New Website Lists All Citations/Complaints for CA Providers

[Unregistered]

I am a licensed home daycare provider in California. I'm a "small" family child care home operator, which means I am licensed for up to 8.

Yesterday I received a letter regarding a new website that is now up and running which lists all family daycare homes in the state of California - along with each providers record of citations and complaints - going back five years.

Although I personally have no complaints or citations on my record, I think this site could sometimes confuse parents who are looking for daycare. There are different categories of citations, Type A (immediate danger to children) and Type B (usually paperwork types of infractions). Many parents, however, will not distinguish any difference between the two - and many parents will not take the time to follow up with Licensing for a more detailed breakdown of a provider's licensing record.

So I guess I am conflicted about this new site. I think it can be a good resource - BUT I also think it will result in the unfair blacklisting of many competent, quality providers.

I'm wondering what my fellow California providers' thoughts are about the new website, as all of us were supposed to have gotten that letter.

[NightOwl]

Wow. I'm in alabama, but I see what you're saying. Potential parents can just glance down a list and mentally eliminate those with citations, even if it's actually something as small as a missing piece of paper.

[hope]

This could be useful depending on its format. I would be proud to be on the list with no citations. But just like everything else, it all depends on the interpretation of the reader. It can be scary if done wrong.

[ACH247]

Texas does this already for centers and home daycares. It lists all inspections and violations. They have been doing it for years. I used it to find my daycare and I still check it every once in a while.

[Michelle]

I think it's great!!!
I don't have any violations but parents don't even ask for my license number and checked up before and I doubt they will now

But I can see how some providers might not like it.
I wonder if there will be a way providers can explain things on there too.. such as a missing paper or if a parent has excuse after excuse as to why they can't bring in their immunization record

I once had a analyst ask me why there was a piece of bacon on the floor in the playroom and I told her it was "play bacon" it was right in front of the kitchen set. So, sometimes you can get a quiet analyst that just walks around and writes down everything without asking for clarification and that could be devastating to someones business

I always take the proactive approach and I guide her from room to room pointing out the new paint, new improvements, and how I made things even better and safer than the last inspection. That way I am in control in my own home and it makes the inspection go by quickly.
So, just remember to keep the house very clean ( even if you have to destroy the planet with paper plates) :confused: and keep up with your records and CPR and you should be O.K.

[MissAnn]

I've seen some ridiculous "violations" listed such as a child not signed in and a stained carpet.

[Annalee]

I think it's great!!!
I don't have any violations but parents don't even ask for my license number and checked up before and I doubt they will now

But I can see how some providers might not like it.
I wonder if there will be a way providers can explain things on there too.. such as a missing paper or if a parent has excuse after excuse as to why they can't bring in their immunization record

I once had a analyst ask me why there was a piece of bacon on the floor in the playroom and I told her it was "play bacon" it was right in front of the kitchen set. So, sometimes you can get a quiet analyst that just walks around and writes down everything without asking for clarification and that could be devastating to someones business

I always take the proactive approach and I guide her from room to room pointing out the new paint, new improvements, and how I made things even better and safer than the last inspection. That way I am in control in my own home and it makes the inspection go by quickly.
So, just remember to keep the house very clean ( even if you have to destroy the planet with paper plates) :confused: and keep up with your records and CPR and you should be O.K.

In a perfect world this works, but we change licensing persons regularly here and many times each have a different pet peeve....I do not have violations listed either and am a 22 year provider but I am very leery because there are licensing persons now being sent unannounced to makes sure the original licensor is "doing their job".....I like to call them the daycare troopers. They come 6 times unannounced a year already and 4 if you are the highest star....I think the process is rediculous!!!!! Go get those illegally unlicensed persons and leave us alone!!!! :confused:

[Annalee]

I've seen some ridiculous "violations" listed such as a child not signed in and a stained carpet.

