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Can a director legally terminate via text? What are my legal rights here? can they restrict me from getting personal items from my classroom?
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I think someone can term any way they want PROVIDED it does not go against anything in your employee contract.
I do not think they can stop you from retrieving your personal belongings but probably CAN deny you access if children are present.
I would contact your local Sheriff's department and ask that they accompany you to the site to retrieve your personal property.
File a complaint against this Director and the center and be done with this nonsense.....I hate to say it, but I feel as though they are going to place blame on you for something the family has complained about...
Document, keep everything NON-emotional and report this. -
Yes you can legally be terminated by text.
They don't have to let you back onto the property but they have to either send you your personal items or have someone pick them up if you request them. Make sure you list the items you have there.Comment
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i have saved ALL texts i have received from the director. including the one i just received terminating me. i think i'm gonna calm down before i make my complaint. i"m really mad and hurt over this whole situation. they will not provide me with any documentation and state licensing wouldnt tell me anythingComment
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I read all of this the last couple of days. Just wanted to say I am so sorry you are going through this. How unprofessional of this director to terminate in this manner. If this is how she takes care of business, you are better off working for a different center or starting your own home dc. :hug:Comment
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The part about state licensing not wanting to tell you anything is what is confusing to me. I know that different states work differently but I'm wondering if the center didn't involve licensing at all and they don't have any information? I know here in CA any time that someone files a complaint with them or makes a report it stays in our files even if they don't find anything and anyone can just call them and ask if any complaints were made. Maybe things work differently in your state?
Again, not sure how things work in your state, but I would try to call back and make a report to say tell them about the reports you filed against the parents and for what, the accusations that were made against you by the parents in what you believe were in retaliation and about the fact that you were fired.
I would also look for a lawyer that can give you a free consultation. You lost your job over their accusations and if a lawyer can get proof that you reported the family as you are legally bound to do and that because of that they made false complaints against you which you were fired for then you should be able to sue for loss of wages and court/legal fees at minimum. There is no call to police, there was no investigation either by the center, the police or by CPS. If I was falsely accused I would do everything in my power to reach out to licensing/CPS and offer to be investigated.
IF the family believed that you were mistreating their child and abusing him why didn't they call the police or Child Protective Services on you? Why didn't they file official reports? Why did no one question you? Why is there no investigation?
Can you text/email the Director back and ask for a letter of recommendation? And maybe ask if she can give you a good reference for future jobs? The goal is to have in writing that she can't/won't and hopefully why. I would try to get her to tell you why you were fired in writing somehow. The point of this is to have something in writing to show a court showing that the family's comments and accusations have/are/will affect your job. An attorney can tell you whether or not any action can be filed against the center or not. An attorney may also know of legal ways to get information that is not being disclosed to you.
I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Good luck. Please keep us posted with updates on what, if anything, you decide to do.Comment
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If the investigation is still ongoing then they won't want you in there. They can't take the chance that someone reports (even falsely) that you being there to collect your items that you were trying to influence them. Also if their is an ongoing investigation still they can't say anything. I would contact a lawyer if you haven't done so to find out your rights.Comment
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This is how it is in CA but you can probably check with the department of labor for your state.... If an employee is terminated they have to be given their final paycheck including any unused vacation time at the time of termination it can only be mailed if the employee agrees. The employer may not withhold any of your personal belongings but they do not have to allow you back into the classroom. You can either pick up your items or they can mail them to you. We also have to have an employee sign change of relationship papers and make them aware of possible unemployment benefits. No matter what state you are in their are legal things that have to happen when you are fired or else you have a case against them.Comment
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