Would it matter to you if in-home daycare wasn't registered and....

JKTTC1 · January 2012

CPR wasn't up to date?

I posted a few days ago about my daycare dilemma. Here's the conversation:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/62685839.aspx

We live in GA and I've been trying to search the laws. We live in a small town and I've known the lady for several years but don't know "too" much about her. She has kids in high school and is in her early 40's probably. She keeps 4 other kids (ages 8 months, 2, 3, and 4). The other mommies are teachers too. I've got nothing but raving recommendations from them to use her. G would be going just part time when DH isn't off to keep him ($30/day and we would send him 2-3 days per week).

She's been honest and told me she isn't registered with the state and she's had CPR several times but its out of date.

SIL keeping him is out of the question now. It took us almost 35 min to get to her house and that doesn't include morning traffic and buses picking up kids.

So should I go ahead with her part time. I trust her to take good care of him. It's the "what ifs" that are running through my head.Or go ahead and throw down the money for the "church daycare" where we wold send him for part of Feb, all of March, April and May (more per week than in part time in home daycare, $118 a week) but pay to hold his spot for June and July ($900)

EDIT: I know every state has different laws.

dpeugh85 · January 2012

Wouldn't matter to me. If you live in a small enough community and have heard positive feedback from trustworthy sources, thats great. Just because someone is licensed doesn't mean they are all that fantastic either, it just means they meet certain guidelines/criteria.

mbgreenwalt · January 2012

I use an unlicensed provider who is not up to date on CPR. She has raised 3 amazing kids and I feel lucky to have her care for my children. The "what ifs" will likely never stop running through your head. I constantly have those thoughts because I'm not there with them.

authorofdreamz · January 2012

dpeugh85:
Wouldn't matter to me. If you live in a small enough community and have heard positive feedback from trustworthy sources, thats great. Just because someone is licensed doesn't mean they are all that fantastic either, it just means they meet certain guidelines/criteria.

This.

MrsBini10 · January 2012

After reading that story of the Sept mom who lost her little boy and was using an unlicensed provider (who lied and said she was licensed) I'm super paranoid about that kind of thing. Yes, it would matter to me.

jnealet · January 2012

MrsBini10:
After reading that story of the Sept mom who lost her little boy and was using an unlicensed provider (who lied and said she was licensed) I'm super paranoid about that kind of thing. Yes, it would matter to me.

That story could have happened anywhere, in home, center, at the baby's house. As long as you're person is being upfront and honest with you and you feel comfortable with the place the. I would use it.

MrsBini10 · January 2012

jnealet:
MrsBini10:
After reading that story of the Sept mom who lost her little boy and was using an unlicensed provider (who lied and said she was licensed) I'm super paranoid about that kind of thing. Yes, it would matter to me.
That story could have happened anywhere, in home, center, at the baby's house. As long as you're person is being upfront and honest with you and you feel comfortable with the place the. I would use it.

you're right of course. Everything about that story scared the crap out of me so when I'm reminded of it in any way I really get irrational.

Vieve831 · January 2012

If I really felt like I could trust her I would do it. That's one of the benefits of a small town - everyone knows everyone's business!

smilelari · January 2012

It would matter to me for sure. And, honestly, I don't think that person's story would happen at a center. There are so many people in and out that a baby would not sit alone in a crib without being checked on for any long period of time

JKTTC1 · January 2012

thanks for the input. Ive takked to her about him sleeping in a crib and being alone. He wiuld sleep in the living room until he was older and sleeping schedules have gotten established. most likely iI would take the Rnp over there the days he went. Looks like its going to be $30 a day so max of $90 a week. Daycare is 108 plus pay for 8 weeks during the summer.

TMS1980 · January 2012

Being registered wouldn't matter as much as not being certified in CPR, I know she has been in the past but things change and it is easy to forget how to do it if you don't use it. I would ask if she would be willing to re-certify. It is not difficult to get certified at least my state so it's not certain that certified in home providers are great. I think if she doesnt have too many kids, has great parent reviews and is willing to re-certify than maybe.....

baileyrayvalentine · January 2012

jnealet:
MrsBini10:
After reading that story of the Sept mom who lost her little boy and was using an unlicensed provider (who lied and said she was licensed) I'm super paranoid about that kind of thing. Yes, it would matter to me.
That story could have happened anywhere, in home, center, at the baby's house. As long as you're person is being upfront and honest with you and you feel comfortable with the place the. I would use it.

