Quote Originally Posted by Skysue View Post
Judy,


I know you are well respected on this board and I truly love your blog. It just got me fired up becuase there wasn't enough info in the OP backing up how many of the providers own kids were hers only that a 12 year old daughter helps out! I am someone who feels that its important to get all facts in place before making any calls on someone! As it's someones life and job on the line. Even if it checked out to be legit thats an awful call to make.

P.S sorry I can't spell to save my life!
If you go back and read all of the home daycare deaths in the last five years (this is something I spend a lot of time on - I want to know HOW and WHY kids die or are seriously harmed in daycare. Because learning WHY helps me to prevent myself and other providers from ever have that happening in their daycares) you will notice a trend. And that trend is that in nearly all the cases the daycare provider was either not operating within numbers or in breach of some sort of state or provincial mandate. The fact are the facts.

Every time a child dies in care it hurts everyone - the family, the child and every single home daycare provider who is doing it RIGHT. I don't want kids dying in daycare and I don't want to pay the price professionally for those who are operating illegally.

I understand your passion. As a parent myself I understand. But, once you have been a daycare provider for years and years your attitude will likely change. You will look around and be utterly appalled at some of the stuff that happens in home daycare across North America.

I think you are correct and it is ALWAYS imperative to do your research first, and I stated that in my previous post. But, as is the case with anything, even IF the ministry visited you, if you are doing nothing wrong then you really have nothing to fear. Even though I would never maliciously call the ministry on a provider I would far rather a parent or provider call the ministry if there is serious concern and find it was not warranted rather than to NOT have called and then see a news story on a child who died in her care.

Kids die in daycare. It's a fact. Nobody wants to talk about it but it's undeniable true and we, as professionals have a duty to prevent that from happening whenever, and wherever possible.

By the way, as to your remark about being "respected'. I would hope that NO ONE would ever take my word over someone else's. And I genuinely mean that. It is my only hope to help providers become better at their jobs and assist them whenever possible. Everyone should have a voice and be heard.