School Requires Children Wear Slippers (Warning a bit of a long read)

[susan123]

Hi,

I have written previously on this topic in my near psychotic search for appropriate footwear for my chilren while at school. It is a daycare/preschool and my children are ages 4 and 5. They have always had a policy requiring rubber soled slippers, however, knowing that parents complained that slippers were hard to find, they relaxed the rules a bit to include flexible soled shoes. (Their reasoning is a cozy home feel.)

For over a month now I have searched for new acceptable school shoes for my DD. We have been unable to find any that fit - every single pair slips too much, hurts, feels funny, etc. So, I went to the school and asked for help. I don't know what else to do as I can't find any shoes that fit her. Their response??? I was given 1 week to bring in slippers for my children or they will not be allowed to attend class. This has also now been told to every other parent that had their children in shoes.

The only way they may consider accomodating my children is if they can have a medical doctor's note stating their special needs. Seriously? Tax payers $$$ to tell the school that they can't wear slippers as they don't fit right? I do have an appointment, but am hoping that I do not need to go that route. I can find info on how to choose a shoe but I am finding it difficult to pull resources from respected sources indicating that slippers are not appropriate footwear for children. They don't fit well, they make their feet sweat, offer no support, and aren't durable. Can anyone assist?

[aka414]

How about Crocs? Is cros allowed at this daycare/school?

[Rehan]

Have you tried Foamtreads slippers? You can find them at http://www.softmoc.com/ca/systemshow-searchr_Q1foamtreads_P7_NP3 and maybe in Softmoc stores as well. They have the full kids collection at http://www.foamtreads.com/kids-collection/ ... The company is based in Mississauga.

[calgaryhhr]

Are mocassins acceptable?

[getmail99]

Are mocassins acceptable?

Good idea. I like mocassins, no support, good for the feet.

Is ballet slippers okay?

[pimom]

my little one wears fur-lined croc knock-offs because she can put then on and off herself. of course, the only rule is "non-marking"

[inmyturret]

I second the Ballet slippers idea. They usually come in black, white and pink. You would have your choice of leather or canvas (leather gets sweaty but canvas wears out faster). You can also choose full sole or half sole. You might have to sew on an elastic to hold them on, but the store can easily show you how to do it and some brands come pre-sewn at least at one side. If you buy leather, use a "glovers needle" and a thimble to get through the leather really easily. I've been sewing my own leather slippers since I was 12.

I always bought mine at danceshoppe on Sheppard at Yonge. There used to be parking behind the building. I assume there probably still is. http://www.danceshoppe.com/

You could also try gymnastics shoes or jazz shoes?

[susan123]

Crocs have been banned as terrible footwear and are not even allowed for water day shoes. As for any ballet slippers and such, they specifically state it must be a rubber soled slipper.

Foamtreads are the best I have found so far - but they slip off and the kids have trouble walking in them. And then there is the fact their feet get blistered and the skin breaks down from being so hot and sweaty all day. They also only lasted for 2 weeks before the sole starts coming off and becomes a tripping hazzard.

I have looked into non-lined moccasins (so they aren't too hot) but haven't found them with a rubber sole for children.

Over 40 stores and yet they are acting like I am trying to break the rules rather than making extremem attempts to follow them - even though I still maintain slippers are crappy and unhealthy footwear for kids to be wearing all day.

For those of you in private school - do they have footwear rules? Like any black shoe, etc. What so you do if you can't find what they ask for?

[ArtemisCat]

How about a place that sells http://www.striderite.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2550&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=441&iSubCat=459&iProductID=2550&sColor=117

(No shipping to Canada, unfortunately.)

[Rehan]

For those of you in private school - do they have footwear rules? Like any black shoe, etc. At the Montessori we send our kids to, they require black dress shoes... We found a nice pair of Geox for the last daughter, and will be looking for a new set for the next one. Finding something suitable hasn't been a problem.

[Zelig]

Have you inquired with the other parents as to what their kids are wearing?

[susan123]

Half have the Foamtreads or other slippers but ALL of those have separated soles and kids may trip. Other half have been given the "one week or doctors note" talk.

Funny part is for the younger kids, they are calling the Robeez Tredz and slipper, even though it is a shoe. So, as long as your kid is little they can wear a shoe, but once they outgrow that brand (or similar), no soft soled shoes allowed.

[inmyturret]

You could try calling Sloan's Shoes. (Yonge and Lawrence/Yor Mills area, next to Loblaws)

http://www.sloansshoes.com/

I always bought my school uniform shoes there. They always bend over backwards to help me out when I was having trouble finding something that fits/meets school requirements. They even helped me out in January, when I was desperate for a leather boot with a large calve, in size 5, up to my knee, with a fur-type lining (yes, I'm very picky).