I don't think that could have happened anywhere - wasn't that baby left unattended for 90 minutes?? I agree with Mrs. Bini - that story scared the living daylights out of me so I would opt for a licensed provider, but in the end, ou have to go with your gut and hats works best for you. Who has fewer children to look after?

And FWIW, if I was responsible for the health and safety of babies and dchildren, you bet your ass I'd get up to date on CPR. I wouldn't want something to happen and have it be on me that I couldnt help them. That's just lazy and irresponsible.

Froggy76 · January 2012

Yes, it would bother me. It's not that hard to get certified in CPR, and she should do it. I'm also wary of in-home centers because you are putting all your faith in one person. I feel much more comfortable with a small center where there are multiple people checking on my baby and makking sure she is cared for.

JKTTC1 · January 2012

Wow...sorry for all the typos. I was on the tablet earlier. I'm not even up to date on CPR so I was questioning myself on that. I was aware of the other bump mom who lost her baby and went through that terrible tragedy with her babysitter lying. I was glad that "Pam" was honest with me and told me that she wasn't licensed, and CPR was out of date. Like I said before, we live in a small town and the mommies that send their kids there have been nothing but happy. Plus the older kids (4,3, and 2) have been with her since they were infants.

I feel more comfortable with him napping in the RNP right now since he has the reflux and tends to gag and get choked. We don't lay him down in his crib at home and he bed-shares with us.So we will send it the days he goes. One other plus is she can work with me on the breastmilk and store frozen bags to prepare for him "just in case". Where daycare can't store frozen, prepare bottles, or reuse a bottle if he doesn't finish it all after one feeding. The daycare would have to toss it.

I trust her and I trust daycare. I know I will be worried during the day no matter where I send him. It's just going to take some getting use to.

littlewinnie15 · January 2012

smilelari:
It would matter to me for sure. And, honestly, I don't think that person's story would happen at a center. There are so many people in and out that a baby would not sit alone in a crib without being checked on for any long period of time

Ditto this. It would matter hugely to me. There are reasons that providers are supposed to be state licensed...there are reasons they are supposed to have their certifications up to date.

Yes, something could happen anyway, but God forbid something did, you would kick yourself for the rest of your life.

littlewinnie15 · January 2012

JKTTC1:
Wow...sorry for all the typos. I was on the tablet earlier. I'm not even up to date on CPR so I was questioning myself on that. I was aware of the other bump mom who lost her baby and went through that terrible tragedy with her babysitter lying. I was glad that "Pam" was honest with me and told me that she wasn't licensed, and CPR was out of date. Like I said before, we live in a small town and the mommies that send their kids there have been nothing but happy. Plus the older kids (4,3, and 2) have been with her since they were infants.
I feel more comfortable with him napping in the RNP right now since he has the reflux and tends to gag and get choked. We don't lay him down in his crib at home and he bed-shares with us.So we will send it the days he goes. One other plus is she can work with me on the breastmilk and store frozen bags to prepare for him "just in case". Where daycare can't store frozen, prepare bottles, or reuse a bottle if he doesn't finish it all after one feeding. The daycare would have to toss it.
I trust her and I trust daycare. I know I will be worried during the day no matter where I send him. It's just going to take some getting use to.

Are you sure this is their policy? My center stores frozen, prepares the bottles and will reuse one if it's BM and he isn't finished.

smilelari · January 2012

littlewinnie15:
JKTTC1:
Wow...sorry for all the typos. I was on the tablet earlier. I'm not even up to date on CPR so I was questioning myself on that. I was aware of the other bump mom who lost her baby and went through that terrible tragedy with her babysitter lying. I was glad that "Pam" was honest with me and told me that she wasn't licensed, and CPR was out of date. Like I said before, we live in a small town and the mommies that send their kids there have been nothing but happy. Plus the older kids (4,3, and 2) have been with her since they were infants.
I feel more comfortable with him napping in the RNP right now since he has the reflux and tends to gag and get choked. We don't lay him down in his crib at home and he bed-shares with us.So we will send it the days he goes. One other plus is she can work with me on the breastmilk and store frozen bags to prepare for him "just in case". Where daycare can't store frozen, prepare bottles, or reuse a bottle if he doesn't finish it all after one feeding. The daycare would have to toss it.
I trust her and I trust daycare. I know I will be worried during the day no matter where I send him. It's just going to take some getting use to.
Are you sure this is their policy? My center stores frozen, prepares the bottles and will reuse one if it's BM and he isn't finished.

