Longest.Inspection.Ever

[whatnow]

Hello, everyone,


I'm new here, and am learning so much,, reading everyone's posts. I'm glad I'm not alone in some of the child/parental issues many of you are facing.

I've run a group home daycare for about three years now, and have 18 children enrolled; though usually never more than 9 at any given time. This is the most enrollment we've ever had (very small town), but the parents speak very highly of us, and always remark on how much their children look forward to coming to daycare.

However, I had my yearly inspection yesterday, and it was the most horrible, nerve-wracking one I've ever been through! This was my third inspection. The last two were fine, minor issues with paperwork, usually -- never any safety concerns or violations. Imagine my horror when yesterday's inspection lasted...FIVE HOURS. Five hours!!!

It's a group home daycare, so it's not as if I had a vast space for her to inspect, or that many files, etc., to look through. She spent most of the time re-measuring all the rooms, even though they haven't changed in size in over 60 years, fussing over a small plastic pipe that runs vertical against a back wall that poses no safety/injury risk whatsoever, and lecturing myself and staff because as the ladies were bringing the children in to eat lunch, several of the children "ran ahead" of the staff to sit at the table. The children and staff were in the same room, and the children were in sight of the staff the entire time...literally, five or six steps ahead of them. I was repeatedly taken to task over these things for the next several hours, quizzed about what my "plan" was on how to correct these things, and then informed that the inspector would be returning next week to make sure we're doing what she wants us to do. I honestly don't know what to do about the children "running ahead" of staff...they're all 2-4 years old and were never out of sight.

But seriously...a five-hour inspection???? And the inspector didn't look at or ask about any of the things I would expect. She didn't check the outlets to make sure they all had covers, didn't inspect any of the toys or beds; didn't look at my proof of insurance, fire drill record or first aid kits....and she didn't look at the children's files! Not one of them! I don't understand the focus on these other issues when the most important things were glossed over or skipped entirely. The inspector wasn't mean, but was pretty condescending to myself and my staff, which wasn't necessary.

When it was finally over, I called my former certification rep, sobbing. She was appalled, and suggested that I call this inspector's supervisor and voice my concerns. I know that I should, but I'm worried about the repercussions. And I DEFINITELY don't want another five-hour visit! I was literally sick by the time it was over because I was starving, and because everything I did/didn't do was apparently wrong. I have no problem being told to correct things, or even getting written up for things that are obvious safety issues or violations, but this was just beyond nitpicking. It felt like a five-hour police interrogation, and about two hours into it, I wanted to say, "you know what? Just shut us down. I'm done." Honestly, if this is what it's going to be like, I can't do it anymore. It was horrible.

Before I do anything, I'd like to hear your thoughts/advice. Has anyone else ever had to file a complaint with an inspector before? Not sure what to do. I'm still stressed out over it.

Thank you.

[Country Kids]

Would you be able to call two children at a time to the table and say "*** and ****** you need to walk to the table for snack/lunch. That is what I do but I do it one at a time so there is no walk racing but I only have 6.

Inspectors can all be different. Ours will tell one provider one thing and another something different. One of ours is required to have things under the swingset, another one isn't. She came to inspect ones bathroom and was written up for something, but it was ok's the year before. The provider showed her the paperwork and I guess that was interesting time.

Maybe call and voice your concern and see if you can request that someone accompanies her on her next visit. Things may change if she knows shes under the microscope.

[Zoe]

If you feel that strongly about what happened, I'd definitely talk to a supervisor and at least ask the reason for a 5 hour visit. If the supervisor seems appalled by it as well, then make your complaint. Kind of feel out how he/she takes the news that an inspection lasted 5 hours without the licensor even looking at the files. Then go from there. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Not fun!

[countrymom]

I would have called and complained. She may have done this to others and other people may have been afraid to call. Sometimes it takes one person to get the ball rolling.

[MommieNana4]

I would call the supervisor and make a complaint. A 5 hour inspection is unacceptable! Does your state have an inspection list for intial licensing and all subsequent inspections (announced or unannounced)? Maryland has a checklist...no surprises. Document your call to the supervisor and all other calls/correspondence that you have with them. All the best.

[Meeko]

Sounds like someone was either new or was on a power trip. YES! Call and make a complaint. Things will only change if you do.

I've been at this many years. And I have had my fair share of calling HQ and pitching a polite, but firm fit! I have encouraged other providers in this area who have basically been bullied and have been too nervous of making waves to call. I have probably made a few people uncomfortable, but I don't care. I KNOW 100% that I am in compliance with my state and have nothing to worry about.. I have read the regs backwards and forwards and made copies of all the checklists used. I go down mine as the inspector goes down hers.

