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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum Daycare Center and Family Home owners, Directors, Operators and Assistants should post and ask questions here. |
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#1
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Well I Knew It But Am Annoyed That Mom Lied To Me
I dont know why I am surprised at anything a parent does anymore.....
I took a toddler aged boy as a temporary child a few weeks ago with the understanding that mom would need care in the future for sure during a specific time period when her current provider was on vacation and possibly transition him to full time care at the new year. loooonnng story short but I was prepared to say no to both future requests for a variety of reasons but stuck out the temporary care because I had already made the commitment and it was only temporary (two weeks). The temporary care is already completed BTW I had a very strong feeling from day one that this child was special needs. I wont go into details but it was very obvious from day one. No, i am not a trained professional to diagnose him but I have taken care of enough kids to know that there was something up with this little guy. Mom assured me on several occasions (even before I asked if there were any special concerns) that he was not special needs which was a red flag to me that he was. Now she is advertising online for a weekend sitter and I know it is her (includes her full name which is not a common name) and has some details about her son's sensory disorders. I am annoyed that she straight out lied to me when trying to get him into temporary care and is obviously prepared to continue this in order to hopefully bring him back in the future (I havent told her no to the future care yet) but yet she has no problem detailing the issues for a weekend sitter? I understand that parents react differently to having a diagnosis for a special needs child and perhaps this was her attempt to convince herself and anyone else that he didnt need extra attention. But I am telling you all, he needed A LOT of extra care and attention and it was VERY obvious after just one day that he has multiple issues going on. I really think that it is significant enough that you would have to be literally blind to not notice. I am frustrated though that she would put him in the care of someone that has no special needs training (aka me)......thats not what is best for him at all! she knows I have no training for this type of care and my contract and my interview goes over this. Of course, I will not be taking him and will be letting the mom know this as well. I will not be saying why just because I dont want to get into it with her...just say that I no longer have the available spot but if she pushes it, I guess I will let her know the real reason....what do you think? The real reason being that she has admitted that her son does have a medical diagnosis and some special needs considerations and 1. I dont provide the care necessary for this situation and 2. I do not provide care for parents that misrepresent/lie about the amount of care their child truly needs (leaving me and the child in an unfair position) |
#2
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Parents do not tell providers because they refuse to care for the children. they say I have no training... well they are not looking for a therapist to be with their chil 30 minutes a week, they need childcare like any other child
A child with delays is just that a child that is at a lower level than children his age. That is why mixed age groups would so well for them. I am not trying to offend you nor do I know how off the wall this childs behaviors were but to turn away a child that has a diagnosis is wrong. In fact I have found those super intellegent children are more work than those who are delayed. being lied to is bothersome but maybe they did not have a dianosis. maybe your questions encouraged them to now seek help. Maybe they still just have questions and symptoms. |
#3
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without knowing the exact special need that you're talking about it's hard to say, but maybe she didn't tell you because she was afraid of the reaction that you're having. Maybe she's been turned down several times before when she has been honest. I would really just plain ask her and if it's something that you can handle, but it's just more work, then ask her for a bit more money to watch him then. I kinda feel bad for her, it's probably not easy to find care for him if people are afraid of the title "special needs". But really, if it isn't something that you can handle, and there is nothing wrong with that, just be honest with her. You're mad because she wasn't honest with you, be honest with her. If you're apprehensive, that is nothing to feel bad about. Not everyone can work with special needs kids.
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#4
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I had a drop-in mom do the same to me. She dropped off her child who had very severe autism. I should have seen the red flag when during our meeting, she didn't bring the child. She told me he was staying w/ grandma (SAT) and she needed care (MON) asap. So I agreed.
