What Would You Do? - Keller, TX

T., just so you know, the state laws regarding child care require that question to be asked of all parents on the enrollment paperwork regardless of whether or not the caregiver actually ever takes the kids anywhere. That being said, DO NOT let this slide. That is considered gross misconduct on the part of the caregiver and should absolutely dealt with by the proper authorities.

You need to contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Their contact information is here:

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/Inquiries_and_Comp...

I agree that it's always a good idea for any parent to drop in unannounced, and a good caregiver will encourage you do just that. These people have proven themselves untrustworthy with your most precious commodity, and I'd hate to think what they thought they could get away with in the future with someone else's child if this isn't dealt with.

Report them!! From a certified teacher, they will continue to do this until someone reports them.

BTW, thank God your son is ok!

T.,
It's always a good idea to show up when you're not expected, just so you can see what's going on at different times with your baby.

However, knowing what I do now, the question about taking him places would've be a clue to me from the start and you should've looked elsewhere. If they asked the question, they obviously want to be able to move around during the day with the children, and since you don't want this, it was never your kind of place.

You're lucky you have the option to change his care and you should do so.

yikes. ya i dont think i would be taking him back either! can you call the state and have them go out and inspect her adn write a report. i mean who is to know that car seat is safe! and that is also against your orders! others need to be warned about that!

I would report them...I think to the local social services. I am not sure but I would not just let it slide.

I agree about following up with the authorities and try to get her penalized, or at least have a complaint filed against her. I'm very pro-daycare, but VERY anti In-Home care. All because there isn't any accountability. You just happened to be there on the right day at the right time to see what you did. Thank God for that, but think of all you didn't witness. I know sometimes it's easier financially to choose the least expensive option, but is the money that you're saving really worth the safety (life) of your child?

Actually, I totally disagree with the previous post about a daycare being better than in-home childcare. That said, you obviously have to choose wisely about who you leave your child with. I provide childcare for a neighbor now, and truly believe that the right in-home childcare provider is one who also has a child and fully understands what it means to be a parent. I initiated the conversation about traveling with their son myself. (Even though I have permission, I simply wouldn't leave without it being an emergency situation, and I'd call to tell them what I was doing asap). It wasn't difficult to make my errand-running schedule work around my new work schedule (when I'm watching the boys). Honestly, though safety is obviously an issue that we all seem to agree with, I think this issue goes much deeper. She isn't following what you've expressed as your wishes for how your child will be cared for. It doesn't matter if she agrees with them or thinks they are important. She needs to follow what YOU feel is important for your son. If she was lying, that's a whole other can of worms. You made the right decision in pulling him out of that situation. Next time, I would suggest this: I invited my neighbor to come to my home with her husband and child, to meet MY husband and child. We let the children meet and we discussed things and just got to know each other. By the time it was over, they had a good feel for how my home is and how it's run, how my husband and I get along (no icky bickering or stuff), and they could see how my own son plays and behaves. That's what I would want to see if I were leaving my son somewhere: is it clean? Happy? Do they have similar core values or parenting beliefs? Stuff like that. Good luck.

I agree with all the other posts. When I was a daycare provider even when parents said that I could travel with their kiddos I would ALWAYS call before I went ANYWHERE or when possible let them know days ahead of time if possible and again when they fropped their little ones off. You never know what is gonna happen when you are out on the road. I would hate to go pick up my child and them not be there. Then if I have to call the police to make sure everything is ok or something I know where they should have been that day etc. I would be furious. It is DEF a breech of contract and needs to be reported exp since they are licensed so when people are looking into licensed daycares they can make an informed decision. Good luck and soooo glad you caught it when you did.

How conveinaint you caught them on the "first time".

The fact that you said NO upfront is a breech of contract on her part. I'm sure you would make an exception is there was an emergency, and she HAD to take him, but not in this case.

I would definatley let them know the reason your son will not be returning.