Question About a Parent's "Right to Know."

Hi,
I ran a daycare for almost 8 years and am again in the process of trying to start anew daycare. I absolutely agree with Diane S- you have every right to know everything. I also sent home daily reports and kept a log on behaviors or incidents and sent home a copy of all written on each child , I also had the parent sign the book afterwards to prove that I had alerted them on any given situation. Agood daycare would do that because it not only shows that you are trying to give the child the best are possible- it enforces trust from parents and it heirs in the side of caution for the daycare provider. Which unfortunately sometimes this business leaves us as easy targets for some people. I would consider another daycare. if you are feeling uneasy and have questions you should always follow your gut. never stop listening to your own little voice. It may save you or your chils one dya,

Hi DS, I know that my brother who lives in NJ and is autistic has an indepth log book which includes not only the teachers/personel observations but also serves as a vehicle for the parents to write back to the staff about how the childs afternoon and night went.

With that said, I cannot believe this is a legal issue. You have a right to know everything your child did that day, how he reacted and how the teachers interfaced with him. I would find it suspicious that the school wouldn't gladly provide you with this log. Providing daily sheets for babies and toddlers who are not facing obstacles like your son, I feel are just fine but to not know the in's and out's of this childs day is unfair to you and your son.

Look into it - I really believe this is something you are entitled to.

By the way - my brother (step brother) is one of the most inspirational people in my life. I love him dearly and celebrate his every success. And I agree these little girls of ours define the word challenge:)

I don't know if its a legal issue but if my sons daycare didnt provide me with information about him I'd be very angry. I would have to guess then that their notations are not professional and thats why they don't want you to see them. I would call them out on it - what do they have to hide??? If its a question of seeing other children's info then just ask them specifically for your sons only...

The information in the log is considered confidential because it's not just about your child - it's about all the children in the class. My kids' center gives daily updates - my daughter is almost 2 and still gets a daily sheet with all activities and foods and diaper changes, etc., and my son is almost 3 and there's a bulletin board the tells me how long he napped, what activities they did, etc. They can not legally give you info about other children, which is why the log isn't available to you,but you are totally within your rights to ask for a written daily update, if you want one.

Any childcare center or provider who will not provide you with information that is clearly related to your child...is suspect, in my book.

Take your precious kid(s) to someone you completely trust, who you know will be honest with you! And if your son is a special needs child, then all the more reason to do this!

Good luck. I'm sorry they're giving you grief.

I dont own a daycare but my kids been in daycare... the center always gave us daily reports of what she did, how my times they changed her diaper, and what was in it (ew) and they even gave us copies or incident/accident reports. This was their way of keeping us informed and to let us know if she needed anything like change of clothes or diapers.. things like that..I dont think this is anything new as I remember from 10 years ago when my sons were younger they had similar communication logs.

I dont know who you would contact but I would find out and make a report about it cause it cant be right.

Dear DS

I own a childcare center and only do daily log sheets on infants up to 12 months old. They are filled out daily and sent home with the parents. I do have a file on each child and as incidents occur I do keep them in the file, however parents get copies of everything I put into writing or the teacher has given to me. I do not know the legal aspects of your question but I do not know why the director is not communicating all information to you regarding your son. Parents rights and information should have been given out to you upon enrollment. I play a very active role in my center especially with children of concern. All of my teachers give me a verbal or if necessary a written report on any children of concern so I can relay all messages to mom or dad. I try to also relay positive information so as not to always be negative. If the center is not communicating to you and answering your questions I would say find a new center. Any information regarding your son should be conveyed to you when asked. However as I said I am not sure if the personal file has to be shown to you. I am not sure where you live but in NJ you can call the NJ Office of Licensing and they will be able to answer your question. If not NJ each state has their own agency to contact for your legal rights. I hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Holidays!!