So here is some back story. My child is 4 and started school for the first time in August. We have her at a Montessori school and she loved it in the beginning. Drop off would be a breeze to the point where she would forget to say goodbye. However, around November when we got back from break she started having a hard time with drop off and would cry. It lasted a week or so and then it was fine. It happened again after Christmas break but not the first day back. And now after spring break it's been for about three weeks now.

When I ask her why she is crying, she says she wants to stay with me. I ask her if she likes school and she says yes. Her teacher just texted me the picture and I don't know how I feel about it. The teacher tried the bribe method last time and I didn't like that. I tried a checklist drop off and they seemed to work and I might have to try it again. I have tried staying a little longer and hanging out but I can't do that everyday because I work 3 of the 5 days. Her teachers are frustrated with her and one of them said that to me right in front of her. Another teacher is very stern and will take her from me and say it's time to stop. The last teacher will try to distract her. Last week she sat on the playground and just cried until it was time to go in. ( I drove back around to watch)

Should she have to earn me dropping her off? Has anyone had to deal with something like this and how did you and your school handle the situation?

I just don't know what to do and I hate leaving her there kicking and screaming for me.