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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Another CA Immunization Issue
daycare 07:48 PM 10-17-2016
I HATE THIS NEW LAW.....
so when the law changed, I changed my policies to reflect. There is a zero grace period for immunization updates.
I have a family that was out of compliance back in May and I told them that we can't let that happen again. Currently the only consequence that I have for failure to report on time is I suspend services until it's brought up to date.
PROBLEM is, is that if the child is here or not, if my files are inspected by the state, it does not matter if the child is in attendance or not, out of compliance, is still out of compliance.
WELL this family is out of compliance again. I over looked it, as the child is on a delayed schedule per the doctor, BUT our rules state that it is the parents responsibility to stay current on all vaccinations and update me on or before the immunization due date.
I really think that I need to have a different consequence to stop the repeat offenders from doing this.
Normally, I have a good system set up that reminds me 30 days in advance, but it's not MY responsibility to remind parents to care for their children.
thanks if you have gotten this far...sorry so long.
what rule or consequence would you implement for families that continue to break this LAW....
so when the law changed, I changed my policies to reflect. There is a zero grace period for immunization updates.
I have a family that was out of compliance back in May and I told them that we can't let that happen again. Currently the only consequence that I have for failure to report on time is I suspend services until it's brought up to date.
PROBLEM is, is that if the child is here or not, if my files are inspected by the state, it does not matter if the child is in attendance or not, out of compliance, is still out of compliance.
WELL this family is out of compliance again. I over looked it, as the child is on a delayed schedule per the doctor, BUT our rules state that it is the parents responsibility to stay current on all vaccinations and update me on or before the immunization due date.
I really think that I need to have a different consequence to stop the repeat offenders from doing this.
Normally, I have a good system set up that reminds me 30 days in advance, but it's not MY responsibility to remind parents to care for their children.
thanks if you have gotten this far...sorry so long.
what rule or consequence would you implement for families that continue to break this LAW....
sharlan 08:21 PM 10-17-2016
I have never given an analyst my paperwork on a child who wasn't there. They've only requested files on children present.
Sadly, the state has decided to hold us responsible for the lack of parenting.
Sadly, the state has decided to hold us responsible for the lack of parenting.
daycare 08:55 PM 10-17-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I have never given an analyst my paperwork on a child who wasn't there. They've only requested files on children present.
Sadly, the state has decided to hold us responsible for the lack of parenting.
Wow. Last 3 inspections they took all current kids in the facility roster and went through all of their files. Took forever I have a total of 22 kids enrolled. Lots of part timers. I have never given an analyst my paperwork on a child who wasn't there. They've only requested files on children present.
Sadly, the state has decided to hold us responsible for the lack of parenting.
I have thought about making an immunization folder and putting all of the kids records in it so that they can quickly go over the immunization forms VS pulling each file. I don't know maybe they will still purl each file any ways. Ugh
How are you handeling the parents that are not updating on time ???
sharlan 08:06 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by daycare:
Wow. Last 3 inspections they took all current kids in the facility roster and went through all of their files. Took forever I have a total of 22 kids enrolled. Lots of part timers.
I have thought about making an immunization folder and putting all of the kids records in it so that they can quickly go over the immunization forms VS pulling each file. I don't know maybe they will still purl each file any ways. Ugh
How are you handeling the parents that are not updating on time ???
I've yet to have that issue. All if my parents seem to stay on top of immunizations. I just had one parent tell me her child was really behind and I showed her she was up to date. Doctor's office was calling her because child was behind. She took the day off yesterday to get her immunizations, it was a flu shot.Wow. Last 3 inspections they took all current kids in the facility roster and went through all of their files. Took forever I have a total of 22 kids enrolled. Lots of part timers.
I have thought about making an immunization folder and putting all of the kids records in it so that they can quickly go over the immunization forms VS pulling each file. I don't know maybe they will still purl each file any ways. Ugh
How are you handeling the parents that are not updating on time ???
sharlan 08:08 AM 10-18-2016
There is such a great difference in how the "north" and "south" handle things.
daycare 08:20 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
There is such a great difference in how the "north" and "south" handle things.
Yes. I have had a childcare in both south and north and by far up north has been so much different. I do think it has something to also do with the fact that I have a SR analyst that has zero tolerance for much of anything she scares the life out of me. There is such a great difference in how the "north" and "south" handle things.
Also QRIS was rolled out last year here and that threw in a lot of changes too.
daycare 08:21 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I've yet to have that issue. All if my parents seem to stay on top of immunizations. I just had one parent tell me her child was really behind and I showed her she was up to date. Doctor's office was calling her because child was behind. She took the day off yesterday to get her immunizations, it was a flu shot.
Oh gosh that's annoying. I've yet to have that issue. All if my parents seem to stay on top of immunizations. I just had one parent tell me her child was really behind and I showed her she was up to date. Doctor's office was calling her because child was behind. She took the day off yesterday to get her immunizations, it was a flu shot.
So what if your parents don't stay ontop of updating you ?? What is your policy ?
sharlan 10:01 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by daycare:
Oh gosh that's annoying.
