I was really disappointed to see that the thread was closed!
It was about the parent complaining about her provider transporting her son.

First of all I do agree that the provider should not have taken the kid to her sons game if she knew the parent said "no."

All of my parents have agreed to let me transport( I wouldn't take them if they didn't)
Anyways my daughter is in softball and there have been some times when I took some of my day care kids to her games at night. Not only did the kids love it but my daughter had an awesome cheering team! They even made her a banner! Some of the parents even sprang for dinner and I took lots of pictures and my daughter felt so special. She goes through a lot being born into this daycare. She sacrifices and gives, plays with them, gives them all her beautiful clothes that she outgrows,and just thinks of these kids as all her little brothers and sisters.

This is one of the things that family daycare is all about.
If you don't want your child apart of a wonderful family and to be treated like a unique and special part of someones family.. then get a nanny or put them in a cookie cutter center.. at the center , they will get their diapers changed, be fed, and come home with crafts but I have seen the sad look in kids eyes that come from these type of places... but they won't transport your kid and you can rest assured he will not be in a car crash.

We take our kids to Aquariums, museums, Zoo's, Farmers markets, etc. and they really enjoy it and learn from these trips.
How sad for a child that doesn't get these experiences. I do know that parents can take them to these places. but the op in the other tread said she is a single parent with very little money and no family close.
We have even attended some of the dck's games, concerts, birthdays,baby dedications... etc. so just my opinion

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It seems like you're implying that children only have wonderful, valuable early childhood experiences with those who take them to an abundance of places. I never transport the children by a vehicle (the only places we go to are the local parks) and choose to have others come to us.

I would never say that it is sad that the children in my care don't visit all of the places you listed with me. Many of them visit those places with their families. They certainly don't have a sad look in their eyes while here (despite us, apparently, acting like a daycare center/Preschool facility).

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With me living in a low income rural area, many of my kids extensive childhood experiences only include the occasional fishing. My parents can't afford to take their kids anywhere. If they don't do it here, they don't get to do it. I think my kids have experienced firsts in so many things since they started coming here.

That being said, I do understand why some people don't transport, all for various reasons. But the OP was right about some things, all of my daycare kids came here with that same sad look you've described. Now, it's long gone. I do love experiencing all these firsts with them, even though I completely understand why some others can't or don't. It's that sparkle in their eyes when we arrive at the campground. It's that giggle when we walk into the zoo. Its that look of amazement that my personal children had, when I took them to do their "firsts". But what's even worse is that even though I never missed a first, these kids parents have missed them all. One family because of laziness, the rest because of finances. But for whatever reason they missed the firsts, I love being the one who gets to witness them.

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I am speaking from a FCC provider that transports perspective.
So many people bash us ( the current tread going on right now from unregistered)
I wanted to respond in the other forum but it was closed for some reason.

If FCC providers are not able to transport, there's nothing wrong with that. I am just speaking up for us that do.

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"The lady who was complaining"
What a rude way to put that, I'm sorry.

When my son was born I did not give my provider permission to transport in a car, I didn't like anyone driving my son anywhere, I didn't even like grandmas driving them, I have loosened up a bit with that, and learned to have more trust, but number #1 I don't trust any one to buckle my kid up as safely as I do, I am a nut about proper car seat safety, and yes to transport you have to be trained, but I still don't trust that every provider still does this, even with the training, taking my kid on a freeway in a car to a museum or something was just never something I was comfortable with when he was in daycare, my daycare didn't do this so it wasn't a big deal.

I trusted my daycare completely, but I never would want a call at work saying my son was in a car accident, freaked me out, yes he could fall and hurt himself at the house, but its different!

I hate my kids being drove around by their grandparents, my husbands mom tells us all the time...."you guys put them in those seats way to tight, it doesn't need to be like that" I always respond with that it does to keep them safe, and I always put them in myself if I'm there, but I guarantee you she loosens it when she does it , which is why she rarely transports them.

I do not take my daycare kids anywhere we can't walk to, I just would never want the liability of getting into an accident with so many little ones that aren't mine, going to a museum with all my daycare kids I also wouldn't do, I would feel way to stressed doing a constant head count, but then again I have 12 kids here, and its just not safe.

I am not saying anything about it being bad to transport, but its not complaining to not want someone driving your kid.

