XP from Parenting: Daycare Research (long)

SLHurst11

I'm a little embarassed about this, but it's important, so here goes...

Before I put DS in daycare, I had done TONS of research, checked into violations, etc.  I felt confident about the center we chose.

Fast forward 2 1/2 years... we decided to bring DS to a different center because we were frustrated with their lack of organization and planning.  While researching new centers, I decided to check on violations at the old center (which I had neglected to do periodically because things seemed to go so well for about 2 years).

I was SHOCKED at the number and scope of violations from the last year.  A teacher sat on a kid to restrain him.  A 3 1/2 year old climbed on top of a play structure's roof and fell off, requiring 6 stitches.  Another teacher was busted for pinching children in the thighs and inside upper arms.  There was a mile-long list of training and paperwork violations.  Non-reporting of suspected abuse, the list goes on...

I felt like a bad mom for not regularly checking up on their business.  So if you haven't done so recently, please do a quick check on your daycare center.  Set up a reminder in your calendar/phone to check every couple of months.

StaceySMC13

FTM here and I have a daycare spot reserved for mid-late January.  How do you check violations?  Is there a central website or something? 

skyejo

 Great reminder.  I haven't done this in a while.

StaceySMC13:

FTM here and I have a daycare spot reserved for mid-late January.  How do you check violations?  Is there a central website or something? 

I'm in Michigan and ours are reported on the state website.

SLHurst11

In Wisconsin, there's an official Dept of Children and Families website.  You could probably google "[state name] daycare violations".  Just look for a state department website and go from there.  You should also be able to call your daycare center and ask them where to check violations.  If they're at all leery to tell you where to go, that's a red flag.

StaceySMC13

Great!  I'll do some research or call them.  Thanks!