Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>The Red Tape Is Getting Too Thick
crazydaycarelady 05:37 PM 08-13-2014
So I am going through my yearly renewal process. It really just keeps getting more and more ridiculous, especially considering that this is just a 1 person operation.
I now have to make myself a Mandatory Reporting Policy. I already have it in my Parent Handbook that I am a mandatory Reporter and will report suspected abuse or neglect. But now I have to have an actual policy that includes reporting forms, state definitions, questions to ask a child, do's and don'ts, that all info will be kept confidential, when the policy will be reviewed again.
I have also had to write myself a medication policy and a sleep policy. I mention those things in my handbook already. I am writing these policies for only myself to read! NO ONE but me will be following or using or even reading these policies.
When do they think I am going to get all this stuff notarized too? I think the "state" forgets that we have actual real children to watch.
I also love how we have to get all of our stuff in 3 months BEFORE our license expires and they threaten to not send our state paid checks or FP checks but then they take 4 months to get our license to us!
Okay....end of rant (until next year!)
I now have to make myself a Mandatory Reporting Policy. I already have it in my Parent Handbook that I am a mandatory Reporter and will report suspected abuse or neglect. But now I have to have an actual policy that includes reporting forms, state definitions, questions to ask a child, do's and don'ts, that all info will be kept confidential, when the policy will be reviewed again.
I have also had to write myself a medication policy and a sleep policy. I mention those things in my handbook already. I am writing these policies for only myself to read! NO ONE but me will be following or using or even reading these policies.
When do they think I am going to get all this stuff notarized too? I think the "state" forgets that we have actual real children to watch.
I also love how we have to get all of our stuff in 3 months BEFORE our license expires and they threaten to not send our state paid checks or FP checks but then they take 4 months to get our license to us!
Okay....end of rant (until next year!)
spinnymarie 06:14 PM 08-13-2014
Wow, that IS some serious tape. Notarized yearly? We only have a 3-yr renewal and there was NO notarizing.
Unregistered 08:00 PM 08-13-2014
We have to formulate a Grievance Policy, an Alcohol and Drug Policy, and a Maltreatment Policy. Then submit them to the county for approval. We have to have our license renewal notarized and they are supposed to be starting fingerprinting but not sure when.
coolconfidentme 03:44 AM 08-14-2014
This is exactly why I consider going unlicensed. I can have 5 non-related kids with no red tape of a license. (I just did my hoop jumping for my re-license last month, UGH!)
Cat Herder 04:25 AM 08-14-2014
It may be because someone won a civil suit against a provider for reporting then having been proved false?
It will help protect you from being sued...
Same with the "No liability Insurance" waivers and posters some states require.
Believe me, no one is more frustrated with the constant demands but this one makes some sense. Maybe just cut and paste the entire section from the states website and add an addendum to the handbook you already have
Maybe it will even work like a parked (empty) police car on the side of the highway.... just seeing it causes people to check themselves.
It will help protect you from being sued...
Same with the "No liability Insurance" waivers and posters some states require.
Believe me, no one is more frustrated with the constant demands but this one makes some sense. Maybe just cut and paste the entire section from the states website and add an addendum to the handbook you already have
Maybe it will even work like a parked (empty) police car on the side of the highway.... just seeing it causes people to check themselves.
DaveA 04:29 AM 08-14-2014
Somebody else put it on another post best- "better childcare through paperwork" 
A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that? "When the child's eyes are closed, they're not moving, and they snore-they're asleep." was all that popped into my head.
Good luck.
A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that? "When the child's eyes are closed, they're not moving, and they snore-they're asleep." was all that popped into my head.
Good luck.
Cat Herder 04:40 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by DaveArmour:
A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that?
.
Back to sleep. Safe Sleep. SIDS Prevention. A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that?
.
DaveA 04:48 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Back to sleep. Safe Sleep. SIDS Prevention.
Thanks. I thought that right after I hit post. Should never type BC (before caffeine) .Back to sleep. Safe Sleep. SIDS Prevention.
Cat Herder 04:51 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by DaveArmour:
Thanks. I thought that right after I hit post. Should never type BC (before caffeine) .
Thanks. I thought that right after I hit post. Should never type BC (before caffeine) .