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You should have seen the look on one of my finicky parents faces when her son said" Mommy I pet a shark today!" Priceless...

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I am the same way as a parent.

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I agree we all have our strong points... I do not transport. Infact I had to sign a waiver with the care ins that I would not transport childcare children I did not want to pay for a commercial policy.

My groups parents take the kids lots of places and share those ideas with the other parents.

BUT They paint, play in mud, with worms and bugs, garden, dress up as fairies and many other creative experiences. Many of those things they would never do at home.

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AMEN! I try to get the seat belts as tight as possible- I hate seeing how loose other people have theirs- they are supposed to be too tight to fit more than 2 fingers in!!! I get paranoid about my own Mom driving my girls around, (which she hates, I know, and she is very responsible, but I still feel that way!)

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that's awesome!

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I do transport but I typically care for only 1-2 families at a time. I only have 3-4 DC kids a day by choice. I believe most parents chose me b/c I do some local field trips (library/park, etc) all within 1-2 miles of our small town. Now if I chose to be "full" & had 6 kids I can't imagine transporting. I think it would be too stressful /complicated. Last year I cared for a family who needed care until 6-6:30 2 days/wk. We are a baseball family & they gave permission for me to take their kids with us to games. Parents liked it & kids enjoyed the games. I had one teacher mom who used to brag to her friends about the great things/places her kids were able to experience b/c we did field trips. Obviously you can still be a great provider & stay home all day but some parents seek out those of us who leave for outings.

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Thank you, I agree. I felt that the OP was kind of insulting to those who don't take children places. They can (and should) have those expereinces with their family, just as easily as they can with me (actually, more easily).

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I don't think anyone bashed providers who transport. The whole thread was about transporting without permission, THAT is what the "bashing" was about.

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I understand what you are saying about the dcks having some fun & different experiences when a provider is able to transport. I took dcks to football & soccer games and track and field events when my boys were involved in sports. We also did park days, trips to the beach and zoo. They loved going places and enjoyed the sporting events alot!

I would never agree to watch a child if I was unable to transport...although now I rarely go places with all of the kids, because we downsized to a car with 6 seats.

I understand and respect that some parents are uncomfortable with other people driving their children places and that is their perogative. I think that is why it's so important for providers and parents to be on the same page and find somone that is a good fit for them! In the past, I lost clients because it was a deal breaker for them knowing I needed to take kids to school and that was okay. Everyone has different wants & needs!

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I have to agree so much. I have taken the dck's to soccer games, talent shows, student of the month. I'm telling you my kids have the loudest cheering squad ever. All the parents let me and understand that I like to attend my childrens stuff too. But on the other hand, these dck's also learn to behave in public and learn to be great sports too, why wouldn't a parent want that for a child.

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I transport but I, like momofboys, only have a small crew of DCKs.

Personally I go stir crazy being at the house all the time and I love field trips too! Heck we're out and about with DD every weekend doing something because that's just our personalities, we don't like to be home all day. Not to say you can't have fun at home, because you totally can and we do!!

I fully understand why people wouldn't want to transport. I also I don't think field trips make a program any better or worse, just different.


All the issues/bashing were over the lack of consent and contract policies.

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I totally respect the fact that we are all different. We all run our daycares differently. I do what works best for me and that is to get the kids out.

I will never again take a child who's parent refuses to sign a waiver/consent form. I did that once years ago. I had to call the parent if we went into the front yard to play. It was a miserable experience for all.

When my kids were in daycare 30 years ago, I hated the fact that they were stuck inside a house all day long with nowhere to go. I vowed that we would go lots of places when I started my daycare. I enjoy taking my kids out and about. We go to many of the same places that Michelle goes to.

I find that "I" get crabby when I am stuck at home 24/7. If I'm crabby, you can bet that all the kids are too.

I am very upfront with all of my parents. I tell them from the very beginning of the interview that I do not stay home. I remind them throughout the interview that we go on frequent outings. (My ads state the same thing.) Most trips are scheduled, but many are last minute. I will always text or call if we are leaving the area, but I don't always text or call if we are going locally. I like to go out to lunch at a restaurant once a week or so. I load up the kids and off we go.

Constant head counts are second nature to me. The kids know to do head counts when we get in the car, when we get out of the car, during our outings. It's second nature to them, too.