I got the child, he was non-verbal. I figured he was shy (he was only 3 years old) and it would take some time. She only needed me M, W, Fridays at first, then wanted to move to FT. The 3rd day is when I figured out something was very wrong I told mom I was going on a field trip to the grocery store and all the kids would be picking out a special treat. She agreed, signed the form and we were on our way. NO mention of anything. We got in the store, the child became suddenly a completely different person. He started screaming, crying, throwing a fit, laid down on the floor. I couldn't figure out why. My other dck's and my own children stared at him, some of them scared for him, others rolling their eyes. I had people looking at me funny as if I were abusing him or something. I picked him up, put him in the cart where he wailed out the door. We get home, he starts rocking back and forth. He would not speak. Never told me what was wrong. I addressed this with mom, and the rocking is what clued me in. Turned out she "forgot" to tell me he had a severe form of autism! Because of the ages of my children and the things we did, I knew that he would not be a fit for full-time care but drop-in/part-time would be fine. I told her that I would rather her have told me the truth than her to lie to me (How do you "FORGET" your child's illness?) and act as if she just accidentally didn't remember to tell me! I told her that because she lied, I wouldn't be taking him back AT ALL. Had she prepared me, I could have helped them a lot more than her just letting me be surprised with it; I also would still have been willing to be her drop-in provider had she been honest and up front. I will terminate anyone who lies regardless of the situation> after this situation, I decided to add this information in the interview. |
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#6
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As a mom of an autistic child
In the nicest way I need to say that Autism is not an illness, but a disability. I am not trying to be oversensitive, but just wanted to point that out.
Wow. I have some input on this. First, if this mother knew her child had a disability or special need and purposefully did not disclose it, I am alarmed at what choices she will make for the child's lifetime. That would be very neglectful IMO. Second, speaking generally in regard to all parents; I didn't know my son was autistic. I truly thought he was socially behind. I didn't know what autism was. I had a mental picture of a non verbal rocking child who hit themselves. My son doesn't do anything like that. He spoke very well, and hit all his milestones. Let me point out he is not "high functioning" or aspergers either. He is considered mid spectrum. All special needs children are very different. I truly thought he was socially behind. I thought I wasn't very interesting to him being a stay at home mother. I truly didn't know until I enrolled him in pre school to see if I could get him to be more social. My point is that sometimes due to ignorance or denial; the parent doesn't see their child's disability. Third, I know personally to get regular care (not therapy based) by someone who has experience with Autism it would cost me 30.00 an hour. For this reason may daycare workers may have unethical parents try to dupe them. I don't condone this one bit. I also understand that I have a husband who supports us and if I were a single mother and needed care for my special needs child, SOL. Fourth, this is exactly the reason I want to care for special needs children at an affordable rate. I would only do what I was qualified to. I am not suggesting to others to be a hero. These children should get what is best for them, and that means those that can learn to communicate with special needs children so they are given proper care. Fifth, please know that even though I wouldn't bring my son to someone who didn't have high qualifications in the Autism field, I can say that any other child in his class (I observe every few months) would probably be 100% fine in a daycare atmosphere. Their communication skills are much more advanced than my childs. A mainstream daycare could accomodate many autistic children that are verbal and obviously that have little to no sensory issues (auditory, visual, tactile). Even if the child can say they want or need something specific.. if they appear troubled or overstimulated they are having majoy anxiety due to sensory overload. They should be with someone who knows how to address it professionally and theraputically. Most Special Needs Programs start at 3 yrs old. Instruct the parent to write a letter the the special services department of their school township and by law they must agree to interview the parent and observe the child for eligability into a program, as well as pay for an evaluation by an appropriated Medical Specialist i.e. Child Development Dr., Pediatric Neurologist, ect. Last but not least, please respond to my questions when you see them even if you don't think you know the perfect answer. I love and so much appreciate feedback and thoughts. Thanks for reading my book! |
#7
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I would tell her the truth whether she pushes for it or not, and I'd let her know now rather than later so you can move on and not wonder when you're finally going to get that phone call bugging you for details. Avoiding it won't be doing her or any future providers any favors. Doesn't have to be a long lecture and if the conversation takes a turn for the worst you can politely tell her best of luck and hang up. Just explain that her son is the way he is, nothing she should be embarrassed about, but that she does need to be honest about that in the future. Not doing so is doing a great disservice to him and is going to alienate any future providers from ever wanting to work with her. I would make clear the reason you're not open to working with her again is that she lied to you, not because you couldn't handle his issues. If a parent gets uppity I'd much rather they spread the word that I'm picky integrity wise instead of incapable of handling children. Plus it'll drive the point home that while it may be a big harder to find just the right care for him lying about his issues will make things infinitely harder than even that. |
#8
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Charging the family of a disabled child more than other families in your care is against the law according to the ADA (with rare and extreme exceptions). It is considered a form of discrimination and trying to do so can cause you to not only lose your license but leave you open to being sued both civilly as well as by the US DOJ. http://www.ada.gov/childq%26a.htm |
#9
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#10
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That is just awful! I can see WHY she would lie, especially if she really needed care, but it really isn't helping her child at all!