I hear you!!My crazy new one is providing a parent lending library... of toys, art supplies and books. At my expense, of course.
Breathe... just breathe Cat Herder...
I love my job... I love my job... I lov.... 
Attached:
QRIS star program.jpg (128.3 KB)
Second Home 05:15 AM 08-14-2014
As I see all these new regulations ( some crazy) it makes me think about the day I will turn in my license . I know that I will most likely have infants ( any child under 2 )taken off my lic , there are some regs that I just can't do .
SignMeUp 06:26 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by DaveArmour:
Somebody else put it on another post best- "better childcare through paperwork"
Good luck.
How I love being remembered Somebody else put it on another post best- "better childcare through paperwork"
Good luck.
TheGoodLife 06:38 AM 08-14-2014
Makes me so happy my state allows license-exempt homes. I don't think I'd do home daycare if I had to be licensed! (I follow most of the regulations but I wouldn't want all the red-tape and ridiculous regulations like some of you guys have. Paying to provide things for parents to take home? Only if I get some sort of reimbursement- I don't make enough for all of that)
Bless you ladies for all the extras you have to do!
Bless you ladies for all the extras you have to do!
Play Care 06:43 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by spinnymarie:
Wow, that IS some serious tape. Notarized yearly? We only have a 3-yr renewal and there was NO notarizing.
Every time I renew I have to have a form saying I don't owe child support notarized. Nothing else, but thatWow, that IS some serious tape. Notarized yearly? We only have a 3-yr renewal and there was NO notarizing.
I don't understand it at all - has nothing to do with health and safety of the dc kids, and if I say I don't and they find out I do I'm in trouble anyway - why do I have to take the time to get it notarized?
Bizarre.
nanglgrl 06:48 AM 08-14-2014
If my state asked for as many asnine things as some other states is go unregistered in a minute (legal here). We only have a couple of regs that bug me but if they added more I just couldn't do it. The more things I hear like this makes me think our future looks like the movie Idiocracy.
Annalee 06:57 AM 08-14-2014
All of this "red tape" is a subtle way to push FCC providers out of business??? I just don't get it.....BUT IT IS HAPPENING!... 
I just don't get it.....BUT IT IS HAPPENING!...
Angelsj 06:57 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by DaveArmour:
Somebody else put it on another post best- "better childcare through paperwork"
A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that? "When the child's eyes are closed, they're not moving, and they snore-they're asleep." was all that popped into my head.
Good luck.
I had to answer that question this last renewal. If a baby falls asleep, what is your policy? I always wonder if there are still people out there who would put anything other than "back to sleep," even if they don't practice it.Somebody else put it on another post best- "better childcare through paperwork"
A "Sleep Policy"? What the heck is that? "When the child's eyes are closed, they're not moving, and they snore-they're asleep." was all that popped into my head.
Good luck.
crazydaycarelady 07:48 AM 08-14-2014
The Sleep Policy is quite lengthy actually. It has to describe when we will put kids to sleep, where, how, what kind of bed and bedding, how long to let them sleep, when to get them up, what things will be allowed like pacifiers. It's all common sense stuff that if you are following the rules you will be doing anyway.
We have to get our renewal application notarized and another form so they can check our record. Everyone in the house and all assistants/subs have to get it too. It is just hard with working to get it done! I had to wait until a day I only had 10 kids and then take 4 with me (only 4 fit in my car) and leave my assistant with 6. Then I get threatened that if I don't get it in right away I'll lose FP money.
We can only be unlicensed here if we have 3 or less kids.
We have to get our renewal application notarized and another form so they can check our record. Everyone in the house and all assistants/subs have to get it too. It is just hard with working to get it done! I had to wait until a day I only had 10 kids and then take 4 with me (only 4 fit in my car) and leave my assistant with 6. Then I get threatened that if I don't get it in right away I'll lose FP money.
We can only be unlicensed here if we have 3 or less kids.
Annalee 07:52 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by crazydaycarelady:
The Sleep Policy is quite lengthy actually. It has to describe when we will put kids to sleep, where, how, what kind of bed and bedding, how long to let them sleep, when to get them up, what things will be allowed like pacifiers. It's all common sense stuff that if you are following the rules you will be doing anyway.