I've taken many of my daycare kids on camping trips, both tent and rv. I try to give them experiences that they do not get at home. I've taken former daycare kids on out of state vacations - one to Texas, one to Arizona, one to Nevada/Utah, and even one to Hawaii.

To providers who are overly concerned about taking kids out, I respect that you understand your limitations and don't do it.

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very well said!
I was not given the gift of wording things right I guess...
sorry everyone

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I own and operate a really nice center, and the center-bashing stuff just is NOT NICE. We are not all "cookie cutter" places who feed and change and send them home sad and bored. Gimme a break! That comment really offended me. Not everyone on this forum is a home daycare, and to imply that those of us operating a center DON'T treat our students as "special and unique" is pretty insulting.

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Sugar, I really hope you weren't think I was bashing centers.

I am "pro-home" because that's what I operate. I have seen a lot of bad home daycares. Heck, I think my kids went to every single one that was in business 30 years ago. That doesn't mean that I am "anti-centers".

Sadly, we are in competition here. There are way too many daycare homes and centers in my area. The competition is fierce. The local schools charge $35 per WEEK for after school care. That comes out to about $1.70 an hour. Parents are encouraged to not pick their kids up before 6:30.

My grandkids went to a less than desirable center, one I called licensing on twice, to no avail. My grandson got in trouble last week for refusing to spell his name right. The problem is he was right and the teacher was wrong. You would think they would get it right after 3 years.

I am losing one of my all-time favorite babies within the next month to a center. It's like her mom said, neither situation is perfect for her needs so she has to go with the one that will work best for all of her kids (1 1/2, , 4 & 5), plus her and her dh. The center is literally across the street from their home. I'm 10 miles away.

I do what works best for me. I don't like staying locked up in the house 24/7, so I don't. My neighbors across the street never, ever take the kids outside for a walk. That's what works best for them.

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Not at all sharlan! I was referring to the op's quote above. Typical sweeping generalization.........

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I was referring to what I have seen personally, heard personally from parents,and the book..."Doing Time"

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I would never allow my daughter to be transported by a daycare. EVER! Not only because I couldn't guarantee the carseat was used properly or the chance of an accident - but also, how often we hear about children being left in vehicals... by childcare providers.
But, then again, I wouldn't trust having my daughter in a daycare to begin with, which is why I started childcare (haha)!

I don't think parents should be judged for allowing kids to be transported, or be judged for not allowing kids to be transported. And I don't think providers should be judges for transporting/not transporting either. I do think that a parent who will not concent to transporting should NEVER choose a provider who does transport; and likewise, a provider who transports should never take on a family who doesn't give permission for transporting.

I only transport kiddos on the city bus, or walking - and we do all kinds of fun outings. However, that's just an occasional bonus to my daycare - I don't think it is at all necessary for daycares to bring kids on outings/field trips.

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I city bus would concern me more than a baby buckled up safely in a providers car.

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OT
Thank you for saying this. I work at a center that my family has owned for my whole life (almost 30 years). Yes, there are some negatives to centers, and some bad ones, but there are also negatives to home daycares and not all of them (the home daycares) are good either.
__________________________________________________________

As far as transporting or not, just like everything else, the providers and parents need to be a good fit for each other. But if a provider agreed not to transport the child, it should not be done unless of an emergency.

ETA: should not instead of should

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I would never in a million years agree to have a child care provider transport my child anywhere. EVER.

I would find other child care if the provider required me to allow her to transport my child.

As a child care provider myself, I view my role as providing CARE to a child NOT providing them with outside experiences.

They have family and school for that.

I would NEVER want to assume the liability.

I also think that unless a car seat is installed in a providers vehicle and LEFT in the car, the provider is taking a HUGE risk by having to install and remove and then re-install that car seat properly each and every time.

Since car seats aren't meant to be installed and removed and reinstalled daily, it is just too much of a risk for me as a provider (and parent) to take.

fwiw~ This is MY personal opinion and NOT a dis to any provider or parent who allow/requires transportation.

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My carseats stay in my car. I take them out every few months to wash the pads and to vacuum the seats.

