He Said/She Said WWYD??

[Jack Sprat]

I have a new dcf starting in June. Tonight, I received 2nd hand information that their current provider brought to the parents attention some behavior concerns she had with one of their children. The mother became upset and told the provider she didn't need advice from the babysitter. This is all second hand information.

I have watched the children as drop-ins this last fall. The only issues I had were that of a child who is used to getting her way and what she wants...She is a bit of a snot but, nothing terrible from what I saw. The younger one is very sweet and I had no issues with her except for crying at nap time.

The provided is illegally operating the daycare out of the families home (not her own home). She watches two other children full time and several part time. The DCM did express to me that she wants her home back and not have a daycare running out of it. Although it has been this way for quite some time.

My question is should I contact the former provider for references? I feel like I may be getting into something I don't want. But, also know very well that our small town of 1,500 loves to gossip. Should I just ignore the info and make my policies very, very clear to the family? I wish that I was never to this in a way.

[Lucy]

Unless the DCM specifically GAVE you the former Provider's name and phone number, it would be unethical to contact her. If Mom did indeed provide you with her number, than heck yes!!

If/when you end up taking this family, I would just make sure your policies are WELL known to the parents, and that your discipline steps are spelled out. And follow them exactly as they are written in your handbook. That way DCM can't claim that something was unexpected.

I'd take them and hope that the behavior was just something the previous provider wasn't able to handle. Maybe she had a shorter temper than you, or maybe whatever the problem was won't exist at your house. Either way, you always have the option of terming if things go bad.

[preschoolteacher]

I wouldn't worry just yet.

If I was the DCM, I'd want out of that situation! Jeez, having someone else run a daycare out of your house? That would be horrible. Think of the liability if something happened to one of those kids that the daycare provider was watching at the mom's home. Not a good scenario, in my opinion.

[Meeko]

Make it ridiculously clear to the DCM that YOU are in charge in YOUR home. She may have felt in charge as the previous daycare was in her home and it may not be easy for her to let go of control.

This situation could have quite a few angles. Maybe the provider wasn't so on the ball and the home was being damaged etc. When told she was going to be out of a job, she got vindictive and spread stories...??

Or maybe DCM is a control freak!!!!!!!!!!!

I would use your gut feelings and best business savvy to figure out the DCM as you go over policies.

[Josiegirl]

3 little words.... TWO WEEK TRIAL
From there, if you've had experience with these kids before and it wasn't that bad(could be the honeymoon period?)I think I'd give it a try. As we always say, that particular provider might not be a good fit. Give them a try, like everybody else said go over your policies until they're clear as day, maybe make her initial and sign everything.
And good luck!

[llpa]

I would go by what you have seen during your own drop in times but take what you hear w a grain of salt. There may be some truth to what you hear or not. The trial period should let you know what you are in for. I never start a new dcf without it.

[Jack Sprat]

Thanks ladies! I am going to have them over in late May to discuss the handbook. Usually I skim over it and tell parents they need to read it. They sign a paper saying they read it but, I don't think they all do.

I do agree that would not be a great set up with the other kids. I'm not sure how all that came about. I don't know the girl personally, just from around town etc.