Would you leave a child with a sitter that does not have a policy/procedure doc?

Question

I am supposed to start sending my son to an in-home daycare next week. Right now he will only be there with the provider's two children and not anyone else's. I am excited to work with the provider and think that she will be great, but she doesn't have a policy/procedure doc. While I don't mind having a friend or acquaintance baby sit long term with out any signed guidelines, I didn't know this lady before I looked at hiring her. Because I don't have a real relationship with her, I want her to provide a document for me that outlines how/when she expects to be paid, what happens if either she or we are ill, and what happens/who's responsible if the kids decide to beat up on each other.

When I asked her about one, she said that she would get me one soon, but that was a couple of weeks ago. Is it okay for me to refuse to send my son to her if she doesn't have some guidelines for me to sign? What would you do?

Answer 1

I have been a licensed child care provider in my home for 21 years.  Until about 2 years ago, I did not have a written policy or contract to give my families.  Instead, we made the arrangements for pay (I am flexible and work with each individual family to work pay around their own pay dates), discussed illness and vacation days as well as decided other issues during our initial interview.  The only thing I provided in writing was a discipline policy as that was required by the regulations of our state.  It is hard to come up with a policy and it took me several months to get one made up.  I still don't have a contract per se.  I don't make my families sign any documents other than the ones the state requires for me to have.  Over the course of the years I have cared for about 60 children, many who came to me as infants and stayed until they went to school.  I have had very little trouble with my families and have never had a time when I wished I had a signed contract with anyone.  If there is a problem, we just talk about it and work it out.  You can refuse to send your child to her home if you want, but I am not sure what good that would do.  If your state does not require providers to have a contract or a handbook (our state does not mandate it) then she can give you one or not, depending on what she feels comfortable doing.  If this is a deciding factor for you, then you should make that desire known so she knows how important it is.  Then, she can decide if it's something she wants to do in order to keep caring for your child.  From a provider stand point, I'd probably let a family go who insisted upon a written contract, but if all they wanted was me to put in writing what the pay was and my illness policy I'd probably be happy to comply, especially if asked politely.  I have also been a mom for 29 years to 4.  So, from a parent standpoint, if a written contract was important to me, I would probably ask about this before I made arrangements for a person to care for my children.  Ultimately it is your child and you need to place her for care in a home that has what you want, but it is also the provider's business and she has the right to operate it the way she wants as long as it meets the criteria of the state's licensing regulations.

Answer 2

I would definitely get a contract of some sort just in case things don't work out so that if there are any problems you are legally protected, if nothing else I would have her go over the meal, play and nap plans/ schedules before I sent him. And I would want a written contract about punishments, just because we don't spank and we do not want anyone else physically punishing our daughter.

Answer 3

If she is a licensed daycare provider she needs to have some documents.  I use to run a home daycare and I had a handbook that was about 10 pages long! LOL  that was in addition to all the forms required by the state.  I would be very careful.  Use your best mommy judgment and if you feel uncomfortable, don't give it a second thought.. find someone else.  I can't remember what show I was watching but it brought up a really good point.  A parent was concerned about her nanny.  She had suspicions that the nanny was possibly mistreating her baby.  She asked (I can't remember if it was her doctor or some professional) if she should install cameras.  He told her absolutely not!  If you have even the slightest doubt about this person, fire her!  Anyways, best of luck to you!  OH!  One more thing.. you might want to look into the OYC (Office for Young Children) in your area to find a daycare.  I would also talk to other parents of children that are being cared for in the daycare.  You can never be too careful.

Answer 4

Most definately, this is for the welfare of your child. She should have all upto date paperwork, ofsted reports etc if  your in the uk. Dont send your kid to her unless she has all this and to be honest its a bit strange she didnt when you first went to her.

Answer 5

I wouldn't send my child to a place where there were no guidelines set up. I am a very document oriented person and I like to have everything in writing so that nothing is confused or changed later in the process.

I would let her know that you can't send your child there until she provides you with adequate documentation.

Answer 6

You have absolutely every right to ask for one before you leave your son with her. This is for your child's protection more than anything. As a day care provider, they are regulated by the governing body to ensure they provide adequate care and guidelines. I live in the US and I know the state I live in makes sure my son's at-home provider takes classes and follows the law or she loses her license.

Fortunately, our provider also happens to be family so we are not worried. But yes, you should demand something on paper before you send him. I completely agree with you. :)

Answer 7

Why don't you come up with a document containing the highlights of what you are looking for and ask her to sign it...

Answer 8

All childminders/day cares should have policies & procedures and they should also have a contract for you to sign stating about fees and such. They should also be a registered childminder/day care.

Answer 9

I agree with you. I think it is important to know how she is going to care for your child. What is her policy on discipline? Do you pay her if your children are sick or if you take vacation? Do you pay her if she is sick or takes vacation? What holidays will she work and which ones will she take off? Are holidays paid? What kind of food does she plan on feeding him? Does she have a meal plan? What are her guidelines for outside time? What is considered too hot and too cold? How long is naptime and where do the children sleep? How much notice are you required to give her if you choose to leave and how much must she give you if she decides to discontinue caring for your son? I'm sure there are many, many more but it is very important that you have answers to all of these before sending your son there!