Illegal Daycare Operating as Legal

[Thriftylady]

I meet a local DCP, we were talking about this and she admitted that she reported a woman that was advertising on FB for running an illegal. The woman got caught and fined. She later posted on FB that she had to close because she was reported and now she was looking to nanny.
I also see pregnant teens looking to babysit. On one hand the do need the practice but on the other hand, I am not sure that I would trust them.

Babysitting is one thing for a teen. But one looking to take six kids bothers me. That is to many for a teenager. There is a difference. At the end of the day though, parents have to make decisions. Hopefully they are looking for someone who will take great care of their kids, but we all know that some will look only at price.

[Leigh]

I have gone through the entire process to become a licensed childcare provider. I thought once my orientation was done (after of course giving all my paperwork and filling out my application) that I had the green light from the licensing bureau. I'm not sure if I do, but I don't have an actual number. I apologize, because the whole process is a little confusing. Regardless, I called the licensing bureau and they told me that I'll have my number after they come and do the physical in-home review. Oops! I was mistaken. So, I stopped taking kids and the kids I did have are temporarily at either another person's home, or I gave them the name of an individual who is not licensed and running a childcare out of her home with quite a bit more kids. (I'm sure that's a ton better). Now, I don't have a trampoline, so I'm not sure if this post is actually referring to me, but I do have a jump-o-lene and a toddler trampoline. Both are approved by the state since neither have springs and both are indoor. The kid portion matches to mine. According to the State of Michigan, you are allowed 6 kids, total, outside of your own or "related" kids. As for my tv time...I did allow tv time up to 9:00 am; depending on arrival of kids. My start of business was at 6:00 am, but if I didn't have kids arrive until 8:00 am, then the two hour tv/screen time would be allowed.

I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars into my childcare. I am paying $160 per month for a school-ready curriculum along with many, many, many hours and money into all the research to make sure I was doing everything on-key and correct according to the state, along with several calls to the state. I have worked in the legal field for over 10 years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom and chose to open a childcare because of the awful places out there that provide childcare without being licensed or providing a safe place for kids. It with out a doubt was my fault, if in fact I am not allowed to watch kids quite yet, but at the same time, I'm questioning how much people really care about the KIDS well-being. If my kids are in a obvious safe place with a loving provider and clear and obvious indications of interaction, why punish them?...especially if they are clearly in the workings of becoming a licensed provider? I could be just internalizing all of this since after calling I found out that I wasn't "quite there" with my actual licensing number, but unless there is obvious evidence that there is harm being done to a child or lack of attention and interaction, why is there such a need of attack on another person.?. Either way, if this was me, because I am in Michigan, I apologize...and I also apologize on behalf of all those out there that are working as hard as I am to become licensed and provide an awesome in-home facility where children can grow and develop through great interaction, while in error watch kids prior to becoming official.

I don't know about Michigan, but in my state, you may operate as if licensed (in-process) the day that the state receives your application.

[Blackcat31]

I don't know about Michigan, but in my state, you may operate as if licensed (in-process) the day that the state receives your application.

Funny how different states are.

I am in MN and you cannot operate until the day you receive your license in hand. (which can take between 2-4 months from the date you initially turned it in).

[Unregistered]

I came across her ad, which lead me to her website. I was not out to report her, I started feeling uncomfortable about the info on her site. I did some research on her before I even posted here.

Poster here suggested I report to the SOM, which is what I did.

When she told me how many kids she had, she told me that all the families are 4 to 5 days a week. No I do not know the months of the children, but 7 kids is over ratio. She even said, I am allowed to have 6 kids in my childcare, then list the ages of the kids. (but not how I listed them, hers was in story form telling about the kids) In another paragraph mention that she had her 2 kids in her home and there ages. This is in an email, that she is telling me that she still has a spot for my child, that I need care for. (which would make 8 kids)

If she was licensed or "legal" as she put it, then she should know her ratios.

She told me she was full when I asked for her license number but told me she had openings when I tried again. To me that says she knows she not "legal".

I am a foster parent, so the safety of kids is important to me.

I APPLAUD what you did. Thank you!

[midaycare]

Funny how different states are.

I am in MN and you cannot operate until the day you receive your license in hand. (which can take between 2-4 months from the date you initially turned it in).

It is funny. In MI they are the same way.

[daycare]

all i can think of is.

when it doubt check it out.

I wish that more people were concerned enough about stuff like this.

