Forgotten Child....?????

[crazydaycarelady]

I would make it clear that you need a reliable emergency number, but if she knows you close at 5:30 she probably figured as long as she picked up before then it would be okay. I have had a kid not get picked up because of a misunderstanding between mom and grandma. I kept dcg until grandma came. I would never call CPS to pick up one of my dckids.

[itlw8]

Wow. Unreal! You must have been so freaked out!
Sorry that happened!
P.s Stephen King lives in my town! In the winter at least cuz nobody in their right mind summers here!::

I thought he lived in Bangor Maine?????

[countrymom]

I got one better, I beat you for sure. Imagine for getting your child 3x. Yup, same family and I always got an excuse. These were well to do parents so there was so excuse. The one time they didn't realize it till they sat down for dinner. Oh they would shut the phone off too at dinner time so they didn't get interupted. He was a good kid so I just couldn't believe it when it happened so many times.

[MyAngels]

I would have been so worried - then angry as heck. Doubly so since she acted like it was no big thing!

I'm so sorry you had to deal with this - I'm sure it won't happen again, right?!

[Blackcat31]

What did she have to say about all of this?

She doesn't say much when I get on her about things and since I was so mad, she knew better than to say anything more than necessary.

Just a sujestion for "next" time and everyone else (hop there is not a next time) It might have moring meaning to Mom if you tell her that her child was worried. HAd this experience first hand when I worked at the center

This mom does not work that way. Her children don't always come first. Using that tactic wouldn't have made a dent.

I would make it clear that you need a reliable emergency number, but if she knows you close at 5:30 she probably figured as long as she picked up before then it would be okay.

No, she knows I charge a hefty fee for lateness and I do think her friend that was suppose to have picked up flaked on her but I truly believe mom had no idea that the friend didn't show.

I would have been so worried - then angry as heck. Doubly so since she acted like it was no big thing!

I'm so sorry you had to deal with this - I'm sure it won't happen again, right?!

No, it definitely will NOT happen again.

I should explain that this mom has a good deal of respect in most situations and she.....well, I don't know how to say this nicely or in a PC manner as not to offend or sound judgemental but this mom is kind of....well, let's just say that sometimes I don't think she should even have custody of her kids (or herself sometimes) but just quite doesn't make the cut for someone to step in and do anything.

She isn't abusive or into drugs/alcohol at all and does love her kids. She does the best she knows how to do. That is probably the nicest way to describe her....she does the best she is capable of doing. She doesn't qualify for any type of services, besides child care assistance but I think that she is the type that falls through the cracks and doesn't get much help since she is so borderline.

She grew up in foster care herself and has ZERO family that she knows of and she does try.....she just...well I hesistated to call CPS for so long because I know her actions weren't purpuseful or malicious and I don't term her because she normally follows 99.9% of all my rules and policies and I feel that this is a case where keeping her child in care is the best thing for her child. I mean at least mom knows the importance of one consistent caregiver for her children. She doesn't have any mental illnesses or criminal behavior, she is just a very simple person that tries.

I was only livid because I couldn't reach anyone on her list and really how do we as providers really know anyone's emergency contact numbers are or aren't reliable until the time we actually have to call them? In all the years I have had this family, this is the first time I have ever had to resort to emergency contact numbers. (*sigh*)

FWIW~ It is 2:09 P.M. here and mom picked up ON THE DOT today.

[jojosmommy]

OMG! I would have freaked out. Obviously I would have known the kid was safe with me but not being able to reach anyone would make we nervous.

I would tell mom this and make her come up with an alternative way of getting a hold of someone. Really, she knows nobody who would answer? That seems strange.

[SunshineMama]

Wow my heart hurts for that little girl! I keep thinking about what must have been going on in her mind.

[texascare]

Poor little girl waiting for he rmom to get there by the cubby!! I can picture it! I had a parent just FORGET to come get his kid a few months ago. Yup just forgot he said. I close at 5:30 and about 5:45 I call the mom and she acts like I am bothering her and says it was the husbands time to pick up. I said well you need to find out what is going on. Apparenlty he went home after work and forgot to pick up his kid!!! And now they are pregnant again.....oh joy!

[BusyBee]

I thought he lived in Bangor Maine?????

That is why she said in the winter...

That must have been so frustrating for you to wait like that! I agree with others that she may have just been ignoring b/c it was you. The others not being reachable may have just been a fluke!

Kudos to you for making things clear with her--let's hope it doesn't happen again!

[trippingontoys]

A few weeks ago I had something similar happen. It wasn't the first time, nor will it be the last I'm sure........ I close at 5pm. at 6:30pm DCD walks in the front door and says your sister forgot her child........Sometimes I think I get taken advantage of......