Doing Time: What It Really Means To Grow Up In Daycare

Millions of American children spend much of their childhood in daycare. May Saubier, dismisses the daycare debate and instead illustrates how the very foundation of daycare is flawed. For the first time, parents step into the lives of their children as she reveals a typical daycare existence. Each chapter documents what Saubier, an experienced educator and daycare provider, has witnessed and the impact felt by the children who “do time” there each week.

While the negative aspects of daycare are uncovered in each chapter, Saubier does not expose readers to abuse or neglect as defined by the courts. Rather, her readers gain entry into reputable facilities nestled in affluent, suburban settings. These establishments adhere to the state licensing laws and reside in states with the best child-to-staff ratios in the country. In fact, each one touts lengthy waiting lists. Saubier, therefore, has experienced daycare at its best. Despite this, she continues to mourn for the infants, toddlers and preschoolers who “do time” five days a week.