[momofsix]

I have gone through the entire process to become a licensed childcare provider. I thought once my orientation was done (after of course giving all my paperwork and filling out my application) that I had the green light from the licensing bureau. I'm not sure if I do, but I don't have an actual number. I apologize, because the whole process is a little confusing. Regardless, I called the licensing bureau and they told me that I'll have my number after they come and do the physical in-home review. Oops! I was mistaken. So, I stopped taking kids and the kids I did have are temporarily at either another person's home, or I gave them the name of an individual who is not licensed and running a childcare out of her home with quite a bit more kids. (I'm sure that's a ton better). Now, I don't have a trampoline, so I'm not sure if this post is actually referring to me, but I do have a jump-o-lene and a toddler trampoline. Both are approved by the state since neither have springs and both are indoor. The kid portion matches to mine. According to the State of Michigan, you are allowed 6 kids, total, outside of your own or "related" kids. As for my tv time...I did allow tv time up to 9:00 am; depending on arrival of kids. My start of business was at 6:00 am, but if I didn't have kids arrive until 8:00 am, then the two hour tv/screen time would be allowed.

I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars into my childcare. I am paying $160 per month for a school-ready curriculum along with many, many, many hours and money into all the research to make sure I was doing everything on-key and correct according to the state, along with several calls to the state. I have worked in the legal field for over 10 years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom and chose to open a childcare because of the awful places out there that provide childcare without being licensed or providing a safe place for kids. It with out a doubt was my fault, if in fact I am not allowed to watch kids quite yet, but at the same time, I'm questioning how much people really care about the KIDS well-being. If my kids are in a obvious safe place with a loving provider and clear and obvious indications of interaction, why punish them?...especially if they are clearly in the workings of becoming a licensed provider? I could be just internalizing all of this since after calling I found out that I wasn't "quite there" with my actual licensing number, but unless there is obvious evidence that there is harm being done to a child or lack of attention and interaction, why is there such a need of attack on another person.?. Either way, if this was me, because I am in Michigan, I apologize...and I also apologize on behalf of all those out there that are working as hard as I am to become licensed and provide an awesome in-home facility where children can grow and develop through great interaction, while in error watch kids prior to becoming official.

Unless things have changed with LARA taking over, I was told that after orientation I could take kids. Also, I got my paper license long before they actually came and inspected.
The six child ratio DOES include your own/related children though

[Ariana]

all i can think of is.

when it doubt check it out.

I wish that more people were concerned enough about stuff like this.

AGREE!!! all it takes is a visit to make sure kids are not being put in harms way. These types of operations have the potential to give all providers a bad name.

[Carrieh]

Not according to the phone call with the licensing bureau this morning. Your kids does not count as kids in your daycare. It doesn't matter anyway...this person shot me down enough to make me desire to just give up on the process.

[Blackcat31]

Not according to the phone call with the licensing bureau this morning. Your kids does not count as kids in your daycare. It doesn't matter anyway...this person shot me down enough to make me desire to just give up on the process.

Below are the rules for Michigan. Taken from their information. It clearly says your own children under age 7 DO count.

https://www.daycare.com/michigan/

"(1:6) includes family members under 7 years old; no more than 4 children under 30 months and no more than 2 of those children can be under 18 months"

As for quitting because of something negative said is silly... To succeed in this business you'll need a thick skin as much as you need a backbone so if you truly want to do this, then do it the best way you can (legally of course).

[Carrieh]

I still don't know if this is me, but I've decided to forego continuing on this website. I feel like this is really a huge bashing site when there is little to no information on an individual. I'm a good provider, license yet or no license yet. I did contact the bureau and it appears someone did try to report me, so I can only assume it is this person. That's fine...I have no kids right now, only people who have signed my childcare contract and will use my facility once licensed; hence why I've indicated whether I had spots open or not. Regardless, the bureau did tell me that it is NOT ILLEGAL TO WATCH CHILDREN NOT RELATED TO YOU FOR FOUR WEEKS A YEAR WITHOUT PAY! That being said, I've offered those who have agreed to use my service in the future for 4 weeks of unpaid/free childcare; particularly to try my facility out to see whether it is a good fit for their kids and whether they like what i have to offer. I know...I'm a horrible provider! Merry Christmas to all of you! To the person who reported me, I hope someday someone comes along and shoots down your dreams as much as you have tried to shoot down mine! :dislike:

[morgan24]

Not according to the phone call with the licensing bureau this morning. Your kids does not count as kids in your daycare. It doesn't matter anyway...this person shot me down enough to make me desire to just give up on the process.

I'm not sure where you are at but I've been licensed in MI for 20 years and your own children count until they are 7. I wouldn't give up yet it sounds like you have a lot of the stuff done. If you need help feel free to pm me.