So what if your parents don't stay ontop of updating you ?? What is your policy ?
I don't have one as it's never happened. All of my parents have stayed on top of it. I had one family for a short time last year and when I filled out the blue card, I told dcm kids were both due for shots. She made an appt that day and took care of it.Oh gosh that's annoying.
So what if your parents don't stay ontop of updating you ?? What is your policy ?
I'm a small daycare and right now all but 1 of my kids are school age.
Second Home 05:48 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I have never given an analyst my paperwork on a child who wasn't there. They've only requested files on children present.
At my inspections ( MD) they go through all my files of current children whether here that day or not, they check immunizations , contract , transportation and all my paperwork .I have never given an analyst my paperwork on a child who wasn't there. They've only requested files on children present.
daycare 05:51 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by Second Home:
At my inspections ( MD) they go through all my files of current children whether here that day or not, they check immunizations , contract , transportation and all my paperwork .
This. This is exactly what they ask for. Except the transportation. I have never been asked for that, however I don't transport kids.At my inspections ( MD) they go through all my files of current children whether here that day or not, they check immunizations , contract , transportation and all my paperwork .
Blackcat31 05:29 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by daycare:
I HATE THIS NEW LAW.....
so when the law changed, I changed my policies to reflect. There is a zero grace period for immunization updates.
I have a family that was out of compliance back in May and I told them that we can't let that happen again. Currently the only consequence that I have for failure to report on time is I suspend services until it's brought up to date.
PROBLEM is, is that if the child is here or not, if my files are inspected by the state, it does not matter if the child is in attendance or not, out of compliance, is still out of compliance.
WELL this family is out of compliance again. I over looked it, as the child is on a delayed schedule per the doctor, BUT our rules state that it is the parents responsibility to stay current on all vaccinations and update me on or before the immunization due date.
I really think that I need to have a different consequence to stop the repeat offenders from doing this.
Normally, I have a good system set up that reminds me 30 days in advance, but it's not MY responsibility to remind parents to care for their children.
thanks if you have gotten this far...sorry so long.
what rule or consequence would you implement for families that continue to break this LAW....
I HATE THIS NEW LAW.....
so when the law changed, I changed my policies to reflect. There is a zero grace period for immunization updates.
I have a family that was out of compliance back in May and I told them that we can't let that happen again. Currently the only consequence that I have for failure to report on time is I suspend services until it's brought up to date.
PROBLEM is, is that if the child is here or not, if my files are inspected by the state, it does not matter if the child is in attendance or not, out of compliance, is still out of compliance.
WELL this family is out of compliance again. I over looked it, as the child is on a delayed schedule per the doctor, BUT our rules state that it is the parents responsibility to stay current on all vaccinations and update me on or before the immunization due date.
I really think that I need to have a different consequence to stop the repeat offenders from doing this.
Normally, I have a good system set up that reminds me 30 days in advance, but it's not MY responsibility to remind parents to care for their children.
thanks if you have gotten this far...sorry so long.
what rule or consequence would you implement for families that continue to break this LAW....
You have a policy in place to exclude those that have not complied with the law. Unless they (your licensing agency) has provided you with an outline of what they feel the consequence should be, you ARE following the law.
If the state cites you whether the child is in attendance or not, are you having to keep UP TO DATE files on every kid that has ever attended your program?
If they don't require that ^, there is no feasible way they can require you to have current files on families that are excluded from care due to not staying current on their immunizations.
I think this rule is being interpreted incorrectly. I'd find someone in a higher position that can clarify this rule.
daycare 05:48 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
You have a policy in place to exclude those that have not complied with the law. Unless they (your licensing agency) has provided you with an outline of what they feel the consequence should be, you ARE following the law.
If the state cites you whether the child is in attendance or not, are you having to keep UP TO DATE files on every kid that has ever attended your program?
If they don't require that ^, there is no feasible way they can require you to have current files on families that are excluded from care due to not staying current on their immunizations.
I think this rule is being interpreted incorrectly. I'd find someone in a higher position that can clarify this rule.
A facility roster is what they have used to ask for files. On that list they only take active children enrolled. I have talked with the head of licensing in Sacramento and the county health coordinator who handles immunizations. They both told me the same thing. The file has to be up to date on any child enrolled. You have a policy in place to exclude those that have not complied with the law. Unless they (your licensing agency) has provided you with an outline of what they feel the consequence should be, you ARE following the law.
If the state cites you whether the child is in attendance or not, are you having to keep UP TO DATE files on every kid that has ever attended your program?
If they don't require that ^, there is no feasible way they can require you to have current files on families that are excluded from care due to not staying current on their immunizations.
I think this rule is being interpreted incorrectly. I'd find someone in a higher position that can clarify this rule.
I know the law very well I'm very well versed in what the state requires.
What I need to change is my current policy on this to stop clients from doing this over and over. This is what I'm asking for help on.
Yes, some of this is my fault. It was an oversight. But it was due back in JULY. So since then the parents haven't even tried to do a thing about getting me the update. Seems like they are waiting for me to remind them of their due dates, which is not my responsibility.
