We sometimes asked for information regarding the day (food, sleeps, etc), and also regarding their schedule, amount of kids, activities, etc, because we wanted to be informed, but those often did not go very well, to the point where they got quite defensive. It was not at all meant in a critical way, but purely informative. However, because of their behaviour we did not have a great feeling with it. Our daughter seemed happy though, so there was no major cause for concern.
I was following all this thread, I'm sorry you had to go through all this. It just make me feel so sad that some people acts so unprofessionaly and damages our image for all of us.

I've been working in this field for almost 20 years now. And one of my procedures is use the hold spot deposit as the first two weeks of payment (that way if something happen to me, my husband doesn't or family doesn't have to deal with returning money, etc), all the families I worked with were very respectfull never took advantage (ie. Leaving wit out paying) I always told them that as they trust my care with their children my thrust is also on them. Unfortunately, I read over and over that money to be "kept" to hold spots or to use for the last month's deposit is being used the first month or before the child starts (absolutely unethical), that deposit should be kept an not used until the child starts or should be kept until the last month's (as their contract says and doesn't matter filling or not their spot that money should be kept absilable); I see many caregivers stuck in returning money because they've already used it. Everyone should understand that our business is dinamic so, job situations change, families change, etc.

As you mentioned about daily report about your child, the ministry of education (in ontario) is changing that if you're starting in a new daycare and is better then they should comply with daily reports or logs.

The ministry of education has stipulated for "licensed" homedaycares in Ontario that they must have a basic daily log (what they've eaten, nap time, outings or highlights of the day etc.). Also an open door policy for parents, if you're in Ontario visit their website or call.

I'm also sure you'll find quality independent homedaycares have different ways of recording a child's day.

I hope you have a better experience in the next daycare.

Good luck.