Should a babysitting agency let you know in advance if a child has down syndrome?

Question

I have been working for an agency for one year now, and all of the children I have babysit for all have normal intelligence. Yesterday, the agency asked me to take an assignment from 7:30 to 3:00 and she said she was having trouble filling it. I took the assignment. Then she e-mailed me the specifics after I had already accepted the asssignment and told me that the child has Down Syndrome. Then she asked me if I could take an assignment again with this same child the following week. I replied that I have no prior experience with Down Syndrome and I would have to see how the assignment went before I accepted another assignment with this child. She acted like she was upset about it. I then e-mailed her back and told her that she should have mentioned that the child has Down Syndrome first and asked me if I was comfortable with that first since I have never worked with that population. She acted like she didn't have to mention anything to me. So what do you think? Should she have told me first or should I just take any assignment regardless of the situation?

Answer 1

Actually children with down syndrome or no different than "normal children" in the aspect of babysitting. Babysitting a 10 yr old DS child would probably be like babysitting a 5 or 6 yr old child, thats the only difference. There may be more responsibilities if there is medication or something to be taken, or things u should or shouldn't do......but isn't that with every child u babysit? Anywho, the only reason u should not have accepted the offer is if for some apparent reason u don't feel comfortable around people with DS, other than that there is absolutely no other reason u shouldn't.  

Answer 2

I think she should ave told you. only because you need to be prepared for different things with different children and you need to be prepared.

Answer 3

Should?  Absolutely yes.  Legally required to?  Not sure.

Answer 4

Yes

Children with special needs require more trained professionals  

Answer 5

I think that she shouldn't have been mad at you for wanting to try the first babysitting day out before babysitting for the child again, but I also think that she informed you properly about the child's situation.  Children with DS are first and foremost children, and you do work for an agency, so if you are needed to babysit them, then you definitely should.  Saying you would never have taken the assignment if you knew the child had Down Syndrome isn't really fair; you've never worked with a child like that, how do you know that it you won't enjoy yourself?  After you agreed to watch the child, your agency emailed you with the specifics about the child, right?  I believe that was fair, because it gives you a chance to study up on it and be semi-prepared.  And that way, if your babysitting job goes well, you can do it again.  If you had such a difficult time that you don't feel comfertable doing it again, you can decline another job guilt free, since you at least tried it once.  

Answer 6

legally they do not have to tell you anything about the individual. Privacy protection laws ensure this. Morally, they probably should have as by having someone inexperienced, and uncomfortable, working with the child will create future problems for the child as well as yourself. You were in the right, and while they weren't in the wrong, they could of went about it better

Answer 7

She really ought to have told you. Many children with Down's syndrome have associated special needs, and therefore require carers experienced in looking after special needs children. The situation could potentially have distressed you, and worse, distressed the child.

However, if a child with Down's syndrome is considered fit and healthy enough to be cared for by any experienced carer, then I see no reason why you shouldn't take the assignment - Down's children are often bright and sweet-natured and a joy to spend time with.

Answer 8

If the child needs specialty care, regardless of kind, then it should be stated up front.  If not, then not necessarily, though it would be wise to note anything unusual up front so you won't be surprised.  I don't know the needs of this particular child so I don't know which would apply; Down Syndrome has a large range of effect, so the child may or may not require much different from the children you're used to.

Answer 9

YES, she should. It is her responsibility to get a trained/qualified person to that family. If I was the parent requesting a sitter, I would not only expect that but make sure of it.

You are right to be uneasy about being 'duped' into the job, *your* reputation is on the line, too.

Answer 10

Just see how it goes. If it goes well, then I wouldn't say anything else to her other than you were just nervous taking on something you were unfamiliar with. However, as a mom, I would want someone experienced with my special needs child. She really should have addressed that with you. Ask the mom questions if you can about the child. Any information will be better coming from her.  

Answer 11

She definitely should have told you. My neice has Down Syndrome & her mom completely understands that caring for her presents challenges that not everyone is equipped to handle. You are absolutely right to want to be prepared for your assignment.  

Answer 12

the agency should let you know if they have any physical or mental challenges