I don't know how small their sizes run, but they could at least suggest something or somewhere to go.

Also, have you considered sewing an elastic on a slipper that is falling off to keep it on?

[Lucky Ducky]

Have you asked the school 'why?', it all sounds a bit odd to me, they usually want a solid pair of shoes with the uniform.

Also, can the school not recommend where to buy these 'special' shoes/slippers?

When my children were in private school, you always got a list of what was needed and where to purchase it.

As for 'if you have a doctors' note' is that not a form of 'discrimination' in that some kiddies are wearing 'approved' and some not???

What a waste of OUR taxpayers money, getting a note for some dumbass rule about footwear for children to appease some dumbass school!!

Sorry but there are really sick people waiting to see a doctor, not about satifying some fake rule for a private school.

Did they ever give you a reason for no shoes, ie to protect gym floors or something............very weird IMO.

I agree with you that slippers with torn soles are dangerous, makes the whole issue seem stupid.

[susan123]

Tanks inmyturret, I'll check it out.

As for "why" - they want to create a cozy home like atmosphere. No other reason than that, although I suspect it has somehting to do with their hardwood floors ;) And note - it is not a private school, it is a daycare (18mths to 6yrs).

As for discrimination - the doctors note will make sure they can't discriminate against me as runners will be required for medical reasons. They accomadate kids bringing their own food due to medical dietary issues, now they will have to accomadate kids bringing in sneakers due to physical medical issues.

But whoelheartedly I agree - there are sick people who need the appointments and the taxpayers shouldn't pay for this. But, the school did not take that I can't find slippers that fit and will only accept the reason that slippers aren't healthy. (I suspect this will be paid for by myself as notes and the like are not covered by OHIP - but the actual visit is and that is disappointing. I am desperately hoping that with all the other parents complaining they will finally revise their rules before the appointment.)

[krobin]

have you tried See Kai Run or Pedoodles for their rubber soles and maybe get something that looks slipper-ish

[kaimui22]

I just have a question..

did you ask the other parents where they got their kids the perfect, school-approved slippers?

It's a daycare so I presume there's more than 1 kid attending...if yes, I'm sure all the other parents would have had the same problems as you in getting the "right" shoes...so maybe they could guide you to a store or place where you can get the right shoes? I mean..I don't think a preschool would turn down an entire class of kids if none of them could get the right footwear...

[Hot Ice]

i just have a question..

Did you ask the other parents where they got their kids the perfect, school-approved slippers?

It's a daycare so i presume there's more than 1 kid attending...if yes, i'm sure all the other parents would have had the same problems as you in getting the "right" shoes...so maybe they could guide you to a store or place where you can get the right shoes? I mean..i don't think a preschool would turn down an entire class of kids if none of them could get the right footwear...

+1

[spf1971]

Tanks inmyturret, I'll check it out.

As for "why" - they want to create a cozy home like atmosphere. No other reason than that, although I suspect it has somehting to do with their hardwood floors ;) And note - it is not a private school, it is a daycare (18mths to 6yrs).

As for discrimination - the doctors note will make sure they can't discriminate against me as runners will be required for medical reasons. They accomadate kids bringing their own food due to medical dietary issues, now they will have to accomadate kids bringing in sneakers due to physical medical issues.

But whoelheartedly I agree - there are sick people who need the appointments and the taxpayers shouldn't pay for this. But, the school did not take that I can't find slippers that fit and will only accept the reason that slippers aren't healthy. (I suspect this will be paid for by myself as notes and the like are not covered by OHIP - but the actual visit is and that is disappointing. I am desperately hoping that with all the other parents complaining they will finally revise their rules before the appointment.)

The point isn't to go to the doctor to get a note saying that you can't find slippers, it's if your child has to wear orthopedic shoes. If your child doesn't need to wear orthopedic shoes then you have no reason to go to the doctor for a note.

[susan123]

The point isn't to go to the doctor to get a note saying that you can't find slippers, it's if your child has to wear orthopedic shoes. If your child doesn't need to wear orthopedic shoes then you have no reason to go to the doctor for a note.

I agree. Just because slippers don't fit it shouldn't require a doctor note. The issue is not medical - it is that what has been specified does not fit their feet. (Although I can make it medical - slippers keep their feet too warm and cause blisters and skin breakdown and no support) If I was asked to provide an indoor running shoe - no problem!