Call and ask questions. Ask why the inspector didn't even LOOK at your files. Ask why it took 5 hours. That's the majority of a working day. My announced inspections are usually over in an hour and un-announced take about 15 minutes.

My biggest question would be her comments over your way of doing things. Our training class teachers tell us that the licensing staff's job is to oversee the health and safety of each day care. That's ALL. As long as provider isn't beating the children in her care,and meets the WRITTEN regs.... she can run it any way she she fit.

She should be working from a checklist. Ask for a copy of the checklist. The next time somebody comes to your house, have your copy of the same checklist with you. If they inspect or make a comment of something not on the list, say something.

Say "Please show me that on the checklist" or "Please show me that reg". If it's not in writing...it doesn't mean diddly and is nothing more than her opinion. You cannot legally get written up over an opinion.

When our inspectors leave, they give a survey to fill out and mail into HQ about how the inspection went. Do you have anything like that?

Be strong and good luck!

[Michelle]

wow, I would definitely hate that, don't get discouraged..she obviously has something going on with her.
I had a licenser leave a pen on the couch and she walked away from it and a baby grabbed it and put it in her mouth and was walking around with it in her mouth!
I got the pen and gave it to her and said that was dangerous and she got up quickly and said she was leaving now. They are human and keep in mind they are not these all powerful people that have control over you.
Whatever she says you are doing wrong, just look it up in your regulation book and make sure before you sign anything.

[whatnow]

Follow-up to the inspection from you-know-where

Hi, Everyone, and thank you for your advice.

I just wanted to let you know that I did contact the inspector's supervisor, and she was APPALLED at the things I told her. We had a very good conversation, and evidently there are complaints from every single facility this woman inspects. I wrote out a report of my inspection experience for the supervisor (at her request), and was assured that steps will be taken to correct the issues I -- and others -- have brought forward. I don't know whether this inspector will be re-trained or reassigned, but I was given the impression that the agency had already been planning to call her in for a performance review, given the numerous complaints.

As an aside, she never has returned to my daycare for a follow-up visit, and, from the way her supervisor talked, it isn't likely to happen.

Thank you so much to everyone who advised me about reporting her. I knew I couldn't let her behavior go unchecked, but I guess I needed some moral support.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything. Thanks again for your input!

[Blackcat31]

So happy to hear that you got some resution to this issue!!! happyface

Also welcome to the forum!

Your status has been upgraded so you can post freely now

[SunshineMama]

Good for you for calling!

Hi, Everyone, and thank you for your advice.

I just wanted to let you know that I did contact the inspector's supervisor, and she was APPALLED at the things I told her. We had a very good conversation, and evidently there are complaints from every single facility this woman inspects. I wrote out a report of my inspection experience for the supervisor (at her request), and was assured that steps will be taken to correct the issues I -- and others -- have brought forward. I don't know whether this inspector will be re-trained or reassigned, but I was given the impression that the agency had already been planning to call her in for a performance review, given the numerous complaints.

As an aside, she never has returned to my daycare for a follow-up visit, and, from the way her supervisor talked, it isn't likely to happen.

Thank you so much to everyone who advised me about reporting her. I knew I couldn't let her behavior go unchecked, but I guess I needed some moral support.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything. Thanks again for your input!

[Meeko]

Good for you for calling!

Awesome! Just think if you hadn't of said anything?! I'm glad other people complained too. The powers that be can't ignore it now and are forced to act.

You CAN make a difference by making a few waves!happyfacehappyfacehappyface

[Heidi]

Hello, everyone,


I'm new here, and am learning so much,, reading everyone's posts. I'm glad I'm not alone in some of the child/parental issues many of you are facing.

I've run a group home daycare for about three years now, and have 18 children enrolled; though usually never more than 9 at any given time. This is the most enrollment we've ever had (very small town), but the parents speak very highly of us, and always remark on how much their children look forward to coming to daycare.

However, I had my yearly inspection yesterday, and it was the most horrible, nerve-wracking one I've ever been through! This was my third inspection. The last two were fine, minor issues with paperwork, usually -- never any safety concerns or violations. Imagine my horror when yesterday's inspection lasted...FIVE HOURS. Five hours!!!

It's a group home daycare, so it's not as if I had a vast space for her to inspect, or that many files, etc., to look through. She spent most of the time re-measuring all the rooms, even though they haven't changed in size in over 60 years, fussing over a small plastic pipe that runs vertical against a back wall that poses no safety/injury risk whatsoever, and lecturing myself and staff because as the ladies were bringing the children in to eat lunch, several of the children "ran ahead" of the staff to sit at the table. The children and staff were in the same room, and the children were in sight of the staff the entire time...literally, five or six steps ahead of them. I was repeatedly taken to task over these things for the next several hours, quizzed about what my "plan" was on how to correct these things, and then informed that the inspector would be returning next week to make sure we're doing what she wants us to do. I honestly don't know what to do about the children "running ahead" of staff...they're all 2-4 years old and were never out of sight.