We have to get our renewal application notarized and another form so they can check our record. Everyone in the house and all assistants/subs have to get it too. It is just hard with working to get it done! I had to wait until a day I only had 10 kids and then take 4 with me (only 4 fit in my car) and leave my assistant with 6. Then I get threatened that if I don't get it in right away I'll lose FP money.
We can only be unlicensed here if we have 3 or less kids.
We can be unlicensed with 4 here....if licensing comes around and a licensed provider has under 5 kids consistently, they attempt to force you to give up your license....???? This has happened to a couple of providers in neighboring counties. The Sleep Policy is quite lengthy actually. It has to describe when we will put kids to sleep, where, how, what kind of bed and bedding, how long to let them sleep, when to get them up, what things will be allowed like pacifiers. It's all common sense stuff that if you are following the rules you will be doing anyway.
We have to get our renewal application notarized and another form so they can check our record. Everyone in the house and all assistants/subs have to get it too. It is just hard with working to get it done! I had to wait until a day I only had 10 kids and then take 4 with me (only 4 fit in my car) and leave my assistant with 6. Then I get threatened that if I don't get it in right away I'll lose FP money.
We can only be unlicensed here if we have 3 or less kids.
mema 08:11 AM 08-14-2014
We had to have 1 paper notarized, but only once. Once it was done, you didn't need it again. I had to write a note for my own 10 year old and put it in her file that I allow her to ride her bike to a friends house or the park without me. But it is ok for her to walk 3 times as far to school without a note 
. Nothing like giving yourself permission to let your own child do something 
. Nothing like giving yourself permission to let your own child do something
Cat Herder 08:16 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Annalee:
All of this "red tape" is a subtle way to push FCC providers out of business??? I just don't get it.....BUT IT IS HAPPENING!...
It is about Federal tax dollars being dumped into States. Universal Preschool. All of this "red tape" is a subtle way to push FCC providers out of business???
I just don't get it.....BUT IT IS HAPPENING!... 
Follow the tags at the bottom of the threads for more.
Annalee 08:22 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
It is about Federal tax dollars being dumped into States. Universal Preschool.
Follow the tags at the bottom of the threads for more.
Pre-K has took a stand still here....began big several years ago, but schools are overcrowding now.....so pre k has not grown and some have even diminished.... This is the last year for the 2 pre-k's in my neighborhood due to funding cuts and overcrowding! It is about Federal tax dollars being dumped into States. Universal Preschool.
Follow the tags at the bottom of the threads for more.
Cat Herder 08:31 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Annalee:
Pre-K has took a stand still here....began big several years ago, but schools are overcrowding now.....so pre k has not grown and some have even diminished.... This is the last year for the 2 pre-k's in my neighborhood due to funding cuts and overcrowding!
Now follow that train of thought out.... Pre-K has took a stand still here....began big several years ago, but schools are overcrowding now.....so pre k has not grown and some have even diminished.... This is the last year for the 2 pre-k's in my neighborhood due to funding cuts and overcrowding!
WHO is also offering childcare? How can they make those people meet Pre-K's stated goals on their own dime? And get more Federal dollars for forcing them to do it? How can they create jobs for their displaced workers?
See where I am going...
Blackcat31 08:42 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
WHO is also offering childcare? How can they make those people meet Pre-K's stated goals on their own dime? And get more Federal dollars for forcing them to do it? How can they create jobs for their displaced workers?
~ WAVES HAND EXCITEDLY IN THE AIR....... WHO is also offering childcare? How can they make those people meet Pre-K's stated goals on their own dime? And get more Federal dollars for forcing them to do it? How can they create jobs for their displaced workers?
Oooooh, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know.....
We were also just given $256,000 in grant money so that we can offer families scholarships so they have access to quality child care (preschool) programs.
But the money is ONLY good for families who choose a program that participates in QRIS. The higher star rating, the more money a family can get.
Of course we now have grant coordinators, grant applicant specialists, grant accountants, QRIS coaches, trainers and mentors.
Annalee 08:50 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Now follow that train of thought out....
WHO is also offering childcare? How can they make those people meet Pre-K's stated goals on their own dime? And get more Federal dollars for forcing them to do it? How can they create jobs for their displaced workers?
See where I am going...
I do believe there is a Federal plan to take control of children at birth....not sure how/when it will take place but the ball is rolling! My state, TN, was one of the first to implement QRIS into LAW in 2001/02....Since that time it has spiraled downhill for providers, FCC in particular....Pre-k came on board shortly after but has stopped for the time being....We started with over 3000 FCC providers in 2001, today we have 859?????? Providers here have spent many hours on Capital Hill with legislation but I think it is a "FEDERAL" move....that is why it is so hard to stop.....I am TOTALLY AGAINST UNIVERSAL PREK! ....just not sure how they are going to get it done due to the overcrowding/funding issues, plus there is a struggle to keep common core/state testing in place, too....The education/quality child care push is out there and keeps my state in an uproar. I feel the push to eliminate FCC programs is about "control" more than anything.....Most providers have went underground but I can see that coming to a halt at some point as well....spent all day Saturday in a meeting to discuss why FCC is dying and how to fix it......providers are fed up or are being pushed out.......the push to get rid of FCC began subtle in the beginning in the name of quality child care but now is rapidly declining! Now follow that train of thought out....
WHO is also offering childcare? How can they make those people meet Pre-K's stated goals on their own dime? And get more Federal dollars for forcing them to do it? How can they create jobs for their displaced workers?
See where I am going...
Annalee 09:00 AM 08-14-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
~ WAVES HAND EXCITEDLY IN THE AIR.......
Oooooh, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know.....
We were also just given $256,000 in grant money so that we can offer families scholarships so they have access to quality child care (preschool) programs.
But the money is ONLY good for families who choose a program that participates in QRIS. The higher star rating, the more money a family can get.
Of course we now have grant coordinators, grant applicant specialists, grant accountants, QRIS coaches, trainers and mentors.
I agree BC! Providers here have already been through the grants, the QRIS coaches, trainers, etc......and now there is NO money for anything....budget cuts all around and FCC is a dying breed.....ALL IN THE NAME OF QUALITY CHILD CARE!!!!! ~ WAVES HAND EXCITEDLY IN THE AIR.......
Oooooh, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know.....
We were also just given $256,000 in grant money so that we can offer families scholarships so they have access to quality child care (preschool) programs.
But the money is ONLY good for families who choose a program that participates in QRIS. The higher star rating, the more money a family can get.
Of course we now have grant coordinators, grant applicant specialists, grant accountants, QRIS coaches, trainers and mentors.
SignMeUp 01:05 PM 08-14-2014
When I began in child care, the majority of children state-wide attended family child care homes.
Last night on the local news, they stated that about 10% of children in the state now attend family child care.
Also, just from observation, no statistics: Most providers are not young any more. Not in my neighborhood or city at least. Most of us started when our children were young, and we were the ones who liked it and decided to stay. I think it could by dying out partly because the regulations are so much more to deal with than they used to be.
I used to think licensing standards were minimal. My policy stated that I went far above licensing standards. I removed that line, because licensing standards are no longer just about appropriate space, healthy diet, proper exercise. It is much more about documentation, properly completed paperwork, etc. than it used to be.
Adding this: For most of my years, if a young mom asked me if it were a daunting task to apply to be licensed, I would help her and encourage her to check it out. Now, no one asks. If they did ... I could no longer give a rousing endorsement of the business.
Last night on the local news, they stated that about 10% of children in the state now attend family child care.
Also, just from observation, no statistics: Most providers are not young any more. Not in my neighborhood or city at least. Most of us started when our children were young, and we were the ones who liked it and decided to stay. I think it could by dying out partly because the regulations are so much more to deal with than they used to be.
I used to think licensing standards were minimal. My policy stated that I went far above licensing standards. I removed that line, because licensing standards are no longer just about appropriate space, healthy diet, proper exercise. It is much more about documentation, properly completed paperwork, etc. than it used to be.
Adding this: For most of my years, if a young mom asked me if it were a daunting task to apply to be licensed, I would help her and encourage her to check it out. Now, no one asks. If they did ... I could no longer give a rousing endorsement of the business.
Baby Beluga 01:14 PM 08-14-2014
I am legally licensed exempt for this reason. In my state you can have up to 4 children before being licensed. Prior to doing this from home I worked in a center for 7 years - the regulations are crazy and sometimes silly.