Right there with you in TN, Miss Ann, I have seen those and I consider some of the violations crazy.....I understand supervision, child/adult ratio, no paperwork but violations for no toilet paper, a burning candle, not doing diapering correct on assessment, etc. are just too crazy!!!!! If assessors can turn us in on assessment day, well, I want go into that!!!!??????? Assessment and licensing need to meet in the middle or get on the same page!!! :confused:

[Cat Herder]

We have had this for quite a while along with a google map street view of our home WITH driving directions. I just love it (>>sarcasm warning<<<) .

The violations are one thing... eh, I am simply used to it.... but the violation of my privacy with the link to driving directions and photos are creepy to me.

I guess this is simply the world we live in now, though. Even without the State linking it, all of this info is already available online SOMEWHERE.

[Blackcat31]

I think posting violations and citations on line is a good thing.

Parents should look at these things and communicate with their prospective provider (or current one) about anything they may had a citation for.

I think providing information to parents is a good thing.

I totally understand some of you not liking the maps/driving directions being posted etc type stuff but I guess we do live in a technology driven world where nothing other than our own thoughts are guaranteed to be truly private.

I also think that if we choose to open our homes up as a business, it is just part of the game. Business info is generally "public" information.

[Annalee]

I think posting violations and citations on line is a good thing.

Parents should look at these things and communicate with their prospective provider (or current one) about anything they may had a citation for.

I think providing information to parents is a good thing.

I totally understand some of you not liking the maps/driving directions being posted etc type stuff but I guess we do live in a technology driven world where nothing other than our own thoughts are guaranteed to be truly private.

I also think that if we choose to open our homes up as a business, it is just part of the game. Business info is generally "public" information.

I believe the bold comment when common sense is used but if I ever get wrote up for no toilet paper, I am asking for that in writing because it is NO WHERE in the guidelines.....actually the only guidelines I have are the ones I was given back in 1992, they were revised in 2009 but still no toilet paper rule. ::

[Blackcat31]

I believe the bold comment when common sense is used but if I ever get wrote up for no toilet paper, I am asking for that in writing because it is NO WHERE in the guidelines.....actually the only guidelines I have are the ones I was given back in 1992, they were revised in 2009 but still no toilet paper rule. ::

Yeah, but you live in cray cray world....I've heard about your licensing etc...

You by far have it worse than anyone I've ever heard about.

I genuinely feel for you and all the other providers in your area willing to stay in the business despite the daycare licensing gestapo you have there. :hug:

Luckily none of our citations are posted until the entire process (appeals and all) is completed and the complaint is founded.

If I was cited for something not found in writing in my state regulations, I would fight it tooth and nail before I was okay with it being posted.

[Annalee]

Yeah, but you live in cray cray world....I've heard about your licensing etc...

You by far have it worse than anyone I've ever heard about.

I genuinely feel for you and all the other providers in your area willing to stay in the business despite the daycare licensing gestapo you have there. :hug:

Luckily none of our citations are posted until the entire process (appeals and all) is completed and the complaint is founded.

If I was cited for something not found in writing in my state regulations, I would fight it tooth and nail before I was okay with it being posted.

I guess my state was the guinea pig for the QRIS...:: And yes, I do join along in the professional fight, but I have to say the fight has took out wonderful providers along the way! I am still hanging and plan to stay with it, but I do feel as QRIS becomes prevalent in other states, they will follow TN path....and I feel for you all!!!

[crazydaycarelady]

We have a website like that in my state too. It is not well done though because I know providers who have had complaints or infractions and they are not listed. Then you have the ones who have an infraction like a missing paper or parents signature and that shows up as a deficiency.

Speaking of Google street view - I HATE our street view! My hubby is a police officer and must have been home at the time the pic was taken. So there is my "daycare" with a police car parked out front. I wonder how any clients that has scared away?!?

[daycarediva]

Omg crazydaycarelady .... Hilarious!!! Sorry though!!!

We have it as well. It goes back 2 years I think(?). I have one citation for the fax machine cutting off the end if a paper/missing half the physicians signature. Annoying!!

My stalker/copycat lady who runs a daycare has numerous ones, including ratio and operating illegally without a license. ( has since become licensed) !!!