But seriously...a five-hour inspection???? And the inspector didn't look at or ask about any of the things I would expect. She didn't check the outlets to make sure they all had covers, didn't inspect any of the toys or beds; didn't look at my proof of insurance, fire drill record or first aid kits....and she didn't look at the children's files! Not one of them! I don't understand the focus on these other issues when the most important things were glossed over or skipped entirely. The inspector wasn't mean, but was pretty condescending to myself and my staff, which wasn't necessary.

When it was finally over, I called my former certification rep, sobbing. She was appalled, and suggested that I call this inspector's supervisor and voice my concerns. I know that I should, but I'm worried about the repercussions. And I DEFINITELY don't want another five-hour visit! I was literally sick by the time it was over because I was starving, and because everything I did/didn't do was apparently wrong. I have no problem being told to correct things, or even getting written up for things that are obvious safety issues or violations, but this was just beyond nitpicking. It felt like a five-hour police interrogation, and about two hours into it, I wanted to say, "you know what? Just shut us down. I'm done." Honestly, if this is what it's going to be like, I can't do it anymore. It was horrible.

Before I do anything, I'd like to hear your thoughts/advice. Has anyone else ever had to file a complaint with an inspector before? Not sure what to do. I'm still stressed out over it.

Thank you.

Oh MY!!!!

Ok, here is what I suggest:

When EVER a licenser tells you something is "wrong", and you don't agree, you very sweetly say "oh...I must have missed that in the regs, can you show me where that is????" smile sweetly....RINSE and REPEAT. If that's all you say for 5 hours, then so be it!

[Heidi]

Oh MY!!!!

Ok, here is what I suggest:

When EVER a licenser tells you something is "wrong", and you don't agree, you very sweetly say "oh...I must have missed that in the regs, can you show me where that is????" smile sweetly....RINSE and REPEAT. If that's all you say for 5 hours, then so be it!

I see I am late to the party here!

I'm glad you called and were heard. Welcome to the forum!

[whatnow]

RE: longest.inspection.ever....(part 2)

Hi, Ladies (and gentlemen),

Yes, I'm also glad I filed a complaint with my inspector's supervisor. I spoke with her on the phone for a good 20 minutes, and she asked me to write up a report of my experience and email it to her....which I was more than happy to do. The supervisor actually told me that this particular inspector has been an issue, and that they were in the process of re-training her. The supervisor had found it necessary to accompany her on several inspections, just to keep her on track. Nice.

So here's an update....
Same inspector showed up Monday and did a surprise inspection. I wasn't there (had a rare day off), but one of my staff called me, in an utter panic. long story, but I have a new hire, and inspector removed her. New hire has all clearances, etc., but was missing her most recent physical exam paperwork and copy of diploma. I personally don't have a copy of my diploma in my file; nor does any of my other staff. Thought it was weird, but whatever.

She also took the new hire to task over not having her "emergency plan training." I'm not even sure what that is. She made it sound as though it's some kind of formal training/class, but I never had any such training....and again, neither has any of my staff (all of whom worked in our facility prior to my arrival.) I did read through our emergency plan and sign it, but that's the only emergency plan "training" I've ever had. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Also...I contacted another daycare provider in my area and warned her that the inspector had paid me a visit, and to be on the lookout. We then had a lengthy conversation, in which I learned that this same inspector has has quite a few formal complaints filed against her. In one instance, she tried to cite a provider for "violations" that do not exist anywhere in the regulations. In another, she arrived at a facility in torn jeans and a tank top, with cleavage and tattoos on full display, and no i.d. badge, intending to do a surprise inspection. The director refused to let her in the building (wasn't wearing identification), and called the Dept. of Welfare to report what she was doing. She is UNBELIEVABLE.
I don't understand how she keeps her job, with the stuff she does.

I'm in Western PA by the way.....kind of wondering whether anyone else has ever had a hard time with their inspector? This one seems to be on some kind of crusade.

[Blackcat31]

Oh wow! I am sorry you are STILL dealing with this same inspector even after you filed a complaint and the informaiton you heard from her supervisor!

I would think it is a conflict of interest to even allow this inspector to visit you or your site without another of her co-workers or supervisor present since you already had issues with her.

I would call again and write another formal complaint. Very sad, that her agency is allowing her to continue despite the number of complaints. :confused: