Gift card thank you's for Teacher and Teacher's Assistant?

[aristocatz]

My youngest daughter is stepping up to a 4 year old classroom this year in preschool.

Her teacher since last year was phenomenal. One of the best teacher's I've ever met. She was both of my kids' first teachers ever and she had such a major impact on their social development. I would like to buy her a gift as gratitude.

The teacher's assistant from this past year was also wonderful. My youngest had a special bond with her and I would like to show my gratitude to her as well.

I bought them both cards tonight that my kids will decorate and I will write them each a nice note. I'm planning to get them both a gift card for the popular coffee/bagel place around the corner from the preschool.

I was thinking $50 gift card for the teacher. Do I get them the assistant the same price gift card? I don't want the assistant to feel bad that she got less, when she was just as special to my youngest & worked just as hard, but in a different way.

 

[Kellykins1218]

My kids are special needs so I always give their aides larger gifts than I give to the teacher. In your case, I’d probably give them equal gifts.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'd say if you can afford it, that equal is better. I think the teacher would be less likely to be hurt if she didn't get more, than the aide would be if she got less.

 

[CarolAnn856]

My youngest daughter is stepping up to a 4 year old classroom this year in preschool.

Her teacher since last year was phenomenal. One of the best teacher's I've ever met. She was both of my kids' first teachers ever and she had such a major impact on their social development. I would like to buy her a gift as gratitude.

The teacher's assistant from this past year was also wonderful. My youngest had a special bond with her and I would like to show my gratitude to her as well.

I bought them both cards tonight that my kids will decorate and I will write them each a nice note. I'm planning to get them both a gift card for the popular coffee/bagel place around the corner from the preschool.

I was thinking $50 gift card for the teacher. Do I get them the assistant the same price gift card? I don't want the assistant to feel bad that she got less, when she was just as special to my youngest & worked just as hard, but in a different way.

As a teacher who has the pleasure of working with an amazing paraprofessional, I'd say get them the same if you want to / can.

 

[Poohforyou]

I always gave a lead teacher more than an assistant. The lead teacher has a bigger job and more responsibility. I did something like $50/$30 or 35.

I typically would get a cute container, fill it with Hershey hugs and kisses and add the gift card. I'd have my child make a card and I'd write separate notes.

Teachers always seemed to love the card and notes the best.

 

[dish rag]

Yes

 

[McKelly]

I would go with equal amounts.

 

[ronandannette]

Just curious about the timing of this as a new school year begins. Usually you thank the teacher at the end of the year, no? And if I’m understanding it correctly, these are your DS’s teacher’s from last year?

 

[CarolAnn856]

Just curious about the timing of this as a new school year begins. Usually you thank the teacher at the end of the year, no? And if I’m understanding it correctly, these are your DS’s teacher’s from last year?

My guess would be daycare.

 

[Lilacs4Me]

Just curious about the timing of this as a new school year begins. Usually you thank the teacher at the end of the year, no? And if I’m understanding it correctly, these are your DS’s teacher’s from last year?

In my experience, daycare classes often stay together through the summer, and move up together to the new classroom/teacher in the fall. So if the new program starts next week, tomorrow might be the last day the OP's kids have their old teachers

 

[Lilacs4Me]

Teachers always seemed to love the card and notes the best.

Agreed^^^

OP - FYI - the lead teacher probably had more administrative duties than the assistants, which means they either equally share interaction time with the kids or the assistant is actually with the kids more while the lead is doing lesson plans/paperwork/etc.

YMMV, but in preschool, the ones actually interacting and taking care of my kid is the one I appreciate the most.

I'd give them at least equal....administrative hierarchy would have zero bearing on my gift amount.

 

[ronandannette]

My guess would be daycare.

In my experience, daycare classes often stay together through the summer, and move up together to the new classroom/teacher in the fall. So if the new program starts next week, tomorrow might be the last day the OP's kids have their old teachers

Ahhhh - right! I never would have thought of that. Thanks!

 

[aristocatz]

Just curious about the timing of this as a new school year begins. Usually you thank the teacher at the end of the year, no? And if I’m understanding it correctly, these are your DS’s teacher’s from last year?

We are at a preschool center that goes year round and my oldest is headed to public school kinder this year and saying goodbye to PK next week (though she will still be at the center for before/after care with a different teacher). My youngest is "stepping up" next week from the wonderful teacher I spoke of (who was the very first teacher for both my girls).

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I'm a special needs teaching assistant. Parents usually everyone on the staff equal gifts. Every single one is very much appreciated!

 

[aristocatz]

Thank you everyone!

We decided to do equal amount for teacher and teaching assistant. Both have had such an impact on my kids <3 We are also doing separate cards with a nice note and decoration from my kids.