My friend is watching a child who has some disabilities. Not sure what because I am NOT schooled on that area at all. dcm said he's slow. Maybe that's true but at 3 he is non verbal, bounces off the walls. Doesn't really respond to verbal directions. You have to basically lead him wherever you want him to go. He moans and grunts, but no words at all. Not even mom or dad, nothing. He is a sweet child, but he really is a handful. I think it is definitely something that should be disclosed so that you can be sure you are capable of providing appropriate care. I had a lady contact me asking if I accepted autistic children. It's not that I don't, I just don't have experience in that area. And that is what I told her. i am sorry, but I do not have experience working with autistic children. I would feel very uncomfortable and ill prepared. But when you do talk to mom, make it clear that you are not terminating care because her child is special needs. You are terminating care because mom lied to you and the parent provider bond is something that needs to be respected on both sides, kwim? |
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#17
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No matter a diagnosis or not, if a child has a special need its critical they are met at such young developmental years. Sensory overload in and of itself is enough reason to step back no matter what. You have built your program and if it isn't appropriate for the childs sensory concerns that is your professional determination. It should be respected. I urge you not to feel anything but confidence in stating that to the parent. I remember when I put my son in pre school and we sat in a circle on parent day. During song my son put his head down and started to cry. The rest of the time he looked around the room unable to participate functionally in group learning activities. That is when I knew there was something wrong. That moment was a horrible experience for both of us. That was his last day of pre school. It wasn't appropriate for him. When I addressed his needs with the school district he was evaluated, and has been thriving in his autism program. A child with any needs should have the opportunity to thrive. As a proffesional I am sure you agree. If the child would not thrive in your program due to overstimulation, you should say so to this to the parent without any guilt or feelings of discrimination. The truth isn't always fun, but it is very important.
__________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss |
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#19
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__________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss |
#20
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In my case I think the parents are in denial and they don't want to consider that something bigger is going on with their son. I only wish it was as easy as confronting them about something they already knew. These parents would rather remain in the dark. It is a very frustrating situation to be in because on one hand, you know the child can't help what is going on, but you feel like you are failing because you aren't equipped to handle the child's needs...and it's difficult to give these children the one on one attention they need when you have other children. And sometimes it comes at the other children's expense as well. |
#21
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I just let a family go, that have been lying and lying to me!!! UGHH!!!
They started about a yr. ago, and have done it and done it since- repeatingly on everything. I finally said enough is enough, you are lying and I do not accept lying families!!!! |
#22
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I have to say there are many reasons I shut down, and being lied to and not respected were on the top of the list. I am so much less stressed in the position I have now. I still deal with people, but not to the extent that we do when we are basically, the 2nd family for our dck's |
#23
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This has been a huge topic of conversation here and ultimately we have learned that you canNOT charge more based on special needs....even if your subsidy program pays more, there are still other factors involved and simply charging more due to the disability is illegal in ALL states. https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46481 |
#24
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this thread isn't about payment its the fact that the mom lied putting the provider in a awkward position. If the mom was up front about the childs issue then there would be no need for this thread.
If it was me, omg I would be so livid. Parents just don't understand that you can't just dump a kid off at daycare and hope he acts like the rest of the kids. How fair is it to a provider and the kids that a new child is screaming and throwing tantrums and no matter what you do, nothing is helping the kid. And then come to find out that there are issues that mom forgot to disclose. I would call the mom, call her out on it. Shame on her. |
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#26
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Charging a different rate to families based on their care hours is a completely different topic and is not covered by any act or law which disabilities are. It has gone back and forth and back and forth and ultimately after a phone call to the ADA, (as well as some input from Tom Copeland who is an attorney and specializes in child care related issues) it was realized that there are ways around the rate issue but you can NOT outright charge a special needs child a higher rate than anyone else pays. You can raise your rates across the board so that all families are paying more to help curb the costs incurred by a special needs family but you can't just charge them more. |
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#28
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Cheer~ Sorry, I took your thread off topic. I apologize. |
#29
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thanks blackcat!
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Tags |
misrepresent, parent lied, special needs |
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