[Alwaysgreener]

I have gone through the entire process to become a licensed childcare provider. I thought once my orientation was done (after of course giving all my paperwork and filling out my application) that I had the green light from the licensing bureau. I'm not sure if I do, but I don't have an actual number. I apologize, because the whole process is a little confusing. Regardless, I called the licensing bureau and they told me that I'll have my number after they come and do the physical in-home review. Oops! I was mistaken. So, I stopped taking kids and the kids I did have are temporarily at either another person's home, or I gave them the name of an individual who is not licensed and running a childcare out of her home with quite a bit more kids. (I'm sure that's a ton better). Now, I don't have a trampoline, so I'm not sure if this post is actually referring to me, but I do have a jump-o-lene and a toddler trampoline. Both are approved by the state since neither have springs and both are indoor. The kid portion matches to mine. According to the State of Michigan, you are allowed 6 kids, total, outside of your own or "related" kids. As for my tv time...I did allow tv time up to 9:00 am; depending on arrival of kids. My start of business was at 6:00 am, but if I didn't have kids arrive until 8:00 am, then the two hour tv/screen time would be allowed.

I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars into my childcare. I am paying $160 per month for a school-ready curriculum along with many, many, many hours and money into all the research to make sure I was doing everything on-key and correct according to the state, along with several calls to the state. I have worked in the legal field for over 10 years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom and chose to open a childcare because of the awful places out there that provide childcare without being licensed or providing a safe place for kids. It with out a doubt was my fault, if in fact I am not allowed to watch kids quite yet, but at the same time, I'm questioning how much people really care about the KIDS well-being. If my kids are in a obvious safe place with a loving provider and clear and obvious indications of interaction, why punish them?...especially if they are clearly in the workings of becoming a licensed provider? I could be just internalizing all of this since after calling I found out that I wasn't "quite there" with my actual licensing number, but unless there is obvious evidence that there is harm being done to a child or lack of attention and interaction, why is there such a need of attack on another person.?. Either way, if this was me, because I am in Michigan, I apologize...and I also apologize on behalf of all those out there that are working as hard as I am to become licensed and provide an awesome in-home facility where children can grow and develop through great interaction, while in error watch kids prior to becoming official.

Did you ask if a jump-o-lene and toddler trampoline was allowed? When I asked about a toddler trampoline, I was told no.

http://michigan.gov/documents/lara/lara_BCAL_PUB-724_0715_494800_7.pdf?20151202135206

See page 8 - 400.1915 line 6 and page 10 400.1920 line 6

Here is the Technical

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/lara_BCAL_HomeTAandConsultationManual_070115_493355_7.pdf?20151202135438

400.1915 on page 87
400.1920 on page 109

(6) Trampolines shall not be used indoors or outdoors by children in care.
Rationale According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trampolines:
• Present a safety hazard.
• Have the potential for serious injury.
• Should never be used in a home or recreational setting.
• Require highly trained personnel who have been instructed in all aspects of trampoline safety.

Technical Assistance

Trampolines of all sizes are prohibited, even with parental permission.

Bounce houses and other similar types of equipment are also prohibited, as they present the same hazards as a trampolines.

[Blackcat31]

Boy, its too bad the unregistered poster who reported the provider (in the original post) was as willing to help in assisting her in interpreting the regulations/rules like so many here are doing.

Perhaps she may have benefitted from the assistance.

Carrieh- if you are the provider that was reported, I hope you are able to learn from the information shared here and are able to become fully licensed and open as a legally licensed provider.

[Angelsj]

I still don't know if this is me, but I've decided to forego continuing on this website. I feel like this is really a huge bashing site when there is little to no information on an individual. I'm a good provider, license yet or no license yet. I did contact the bureau and it appears someone did try to report me, so I can only assume it is this person. That's fine...I have no kids right now, only people who have signed my childcare contract and will use my facility once licensed; hence why I've indicated whether I had spots open or not. Regardless, the bureau did tell me that it is NOT ILLEGAL TO WATCH CHILDREN NOT RELATED TO YOU FOR FOUR WEEKS A YEAR WITHOUT PAY! That being said, I've offered those who have agreed to use my service in the future for 4 weeks of unpaid/free childcare; particularly to try my facility out to see whether it is a good fit for their kids and whether they like what i have to offer. I know...I'm a horrible provider! Merry Christmas to all of you! To the person who reported me, I hope someday someone comes along and shoots down your dreams as much as you have tried to shoot down mine! :dislike:

And no good deed goes unpunished...
There are so many circles in all this, my head is spinning.