So will mine

smilelari · January 2012

I would want to know why the heck she isn't licensed. Is she willing to get licensed? At least that gets you the peace of mind that she isn't taking on too many kids, has equipment that hasn't been recalled, is inspected occasionally, etc.

MrsBini10 · January 2012

smilelari:
I would want to know why the heck she isn't licensed. Is she willing to get licensed? At least that gets you the peace of mind that she isn't taking on too many kids, has equipment that hasn't been recalled, is inspected occasionally, etc.

These are good points. Licensing exists for a reason.

littlewinnie15 · January 2012

MrsBini10:
smilelari:
I would want to know why the heck she isn't licensed. Is she willing to get licensed? At least that gets you the peace of mind that she isn't taking on too many kids, has equipment that hasn't been recalled, is inspected occasionally, etc.
These are good points. Licensing exists for a reason.

Yes Yes

dpeugh85 · January 2012

It also takes a LOT of work to be licensed. For some people, who only watch a handful of kids and don't plan on expanding, it's not worth it. I know there are a lot of social workers on the board, myself included. Our office does licensing and it can truly be a hassle for in home providers. I work for CPS and my LO goes to an unlicensed, in-home provider. Just because they are licensed does not mean they don't have CPS history, it just means they don't have any substantiated history. You would be appalled at the number of licensed DCPs in our area that have CPS history, but stay open because nothing can be proven. Something to keep in mind.

Also, like Vieve said, if you live in a small enough community, you will know a good amount of history on these people. If the small town talk/gossip has nothing but good things to say about this person, I think that says alot. This may not be as important to those of you who live in larger communities that don't have the sense of "family" that small communities do.

smilelari · January 2012

dpeugh85:
It also takes a LOT of work to be licensed. For some people, who only watch a handful of kids and don't plan on expanding, it's not worth it. I know there are a lot of social workers on the board, myself included. Our office does licensing and it can truly be a hassle for in home providers. I work for CPS and my LO goes to an unlicensed, in-home provider. Just because they are licensed does not mean they don't have CPS history, it just means they don't have any substantiated history. You would be appalled at the number of licensed DCPs in our area that have CPS history, but stay open because nothing can be proven. Something to keep in mind.

Also, like Vieve said, if you live in a small enough community, you will know a good amount of history on these people. If the small town talk/gossip has nothing but good things to say about this person, I think that says alot. This may not be as important to those of you who live in larger communities that don't have the sense of "family" that small communities do.

But you can at least see that there is history. At least in my state you can look up any licensed provider and see any claims filed w/ the state and whether they were "founded" or "unfounded". No system like that for unlicensed providers

Plus if you're watching less than a certain # of kids, a license isn't required. In that case, it's a different situation completely. I'm assuming she's talking about someone that watches enough kids that legally she shouldn't be operating without a license. sending my kids to someone that isn't even operating legally? no way. if she's dishonest with the state, how can I trust that she'd be honest with me? sure, licensed providers can also be shady, dishonest, I just have a hard time seeing how you can trust someone that is blatantly operating illegally

dpeugh85 · January 2012

smilelari:
dpeugh85:

It also takes a LOT of work to be licensed. For some people, who only watch a handful of kids and don't plan on expanding, it's not worth it. I know there are a lot of social workers on the board, myself included. Our office does licensing and it can truly be a hassle for in home providers. I work for CPS and my LO goes to an unlicensed, in-home provider. Just because they are licensed does not mean they don't have CPS history, it just means they don't have any substantiated history. You would be appalled at the number of licensed DCPs in our area that have CPS history, but stay open because nothing can be proven. Something to keep in mind.

Also, like Vieve said, if you live in a small enough community, you will know a good amount of history on these people. If the small town talk/gossip has nothing but good things to say about this person, I think that says alot. This may not be as important to those of you who live in larger communities that don't have the sense of "family" that small communities do.

But you can at least see that there is history. At least in my state you can look up any licensed provider and see any claims filed w/ the state and whether they were "founded" or "unfounded". No system like that for unlicensed providers.

Plus if you're watching less than a certain # of kids, a license isn't required. In that case, it's a different situation completely. I'm assuming she's talking about someone that watches enough kids that legally she shouldn't be operating without a license. sending my kids to someone that isn't even operating legally? no way. if she's dishonest with the state, how can I trust that she'd be honest with me? sure, licensed providers can also be shady, dishonest, I just have a hard time seeing how you can trust someone that is blatantly operating illegally

This may be true in Colorado, but is not the case in our state or its neighboring states. You would have to check with your individual CPS offices to know for sure. For us, private parties are not privy to unsubstantiated information on individuals/providers as this information is confidential. In addition, our state has what's called a central registry. Any individual/provider that has substantiated history only will be listed on the registry.