Maybe I'm not explain this right.
Blackcat31 06:05 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by daycare:
A facility roster is what they have used to ask for files. On that list they only take active children enrolled. I have talked with the head of licensing in Sacramento and the county health coordinator who handles immunizations. They both told me the same thing. The file has to be up to date on any child enrolled.
I know the law very well I'm very well versed in what the state requires.
What I need to change is my current policy on this to stop clients from doing this over and over. This is what I'm asking for help on.
Yes, some of this is my fault. It was an oversight. But it was due back in JULY. So since then the parents haven't even tried to do a thing about getting me the update. Seems like they are waiting for me to remind them of their due dates, which is not my responsibility.
Maybe I'm not explain this right.
Yeah, I am confused..... You need to find a policy that stops parents from letting their child's immunizations lapse? A facility roster is what they have used to ask for files. On that list they only take active children enrolled. I have talked with the head of licensing in Sacramento and the county health coordinator who handles immunizations. They both told me the same thing. The file has to be up to date on any child enrolled.
I know the law very well I'm very well versed in what the state requires.
What I need to change is my current policy on this to stop clients from doing this over and over. This is what I'm asking for help on.
Yes, some of this is my fault. It was an oversight. But it was due back in JULY. So since then the parents haven't even tried to do a thing about getting me the update. Seems like they are waiting for me to remind them of their due dates, which is not my responsibility.
Maybe I'm not explain this right.
If you are suspending them from attending, mark them as "Enrolled-Not Active" and then your facility roster will show you adhered to the law.
I'm not understanding why your current policy isn't acceptable?
Are you suppose to terminate families that are behind on immunizations therefore removing them from the roster and meeting the state law.
Re-enroll at your discretion when they are up to date.
Also, if it's a law in CA that children not be allowed to attend child care or school unless their imms are up to date, then it's the "administration department's" job to track and exclude when behind. Since most of us are a one-woman (man) show the responsibility does fall on us.
Fiddlesticks 06:26 AM 10-18-2016
I would not consider a suspended child/family an active enrollee. I think the suspension should be enough. You could even have your files separated by active/suspended/no longer enrolled. Have you spoken to your licensor about it? I have children who do not attend during the summer months, their files are not looked at when my licensor visits, even though they will be back in the fall...
daycare 06:30 AM 10-18-2016
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Yeah, I am confused..... You need to find a policy that stops parents from letting their child's immunizations lapse?
If you are suspending them from attending, mark them as "Enrolled-Not Active" and then your facility roster will show you adhered to the law.
I'm not understanding why your current policy isn't acceptable?
Are you suppose to terminate families that are behind on immunizations therefore removing them from the roster and meeting the state law.
Re-enroll at your discretion when they are up to date.
Also, if it's a law in CA that children not be allowed to attend child care or school unless their imms are up to date, then it's the "administration department's" job to track and exclude when behind. Since most of us are a one-woman (man) show the responsibility does fall on us.
I need to explain better. Yeah, I am confused..... You need to find a policy that stops parents from letting their child's immunizations lapse?
If you are suspending them from attending, mark them as "Enrolled-Not Active" and then your facility roster will show you adhered to the law.
I'm not understanding why your current policy isn't acceptable?
Are you suppose to terminate families that are behind on immunizations therefore removing them from the roster and meeting the state law.
Re-enroll at your discretion when they are up to date.
Also, if it's a law in CA that children not be allowed to attend child care or school unless their imms are up to date, then it's the "administration department's" job to track and exclude when behind. Since most of us are a one-woman (man) show the responsibility does fall on us.
At this point it's only my issue. It's not being inspected by licensing
I guess all I can think of is this policy: failure to keep your child's immunization records up to date will result in termination of services without refund. I can see it happening once, but this family is a repeat offender of not updating me.
I'm not worried about the state right now.
I'm worried about this family who keeps failing to notify me with proper paper work. SO if licensing dos show up right now I would be in trouble.
I don't know how else to explain the situation.
Fiddlesticks 07:10 AM 10-18-2016
I see, so you are saying, you don't want to keep tabs, you just want the parents to do what they are supposed to do... I have found very little that will accomplish that! 
I usually have a three strikes policy (for me this is usually late pick ups, or late payments, but it could work for anything): The first rule infraction is a reminder of the rule and a warning of a fine. The second occurrence results in a fine, the third occurrence results in a doubled fine, and the fourth occurrence equals immediate termination without refund of any tuition paid. I have never gotten to the termination phase, and only once to the double fine. I find when parents know you are SERIOUS about this not happening again, they get their crap together.
I usually have a three strikes policy (for me this is usually late pick ups, or late payments, but it could work for anything): The first rule infraction is a reminder of the rule and a warning of a fine. The second occurrence results in a fine, the third occurrence results in a doubled fine, and the fourth occurrence equals immediate termination without refund of any tuition paid. I have never gotten to the termination phase, and only once to the double fine. I find when parents know you are SERIOUS about this not happening again, they get their crap together.