Would You Or Wouldn't You?

[Josiegirl]

At best, I'm planning for 4 FT dcks once school starts. I need at least 1 more FT to survive financially. So yesterday when I received a call for dc I got excited.
I started talking with the mom...she only needs part-time, dad is in jail and ds is being treated for 'not tested for leukemia but his numbers aren't good', he can't get bruised(especially his head) and shouldn't be exposed to illness. They'd need to do a bone marrow test to confirm leukemia but haven't done that yet. Kids get bumped, bruised, marks. Kids get bugs, colds, viruses.
I always want to help, be the one who makes a difference in a child's life, but frankly, this scares the crapola outta me.
She asked me how many kids I take. This fall will start off slow but if I get calls that would work out, I will take the 6 I'm allowed. I have to; it's my sole source of income.
My brain is saying RUN but my heart says give it a try. I am, in fact, meeting with her to learn more about his sickness, needs, what his limitations would be, risks, etc.
I'm turning 60 in October. I was hoping daycare would start getting easier, not harder.

[Cradle2crayons]

At best, I'm planning for 4 FT dcks once school starts. I need at least 1 more FT to survive financially. So yesterday when I received a call for dc I got excited.
I started talking with the mom...she only needs part-time, dad is in jail and ds is being treated for 'not tested for leukemia but his numbers aren't good', he can't get bruised(especially his head) and shouldn't be exposed to illness. They'd need to do a bone marrow test to confirm leukemia but haven't done that yet. Kids get bumped, bruised, marks. Kids get bugs, colds, viruses.
I always want to help, be the one who makes a difference in a child's life, but frankly, this scares the crapola outta me.
She asked me how many kids I take. This fall will start off slow but if I get calls that would work out, I will take the 6 I'm allowed. I have to; it's my sole source of income.
My brain is saying RUN but my heart says give it a try. I am, in fact, meeting with her to learn more about his sickness, needs, what his limitations would be, risks, etc.
I'm turning 60 in October. I was hoping daycare would start getting easier, not harder.

WOWEEEE!! Well if it were me, the diagnosis wouldn't scare me. Of course I have one medically fragile daycare kid already. Ivs don't scare me, central lines, feeding tubes etc.

However. With something like this, I think I'd sit down with mom and find out what HER expectations are. Be sure she understands at although you take every precaution and have a well planned illness policy, that still kids get sick in daycare and that you can't and won't get blamed if he gets sick. Be sure she understands that payment is due regardless of illness. If you don't already strictly follow your illness policy, you will have to start now. Good hand washing and common sense. My special needs baby has NEVER caught a single thing from daycare, because I am very very careful.

Also, you need to be sure that mom understands that this is GROUP CARE not a NANNY. which means other kids may bump him, he may get bruises etc. just because a child with a blood disorder gets a bruise, it's generally not life threatening (unless they have a clotting problem). I'm not sure why she's so concerned about a bruise. But you'll have to be very sure she's on the same page.

I admire you because nobody will watch special needs kiddos. I'm the inky one I know in the state, other than a nanny who will watch this one I watch. The need is very great.

I wouldn't run but I'd DEFINATELY sit down with mom and get on the same page. Get all the info you can before you make the decision to be sure you can provide the care he needs realistically.

[Scout]

I would not...and I didn't even read past the can't get a bruise. That is a terrible situation and I fully think that she needs a nanny to prevent injuries and illness for him to be able to recover.

[cheerfuldom]

I wouldnt. We are on the go a lot....lots of outdoor play, trips to the library, school transportation. This isn't the best environment for the medically fragile. I have no training for special needs kids outside of basic CPR. I know that for my own personality, it would be way too much for me mentally if a fragile child was to become seriously hurt or ill while in my care.

[Unregistered]

I would not...and I didn't even read past the can't get a bruise. That is a terrible situation and I fully think that she needs a nanny to prevent injuries and illness for him to be able to recover.

I agree she needs a 1:1 Nanny if he is that much at risk. I've taken kids with many special needs, but when the kid can't even get a bruise, it's impossible to promise that in group care. One accident can get you blamed. Even if you have a contract stating you are not liable for things, there is always a chance there could be trouble for both you and the mom, not to mention the DCK if he is that ill he can't get a normal bruise. I get wanting to help and helping her in THIS case sounds like referral to a nanny.

[Patches]

I wouldn't. You will have 4 or 5 other kids in care right? I just don't think it would be possible for you to prevent all bumps and bruises or illnesses. As PPs said, he needs a nanny.

[juliebug]

I wouldn't do it i just wouldn't want the liability if something did happen.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I would not...and I didn't even read past the can't get a bruise. That is a terrible situation and I fully think that she needs a nanny to prevent injuries and illness for him to be able to recover.

I agree.

The liability is just too great here since he can't get a bruise and shouldn't get any illnesses at all.

[SunnyDay]

Absolutely not. Can you imagine how you would feel if the child ended up dying and the parents tried to blame your child care?

[jenn]

I would say no. I understand you wanting to be helpful, but I don't think daycare sounds like the best fit for this family. I would explain to the mom that you do not feel comfortable with the possible level of care her child needs and that you cannot protect her child from bruises, illness,...with other children in care. Maybe you could find and give her some local numbers of nanny services in your area?

[coolconfidentme]

I get bruised in my DC. How do you prevent a kid from getting bruised is beyond me...

[KnoxMom]

The liability is too high. She honestly would be better suited for a nanny providing care in her own home.

[Josiegirl]

Well, it became a non-issue anyways, one of those lovely no shows we all experience. So I texted her later that night and asked if I got the date wrong or did she forget. She called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to reschedule. Umm, no thanks!!?? To be completely honest, even without the medical issues involved she sounded more than flaky on the phone.
Thanks anyways everybody!