As for the other parents - most do not want confrontation and just send their kids in slippers which the kids actually skip out of & are falling apart and are a tripping hazzard. They tell the kids to deal with it. The school has now allowed soft soled shoes and so the other parents get to keep those - but I can't find them to fit my kids. And I just can't allow them to be in shoes that are not comfortable.

But again, I have done all the searching for slippers, and physically & emotionally can't continue. What I am searching for now is evidence that running shoes in the classroom are not a "finger crush hazzard" and evidence that "slippers are not proper footwear for all day wear".

[Lucky Ducky]

'The issue is not medical' ..... then please don't waste OUR money going to the doctors for some non medical reason!!

Seems it might be easier to find another daycare at this point. IMO

If others can find shoes for their kids, what's up with your childrens' feet that they 'aren't comfortable' or is it yourself who is uncomfortable with the issue?

I'd be bringing the liability issue to the attention of the daycare provider.

No child of mine would be in an 'unsafe' situation with footwear or anything else.

Sounds to me like a 'hardwood floor' issue, which no doctor can rectify.

[susan123]

'The issue is not medical' ..... then please don't waste OUR money going to the doctors for some non medical reason!!
Seems it might be easier to find another daycare at this point. IMO
If others can find shoes for their kids, what's up with your childrens' feet that they 'aren't comfortable' or is it yourself who is uncomfortable with the issue?
I'd be bringing the liability issue to the attention of the daycare provider.
No child of mine would be in an 'unsafe' situation with footwear or anything else.
Sounds to me like a 'hardwood floor' issue, which no doctor can rectify.

As you can see, I am NOT running off to the doctor and feel just as strongly as you that this need not be a medical issue. First and foremost slippers simply don't fit - they slip out of them when they try to walk. The school should just take the extensive proof I have of that fact. BUT, if they insist on slippers which don't fit well, have no support and make their feet sweat excessively, then it is not healthy and would require a medical statement to back that up. I am here (on RFD) though to find a way to argue this without having to go to the doctor.

I don't know what's up with my kids feet that a majority of the shoes aren't comfortable. I wish I knew - this issue has exhausted me!!! I can find one brand of runners that generally work, most sandals, crocs and flip flops. Winter boots proved more costly than I liked, but we did find a pair. And until this years model came out, I was able to find the pediped flex - but this years version did not work. So, I can find footwear - just not what this daycare says is required. I wish I knew what else I can do. At this point, I am faced with being tossed out of the daycare over slippers. If that is not motivating enough to find something to make it work....... but this has proven impossible.

If I could find another daycare right now - I would!!! This one refuses to hear slippers with soles 1/2 off are a tripping hazard but insist that running shoes are a "finger hazard". If all the other daycares indicate they just need indoor shoes, then it can't really be all that concerning to send the kids in running shoes if that is all I can find that fit at the moment.

[getmail99]

I don't know what's up with my kids feet that a majority of the shoes aren't comfortable. I wish I knew - this issue has exhausted me!!! I can find one brand of runners that generally work, most sandals, crocs and flip flops. Winter boots proved more costly than I liked, but we did find a pair. And until this years model came out, I was able to find the pediped flex - but this years version did not work. So, I can find footwear - just not what this daycare says is required. I wish I knew what else I can do.

The problem is your DD has used to shoes with support. That is why when she tried shoes with no support, she said she felt "funny". Your child's feet are growing. There is no point of using pediped flex. That is why this year's version dos not work. Just get flat shoes with no support please. They helps your DD to develop the arch muscle.

The arch muscle is used for shock absorption. I can tell you now your DD's knees will have problem in the future if the arch muscle is not well developed. Or, wear orthopedic shoes.

[susan123]

The problem is your DD has used to shoes with support. That is why when she tried shoes with no support, she said she felt "funny". Your child's feet are growing. There is no point of using pediped flex. That is why this year's version dos not work. Just get flat shoes with no support please. They helps your DD to develop the arch muscle.

The arch muscle is used for shock absorption. I can tell you now your DD's knees will have problem in the future if the arch muscle is not well developed. Or, wear orthopedic shoes.

Actually the brand she prefers most often is Geox. And as far as I can tell, it does not offer any arch support. As well, each of the shoes feels funny for different reasons - mostly because the soft soled versions are typically mary janes that bug the top part of her foot or ballerinas that have a strap that is very harsh or slip on her heels. Other sneakers often have stitching that bug her toes, etc. And I do let her go barefoot as much as possible (all the time inside & outside if appropriate) to develop the muscles.