Uwo Head Start - Seymour Center

My granddaughter, Brooke, attends Head Start at the Seymour, WI site. Brooke's step-mom is heavily involved in the Head Start program and has a very close friend on staff. The staff member who is a friend of step-mom's has decided to take an active role in Brooke's private family issues within the workplace. This circumstance is not only creating problems for my daughter, but for myself, and Brooke, as well. My daughter can speak for her self regarding this matter, but I would like to share my concerns. This staff member has treated me in a prejudiced, unfriendly and disrespectful manner. The staff member has access to personal information about both sides of Brooke's family (verified or not) which she apparently shares with all of the staff. She seems to give differential treatment between the families regarding center information, activities, calendars, personal information updates, etc. The staff member appears to have the rest of the staff involved as well. There was a day I arrived to pick up Brooke and not one word was said to me, nor was I given eye contact. This particular staff member refused to speak with me (making it clear by obviously removing herself) for quite some time until I forced the issue by speaking to her in a way she had to respond. This staff member turned me away at the door after she assisted step-mom in taking Brooke from the center (illegally) knowing it was my day to pick up Brooke. When confronted at the door, staff member was rude and condescending toward me. All accusations aside, my main point is that I am the GRANDMOTHER and not part of whatever drama Brooke's parents are involved in. This staff member does not have any basis for her treatment of me, nor anyone else involved in Brooeke's life. Her behavior creates doubt in my mind as to her ethics and morals as a "teacher". Are there discussions about Brooke's mom within her hearing distance? Does staff member "dig" for information about Brooke's mom? What must Brooke feel when she knows it's her day with grandma and is made to leave with her step-mom with staff encouragement? Does she get the message that it is all right to treat people poorly? It is a shame this staff member makes these poor decisions because my granddaughter is the one who will experience the repercussions. Lee Stone (920) 264-5585 [email protected]