Unannounced visit

[espresso33]

No I'm not with an agency, and never have been! She did show proper identification, and I confirmed it as soon as she left. Not sure how she would know I run a home daycare, Lillywildcat. There's tons of home daycares in my neighbourhood and tons of competition amongst home daycare providers here...maybe another provider is falsely reporting nearby hdc? On the ministry website it states that "Unlicensed child care providers are not monitored by the Ministry of Education. However, regional staff will investigate complaints from the public about a person who may be providing care to more than five unrelated children without a licence." I've always been at ratio with 5 children or less. So no clue! I'm really just bothered that she asked to go through my home even after I told her it has nothing to do with my daycare space.

[ttremble88]

I was going to ask the same thing. How did she know that you run a daycare? Unless, of course that you were reported. My hubby tells me all of the time, do NOT open the door for anyone when I am by myself (other then expected daycare parents). Not only due to safety, but, who has time to talk to annoying water people when you have daycare in progress?! I wonder what would of happened if you had told her that you are quite busy with the children at the moment and if she could come back a little later/another time?

As for her checking out your personal space, I do not see how that is relevant in anyway as to how you run/keep your daycare.

[torontokids]

She would have wanted to check the rest of your home to see if you have additional kids stashed in another room in your home. I think one of the dc's in the media had a separate group of kids watching a movie in another place in the home. I would still say no though. It is my home, come back with a warrant.

[AmandaKDT]

Not that you have anything to hide, but you had no obligation to let them in at all, let alone show non-daycare areas. Also, you don't have to provide the parent info either if you don't want to. Actually, I would think getting permission from the parents before doing so would be a good idea.

If you a private daycare, unlicensed and not with an agency, then your home is considered a private residence and you choose who you allow to enter.

[gravy_train]

This sounds really scary! I have nothing to hide in terms of being within my ratio and as far as my daycare space is concerned but the rest of my house is a total mess most of the time and I would feel very uncomfortable having someone traipse through 'inspecting.' My living space is separate from my daycare space. What would happen if you just said no to an inspector?
Don't we have any rights when it comes to our own home?

[Sassygirl]

Do you know of any other home daycare providers in your area that you could ask if they had been inspected as well?
Other than that, someone has reported you OR could it be possible they are flagging us from our tax refunds? Expenses we are claiming? Receipts etc? Another government I know Provincial vs Federal but just a thought.
I lock my screen door and deadbolt my other door as well and don't have a doorbell. I have so many of those water heater guys who are soooo agressive canvassing this area I don't answer my door period.
Try not to worry... you passed with flying colours. I do think you were called in by someone concerned by your numbers though. A neighbour with a chip? Someone who saw you out with the kiddos and watched where you live?

[MonkeyPrincess]

No I'm not with an agency, and never have been! She did show proper identification, and I confirmed it as soon as she left. Not sure how she would know I run a home daycare, Lillywildcat. There's tons of home daycares in my neighbourhood and tons of competition amongst home daycare providers here...maybe another provider is falsely reporting nearby hdc? On the ministry website it states that "Unlicensed child care providers are not monitored by the Ministry of Education. However, regional staff will investigate complaints from the public about a person who may be providing care to more than five unrelated children without a licence." I've always been at ratio with 5 children or less. So no clue! I'm really just bothered that she asked to go through my home even after I told her it has nothing to do with my daycare space.

See now that has me a little creeped out/worried, knowing that a ministry rep can drop in on you at any time. Like all of you, i have nothing to hide, but just the fact that they can drop in on you unannounced, even though you are private/unlicensed is invasive! In a way i shouldn't worry because i believe i follow the DNA, but at the same time it's worrisome.!