New DCF comes in for an interview. Mother of an 18 month old and the toddlers grandmother. The grandmother does all the talking for the DCM. I could tell that the DCM felt really uncomfortable with the idea of putting her child into a home instead of a center. I made an exception for the parents to open up at 6:00am instead of my normal time of 6:30am. I needed the money so I didn’t think that it would hurt. I also gave the parents a two week drop off trial because the grandmother was saying that DCM just started a new job and funds were tight. During the interview the DCM hit the DCC for playing with the letters on my refrigerator (Which they are there for the kids to play with). The grandmother later told me that she flicked the child with her finger. I didn’t witness it but thought that it was weird when she made a statement that “I know when my grandson has been abused and if there are any scratches or bruises on him, I will speak my mind.” I already gave her my discipline policy and the DCM signed the form that stated “I DO NOT USE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.” None of the events raised a red flag until I was laying down thinking about how awkward and dysfunctional this interview went. I was too busy trying to help the family out because they did not have anyone to watch the DCC the following day.
Wake up at 5:30am shower and get read.. Ready to start by 5:40am. The DCM comes walking in the door at 6:30am with no apology or explanation. I ask her, is this the normal time that you will be here.. She says “Yeah, sometimes a little earlier.” During AM play time the new DCC for no reason tried to hit another kid that was playing quietly by herself. It bothered me through the day and after sleeping on the idea of the family being a part of the daycare home. I realized why I felt uncomfortable with the family but was because it wasn’t a good fit. I was too busy trying to help them out that I didn’t say “NO”. plus I needed the money.. Later I told the grandmother that I would no longer make the exception of opening my doors at 6:00am. They would have to wait until 6:30 am if they wanted their child to remain in care.
Wake up at 5:30am shower and get read.. Ready to start by 5:40am. The DCM comes walking in the door at 6:30am with no apology or explanation. I ask her, is this the normal time that you will be here.. She says “Yeah, sometimes a little earlier.” During AM play time the new DCC for no reason tried to hit another kid that was playing quietly by herself. It bothered me through the day and after sleeping on the idea of the family being a part of the daycare home. I realized why I felt uncomfortable with the family but was because it wasn’t a good fit. I was too busy trying to help them out that I didn’t say “NO”. plus I needed the money.. Later I told the grandmother that I would no longer make the exception of opening my doors at 6:00am. They would have to wait until 6:30 am if they wanted their child to remain in care.
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