Not Sure What to Think - Peanut Allergy

[Thriftylady]

When she calls, tell her before you discuss it further, you need documentation from the doctor stating exactly what the allergy is, when it was diagnosed, and how it should be handled in the daycare setting. Likely it was past diagnosis, and you can refuse for dishonesty. I don't like the feel I am getting as you tell us how this is playing out.

[nannyde]

Time to start laying out a platter of peanut butter cookies at EVERY interview.

That will end the interview real quick like.

[Rockgirl]

Time to start laying out a platter of peanut butter cookies at EVERY interview.

That will end the interview real quick like.

Perfect!

[Crazy8]

I have written in my contract that my home is NOT peanut free. My kids bring their own lunch and there is no way I would restrict them all from peanut products so therefore I feel I could not provide a safe environment for their child. If they still wanted to keep their child here after that they'd be insane.

I would love to know for sure when this diagnosis came about too, I'd bet money that it didn't happen this week!

[Unregistered]

I barely slept last night because I am so concerned about handling this correctly. What worries me the most was the attitude of her email; it did not read as though it were a request. It was just, here's what you have to do. I know when my daughter was diagnosed with diabetes I was very panicked, so I am willing to cut her a break because I am sure she is reeling. But the timing of this is very suspicious to me. And now I dread her phone call.

I would call her, not wait for her to call, and don't put it in email. Best to let her know right away so she can try and find someone. I would tell her you can't accommodate that, and wish her luck. Give her back any fees if she paid, and basically non disclosure invalidates the contract. (I don't believe he was just diagnosed).

If you are afraid of a legal issue, then by all means come up with a good one not related to the peanut allergy.

[Tasha]

I would call her, not wait for her to call, and don't put it in email. Best to let her know right away so she can try and find someone. I would tell her you can't accommodate that, and wish her luck. Give her back any fees if she paid, and basically non disclosure invalidates the contract. (I don't believe he was just diagnosed).

If you are afraid of a legal issue, then by all means come up with a good one not related to the peanut allergy.

That's the thing, I am very much afraid of it being a legal issue.

[Blackcat31]

That's the thing, I am very much afraid of it being a legal issue.

Her childs medical needs do not outweigh your child's medical needs.

I would simply tell her you can't accommodate her as you already have a child in care with medical needs that directly go against her daughter's needs.

You don't have to tell her it's your child. Do what NannyDe said and say the child already there that needs to have access to peanuts and peanut products outweighs your obligation to accept her child.

The ADA only requires you to make "reasonable accommodations" and you are unable to do that. It's in the link I posted previously.

[Thriftylady]

That's the thing, I am very much afraid of it being a legal issue.

That is why you ask for the diagnosis and a date on it. If she withheld the information, you can then terminate the contract based on dishonesty. Just be sure the doctors note MUST list the date of diagnosis.

[AmyKidsCo]

I would notify her that you have a child in your home that has Physician ordered nut products for a disability.

You will have nut products on site at all times.

She will most likely question you as to what and why... tell her you can't give any info other than you must follow the Doctors order for this child.

Get a note from your diabetes doc stating nut products are to used to manage your kids diabetes.

I wouldn't blatantly lie to a parent - not only is it unprofessional and unethical, there's too big a chance it could blow up in your face.

That's because she knows you can't deny her care due to the allergy.

If you decide not to take her, use ANY other reason to decline just not the peanut allergy.

Unless you have menus or other things stating you serve peanuts...then you could possibly use that as a reason.

ITA. Tell the mom that the child is not a good fit for your program after all. Don't give a reason beyond "not a good fit." And since you're not willing to accommodate her peanut allergy she isn't a good fit, so it's true.

[nannyde]

That is why you ask for the diagnosis and a date on it. If she withheld the information, you can then terminate the contract based on dishonesty. Just be sure the doctors note MUST list the date of diagnosis.

No this isn't true. The parent is not obligated to disclose special needs. The child can have AIDS and they don't have to divulge.

She just needs to let her know she has a child already enrolled who is required to have peanut products and products produced in peanut facilities on site. There will be both on the child and in the home.

[NeedaVaca]

The thing is the OP said her child is diabetic and peanut butter can help control blood sugar levels, maybe it wouldn't be lying? It depends on if this is something the OP uses for her DD.

[Thriftylady]

The thing is the OP said her child is diabetic and peanut butter can help control blood sugar levels, maybe it wouldn't be lying? It depends on if this is something the OP uses for her DD.

Well I know with my diabetes I use it sometimes. I am not sure if a doctor would write that up though?

[Unregistered]

That's the thing, I am very much afraid of it being a legal issue.

Understand, then I would say something akin to not a good fit, it won't work out.

We're probably over thinking all of it, but best to try and not stress.. get it over with.

Let us know how it goes, I'm very curious because in all the years in daycare I've never come across this scenario. (knock on wood)

[nannyde]

I wouldn't blatantly lie to a parent - not only is it unprofessional and unethical, there's too big a chance it could blow up in your face.



ITA. Tell the mom that the child is not a good fit for your program after all. Don't give a reason beyond "not a good fit." And since you're not willing to accommodate her peanut allergy she isn't a good fit, so it's true.

It's not lying. She has a kid who uses peanut products and products made in a peanut facility to regulate her blood sugar. Very common in diabetes.

Special needs meet special needs

[Tasha]

It's not lying. She has a kid who uses peanut products and products made in a peanut facility to regulate her blood sugar. Very common in diabetes.

Special needs meet special needs

It's not lying. Blackcat says her DH eats Peanut M&Ms to elevate his blood sugar; my daughter eats miniature peanut butter cups. We also eat a lot
of peanut butter. And I do a lot of Asian-style cooking with peanut oil. Truly,
it would be a huge lifestyle change, and it definitely wouldn't be fair to DD.
When she calls I'm just going to appeal to her as a reasonable human being and tell her that what she is demanding is not something that I can do and hope that she is rational about it.