OP stated the provider has "4 other kids (ages 8 months, 2, 3, and 4)". Again, you would have to check with your individual state, but where I'm from this is completely legal to not be licensed.

Operating illegally would be an entirely different topic.

JKTTC1 · January 2012

sorry just getting back. Based on our state reg. daycare cannot store BM in the freezer. prepare any bottles. or reuse any milk after the first feeding. City population of less than 30,000. we have never heard anything bad. Trust me...in our town word gets around.

She has 4 children she keeps full time and our LO would be part time, and make 5.

smilelari · January 2012

wait. there are states where it's legal to operate without a license? what's the point in even having a licensing process? that's like offering a liquor license but not requiring one to operate

does the state then inspect the licensed daycares? are there any requirements for unlicensed daycares?

JKTTC1 · January 2012

smilelari:
wait. there are states where it's legal to operate without a license? what's the point in even having a licensing process? that's like offering a liquor license but not requiring one to operate
does the state then inspect the licensed daycares? are there any requirements for unlicensed daycares?

There are some states that do not require you to register. I was reading over some of the "rules" for those that are registered and honestly, if I started an in-home daycare, I wouldn't want to register just because of the crazy rules! I am a teacher and watch children every day....I wouldn't want to have to go through what the state says you "must do" to be an in-home daycare provider.

Here is some info I got:

Family Day Care Home
A program that operates in a private residential home less than 24 hours per day. It provides care for 3 children, but no more than 6, under the age of 18 for pay.

Group Day Care Home
A program operated by a person, society, agency, corporation, institution, or group that receives pay for group care. The group day care home cares for 7 to 18 children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day.

Child Care Learning Centers
A program operated by a person, society, agency, corporation, institution, or group that receives pay for group care. The child care learning center cares for 19 or more children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day.

As of February 1, 2009, new Family Day Care Home (FDCH) applicants must obtain 20 hours of pre-service training that has been approved by the Department in order to submit a registration for a FDCH.

For information on the pre-service training requirement for FDCH applicants, applicants should contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCRRA) that serves their area. Please click on the CCRRA link to locate the agency nearest you. Effective July 1, 2009, new FDCH applicants will have to possess one of the following:

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issue by the Council for Professional Recognition;
Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Education;
Technical College Diploma (TCD) in Early Childhood Education;
Associate Degree in Early Child hood Education (AA, AAS; AAT);
Paraprofessional Certificate (issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Next there is a rules and regulations checklist. It is 14 pages long!!!!! I will try to include some topics.

I understand that by definition, a family day care home provides care for three but no more than six children for pay.

I have completed all required criminal record checks for myself.

I have completed all required criminal record checks for any individual who resides in my home or who assists in the duties of the family day care home.

At no time will I allow any person who has an unsatisfactory criminal record determination reside at the home or have contact with the children.

The must have CPR training, inspections, and be at least 21.

I understand that each registration year, I must obtain a minimum of 10 clock hours of training from the following areas: child development; health; child abuse and neglect; business related topics.

I do not have any physical handicap or mental health disorder that interferes with my ability to provide care and supervision of the children in care.

I have not made any false statements to the department regarding my qualifications as a family day care home provider.

If you want to read more....

https://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/FDCHRuleChecklist.pdf

StefB28 · January 2012

smilelari:
wait. there are states where it's legal to operate without a license? what's the point in even having a licensing process? that's like offering a liquor license but not requiring one to operate
does the state then inspect the licensed daycares? are there any requirements for unlicensed daycares?

I believe PP's point was that each state is different in regards to what criteria a provider must meet to need a license. Perhaps some states do not require a license if the provider is watching less than a certain number of children or cares for them less than a certain amount of time per week. I would assume that the state does inspect license daycares & does not inspect unlicensed ones.

MrsBini10 · January 2012

OP, you seem to be really intent on going with this provider and kind of "defensive" (for lack of a better word) of her. I'm not really sure why you're asking us about it when it seems you've already made up your mind?

JKTTC1 · January 2012

MrsBini10:
OP, you seem to be really intent on going with this provider and kind of "defensive" (for lack of a better word) of her. I'm not really sure why you're asking us about it when it seems you've already made up your mind?

I have not made my mind up. We just all got involved with the in home daycare discussion.

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