Who Enters Your Daycare?!?!!

[Meeko]

Talking of gut feeling......

I had these two kids enrolled in my daycare for a few weeks. The dad was WEIRD. Now I know why!! I was so surprised one day to see his face in the local paper.

I enrolled him for on/off weeks (his wife had them..then him.) I found him so creepy that I termed after a few weeks. He went to another provider and she too termed quickly because she didn't "feel " right about him. That was also back in the day when I was willing to enroll anyone and fell for every sob story (he would tell me how unstable his wife was!!!!!!!!!!)

http://www.4utah.com/mostpopular/story/Utah-kidnapping-fugitive-caught-in-Pennsylvania/d/story/Ric1AnYHSEWrtPSTnpt-pg

[melilley]

Do you have a sign for your daycare in front of your house? We are not allowed per zoning laws but I wouldn't anyway. However, I have had a few people come to the door when they found my info online. Some of us providers objected to having our addresses online but were told it was public record.

Yeah right, his son was in the car! : Same as my guy on the phone that said he would bring his wife. I asked if I could talk to his wife and wouldn't you know she wasn't available to talk.

One's gut is pretty accurate I've found.

Laurel

I haven't had anyone come to my door that found my address, but I HATE that it is public record online! But I guess one could just go to an address finder website and it's usually on there.

[littlemissmuffet]

Have you ever thought about the fact that we allow all sorts of strangers enter our home/daycare?

Have you ever thought about the fact that we are complete strangers to the daycare parents who trust us with their children? Sure, over time we get to know our DCFs and they get to know us... but none of us REALLY know eachother, especially the first while a child starts coming to us....

[Meeko]

Have you ever thought about the fact that we are complete strangers to the daycare parents who trust us with their children? Sure, over time we get to know our DCFs and they get to know us... but none of us REALLY know eachother, especially the first while a child starts coming to us....

At least they can check licensing records, get references, see your home etc. I tell prospective clients that I will be doing a background check on them. Had I done one on my "rapist father client" I would have seen him on the sex offenders registry. They count on us NOT checking into them. Even his poor wife had no idea.....until their daughter told on him and his past came to light.

[littlemissmuffet]

At least they can check licensing records, get references, see your home etc. I tell prospective clients that I will be doing a background check on them.

This is true for some... though, not for providers like me who are legally unlicensed. It's not hard to fake references either, unfortunately. But I do get what you're saying.

I think there can be a risk on either side - but it's something that both providers and parents alike take when it comes to daycare - either running one or using one.

[Lyss]

I've got a big loud (but realistically harmless) dog so I at least feel that would deter anyone casing the house. :: I also never do interviews with my DD or and DCKs present. I guess I never really thought interviews in that way, I don't really want to live my life worrying about the what ifs. I do what I can to stay safe and don't dwell on the rest (not that's what anyone here is doing just my opinion on life ) Plus in all honesty I'm more concerned about the people already in my life, it seems like crimes are more often from people you know than strangers.

I have a DCD who has been to jail, trespassing & breaking and entering from his "activism" days in college. Looks bad on a background check I guess but I never would have assumed he has a record of any sort! Such a great dad and great DCP! I love this family.

[momofsix]

So far in my over 21 years of doing childcare every single one of the families I've had has been either someone I already know or referred to me by people I know and trust. I've never ever had to take a complete stranger. I absolutely love it this way! I think it makes me AND the parents more comfortable
I know that my situation is definitely not possible most of the time though.