Not Logging In For This One

[KiddieCahoots]

O.K. I wasn't going to post on this topic until I did some research, but I didn't, so please excuse me if I'm just completely off my rocker.
But.....I swear a few years back when I was taking classes for my CDA, my instructor had mentioned that we now NEED some sort of "live life" plant or animal in the child care for learning purposes. He even stated we were able to claim it on taxes.
Does this ring a bell to anyone else?
If so.....could we claim the vet checks in taxes as well????

[MarinaVanessa]

O.K. I wasn't going to post on this topic until I did some research, but I didn't, so please excuse me if I'm just completely off my rocker.
But.....I swear a few years back when I was taking classes for my CDA, my instructor had mentioned that we now NEED some sort of "live life" plant or animal in the child care for learning purposes. He even stated we were able to claim it on taxes.
Does this ring a bell to anyone else?
If so.....could we claim the vet checks in taxes as well????

Yes, something about bringing in the natural world into the classroom. CDA uses the ERS right? (FCCERS, etc. The rating scale book). It's about having the children participate in observations and care of the "class pet" (feeding and giving it food). I mean, you can do fish and stuff but I know lots of teachers and daycare centers that have small rodents or tank animls in the classroom.

[TaylorTots]

I can't speak on this - I don't have any animals and I never plan on having any while I do daycare.

That being said, I wanted to chime in and comment that I LOL'd thinking of a 200lb dog stuffed in a small car (BlackCat).

Seriously, the image made my day.

[Heidi]

Yeah, they can potentially carry disease, but how, pray tell, does a caged, indoor animal contract a disease like rabies or Avian bird flu? And if they are not in childcare areas of the house or handled by the children, how does it concern my childcare business? Plus, the biggest concerns for all of these little pets happen naturally (ex: salmonella for turtles/newts/lizards/frogs, or the bad infections that can happen from scratches from cats or rodents because they step in their own poop) and is not going to make a lick bit of difference from a vet visit or not. And like MV and others said, you don't take $5 pets to the vet for $50 checkups. After seeing an ad in Family Fun magazine, I can't help but wonder if it isn't spurred by the AVMA and AAHA partnering up with the state to enforce such a thing.

Again, I just wish it was grandfathered in for already existing daycares, and apply only to new pets. We certainly won't be getting any more, no matter how much we enjoy them. More and more, the state is crossing the line, and having way too much control over what happens in my home, that has absolutely NOTHING to do with the daycare.

I will follow the rules, as always, because it is easier than being paranoid all the time. I am just so glad we don't have the hermit crab anymore...

Ironically, the most likely place these little animals could contract anything would be AT THE VETS!

[MarinaVanessa]

Ironically, the most likely place these little animals could contract anything would be AT THE VETS!

Like my 7mo DS contracted (most likely) Rosiola from the Dr's office when we took him for his vaccines. Can't say for sure it was there and of course the DR's office wouldn't tell us if they saw a case with it but there was another baby there with a bad rash on his face and arms (it was all we could see).

[originalkat]

I'm glad you posted that reg because my licensor described it much differently than it's written. Then again she kind of interprets all of our regs how she would like them to be

Yes, I had to email my rep with the regulation in "black and white" because she wrote me up for things she shouldnt have. You have to keep them in check.

[Meeko]

I have a 3 year old West Highland Terrier. On any given day, he is cleaner and healthier than most of my daycare kids...also has a better attitude.

In my state (Utah) a record of vaccines is required and the inspector must "meet" the pet to assess aggressive behavior etc.

My last licensor was dangerously near to getting snuggled to death.....

[Heidi]

Don't want to openly incriminate myself, but want to know what you guys think of this.

It is now required that any and all pets in the home daycare have annual wellness checks with documentation from the veterinarian. We have two small pets (not cats or dogs) that are the kind of pet that never see a vet unless they are injured or ill, at which point they usually can't be helped and they usually die, because they are just that kind of pet. I find it ridiculous that I am expected to shell out anywhere from $48-$106 for office visits for these animals. Not to mention, one of them is not going to be easy to get there and back.

I feel like my only options are:

1. Take them into a vet as required.

2. Give them away.

3. Hide them in the bedrooms and say we no longer have them.

I feel if they are not in rooms used for daycare, it is none of the state's business. My rep says otherwise, that if they are in the home, they must have documentation for annual wellness checks. By that train of thought, then there should be no alcohol, medications, or..ahem..secret sexy things anywhere on the premises, either, whether or not they are safely stored in rooms not used for daycare.

What do you guys think? Do you have this regulation in your state?

When ever a licensing rep tells you that you are out of compliance, I would ask specifically for the reg number (unless you know for sure that they're right). Something like "oh, I didn't know this. Can you show me where, in the regulations, it is?"

Here is what our regs say. Thankfully, WI also provides a "commentary" manual, which helps both licensers and providers understand the intention of the regulation. http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/l...FCC/250_07.pdf