Removing a child / CAS

[Kimpaque]

this child (who hurt the other child and herself), got scratched by another child 2 weeks before. Kids will be kids and things happen. Like you said it's our job to teach them to be nice to each other and what's right/wrong. She verbally accused me of "lack of supervision".. Are you kidding me? It takes 2 seconds for a child to do something and I can't always have eyes everywhere. In this case I was changing a diaper so it took 10-20 seconds before I could safely put the child down and run (10 feet away) to the situation. She said her injuries are more than 2 seconds .. Of course it is. Kids can harm themselves quickly by pulling/scratching and pinching themselves the way she was...
Yes I think both parents went overboard... This child was leaving in 2 weeks (mother on mat leave) therefore I decided it was best to let her go and not the other child AND because of what she did!!

[Lee-Bee]

I feel for you. How old are these children?

I would be tempted to call in the injured child's parents (the police officer) for a very frank discussion. If they wish to keep their child in your care then they need to understand that you are caring for a group of young, unpredictable, inexperienced children. They do not 'assault' each other, they act impulsively. As a police officer he needs to know how to leave his work at work. You can not feel that you are being judged and feel like the children's every move will be analyzed like a crime scene!

Let them know what steps you take to teach the children how to behave but let them know that with multiple children you cannot constantly be watching each child's every move. They need to be comfortable with that. If they are uncomfortable then suggest they get a nanny who is paid to watch their child's every move.

As for the CAS report. I don't understand this move either. Who/what is she reporting. If a child self injures, or even if a child is injured by their daycare peers it isn't something to be dealt with through CAS unless it is a repetitive matter that shows signs of neglect/abuse by the care giver. Is the mother aware the injured child's father is a police officer and is trying to deflect the attention?

It sounds like you no longer have this child in care? If you do, the child may need to be placed in a playpen while you are doing diaper changes until you can get a sense of what is going on to prevent a repeat scenario.