids must wear shoes and socks at all times even while sleeping, sandals are not permitted. Their reasoning is if there is a fire they will not have time to put shoes on all the kids. When my daughter gets home her feet are quite sweaty from having shoes on all day. Is your child’s daycare like this? Is this common with most of them? I can understand them needing to wear shoes, but I think they should be able to take them off while sleeping if they choose. What do you think?

Answer 1

My son's daycare requires them to wear shoes most of the day. They are allowed to take them off for naptime, but must put them back on after getting up. They are also not allowed to wear sandals. Maybe the daycare doesn't want your little one to hurt her feet. If something was dropped on her toes and she didn't have shoes on..that would hurt!! Maybe it's a state requirement? Besides, she's probably too busy having fun at daycare to even notice :-) But, if it bothers you, talk to them.

Answer 2

I would stay alway from daycares that let the kids go barefoot all day for reasons stated above, though I agree they should be able to take them off when sleeping. Beleive it or not this is very common at d/c. Their reason for having them sleep in them does sort of make sense. If they suddenly had to evacuate they would not have time to put their shoes on and therefore you would have 15+ kids standing on the hot or cold ground. Also dropping or stepping on a toy could hurt her feet as well when they are awake. And guess what some parents would blame the d/c for not having shoes on them. Finally the workers probably do not want to have to tie all those kids shoes after their nap.

My sons have been wearing them that long almost everyday since they have been walking even in our home. We have floors instead of carpet in the living room/kitchen and do not like them walking/ running on them without shoes. My youngest sons shoes use to feel like a sona when we would take them off at night when he first started walking, but after a few months of wearing them everyday his feet got use to being in them. I think its normal for their little feet to sweat a lot at this age as their sweat glans are very active. Try having her wear them on the weekends as well. I know this might sound counter active, but by wearing them everyday she will get more use to having them on. Do not worry about any harm being done to her feet, just make sure her shoes do not get to small as it can deform her feet. Also as others have said buy her shoes made of leather and have her wear 100% cotton socks. Sandals are not practical for young children as they do not allow them to move around as feely or offer the protection.

Answer 3

It may be nice if they could take the shoes off during a nap, but - particularly if you make sure she has light socks and comfortable and soft, light, shoes - I don't see what the big problem is for her to have to leave them on.

I know I'm not a child, so I shouldn't compare maybe, but I have always lived my life in my shoes from morning until late, late, night or even early next morning sometimes. I've never equated wearing shoes with any lack of freedom (as someone on here suggested). When you bring your daughter home evenings that's a nice chance for her to take off the shoes and relax. I just kind of think that's fine as long as her shoes are comfortable for her. (Little kids often get sweaty feetsies anyway.)

Answer 4

You should first get a job so you can work at home. You obviousy have a computer. I know as a single parent there are a lot of programs for free childcare while you go to college. As far as wearing the shoes if your child and you don't like this rule get different daycare. You are paying them to raise your child and take the best care they can of her while you are not available. I would much perfer to have my child complain she dont like a shoe rule then come home crying because someone was beating her or worse. lots of crazies in the world.

Answer 5

This is certainly NOT normal, that could just about be child abuse. I work at a kindy which is only 8.30-12, and we let the children take their shoes off, the only reason that they wouldn't is if the weather is too wet or cold in which case, would only be to prevent the children getting sick. Your daycare have no right to have it a requirement for children to keep shoes on - especially sleeping in them! It's definately not right, and you need to question it further. Seems ridiculous - let kids be kids, what's the point in wrapping them up in cotton wool? Children love to be free and explore, they should be able to do that however they want, even if that means taking their shoes off. It just seems too over the top to me!

Answer 6

I have heard this from alot of my friends, they buy Stride Rite so they are more comfortable. Also look for light weight shoes that have mesh sides to help her feet breath. Since your little one is so young I am not sure their reaon, I mean is she going to walk out during a fire , Prob not! But try Robeez they go up to a 9 I believe my son would cry if I took them off at that age, & for a good deal on them try ebay. Good Luck!

Answer 7

The only time they were only allowed to wear socks was before he was one. Now yes my son is required to wear shoes and socks all day, he's almost 3

Answer 8

feet need to breathe. so i think the rule kinda sucks. but then again, you don't really wanna be barefoot during a fire, but I'm sure the last thing your thinking about during a fire is your shoes. Good luck!

Answer 9

my day care does not do that. most daycare providers let kids take off there shoes durring nap time.

Answer 10

my childs day care removes their shoes for naps.