I respect those who prefer not to take the kids out. That's just not how I've always done things. I enjoy giving the kids experiences that their parents don't. (In the beginning, I had my kids and if I wanted to take them somewhere, I had to wait until the weekend or take the daycare. I opted for taking the daycare kids. After my kids were grown, I've had my grandkids for the past 18 years.)

I find that parents either like what I have to offer - outings - and choose my daycare, or they don't want their kids taken out on outings and move on to the next provider. I can honestly say that I only know of 2 families that chose not to use me based on my outings.

What I have found in my last few interviews was that the parents wanted a structured center environment with lots of academics on a home daycare price.

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I tend to go off into left field a lot.. the point I was intending to get across is... I have had some parents in the past that could care less that my child has a High School Graduation ceremony that night or an extremely important pre-op appt..... some parents only care about themselves...
I schedule all appointments after hours but that would be the one time a parent gets a flat tire or their relief doesn't show up.. so what would you do? forgo your child's surgery? miss your child's graduation? (in our city they can be between 4 pm - 7 pm and always on a week night..)
Miss your child's first and possibly only home run this season?
Our kids have to go through a lot... sharing their mom, home, privacy and we do this so we can be there for them... I sometimes get my daycare kids ready for their games so parents can pick up and go straight to their game .. why should I miss my own child's game when I can just drive them 2 blocks to the park and their parent can get them so I don't miss my baby hitting her first home run? Ever notice that your kid looks for you in the stands frequently?

For this year I have told all my parents the day and time of my dd graduation and I told them to make sure their back up can be called because all my assistants are my family and we will all be at the stadium... but if something crazy happens ... you bet I will take that baby with me!!!

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Oh I can so relate to this. When my own kids were growing up, I had a parent come late and I almost missed my oldest child's high school graduation. After that, I learned to take off the entire day or have all dcks picked up at noon.

I have had a few inconsiderate parents...late to pick up, so I could go to an ultrasound appt or get my own kids to an important event and had to term several families for this specific reason.

I agree 100% with the importance of being there for your own kids. Mine had to sacrifice me not being able to get to all of their activities, but there were definitely the deal breakers that I was NOT about to miss!

It was essential for me to make sure I took families that meshed well with the environment I had to offer.

Unfortunately we lived too far away for my own children to walk to school and they had no busses to take them. Parents signed up with me knowing that I would need to transport kids with me and it was never an issue.

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I transport, but I don't use a car. If we have a field trip that is not a walkable distance, we use public transportation. I disagree that in all instances it was less safe than driving. All of the drivers in my city have to have a different class of license to operate their vehicle. They have insurance and they are responsible for dozens of lives. I have never had an experience to date where a bus driver has been driving unsafely on our route. Whereas I was a new driver when I started my daycare and even years later do not feel comfortable driving a big group of kids myself, especially if they are not my own. So transportation by bus is the way I go.

I am absolutely upfront and honest with everyone that comes for an interview that we go on outings and quite a bit in the summertime and that is our method of transportation. Other outings I use my runabout and walk for quite a distance away as many of the great fun amenties are about 5km away. I know not everyone will like it. That is what works for me and so it is a huge dealbreaker if parents are not on board.

That said, I totally respect every parent's choice about whether to transport or not. If they don't want their child to go on field trips, then my place isn't the daycare for them. No hard feelings. Obviously there are many varieties of caregivers out there who all offer different things. I certainly don't think that I am providing more than another provider simply because I go off site. I do it because it is something that I like to do with the kids and it makes me more excited and inspired as a provider. Some other providers can stay home all the time and get inspired with the activities they offer at home. Neither is right nor wrong. Just different and generally there is a caregiver for every parenting style. I think it works.

I have only one family that I have accepted that isn't comfortable with transport and they are drop in. If they try to schedule a day that I am transporting, I just say this is what we're doing and they schedule a different day. He's a nice kid. I don't mind helping out their parents because they respect me enough to not tell me how to spend my day.

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Why? It is said that school and city buses are 40 percent safer than cars!

Regardless, I would respect a parent not giving permission for their child to use public transportation - but I would also not sign them on as a result. Public transit and walking is how my family and I get around our town - and thusly, it's how I get around with our daycare kids

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I would be thrilled to have city buses here. Our city is just a little too small I guess for them to think it's worth it. If public transportation were available, I'd definitely use it with and without dck's.

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City busses are different everywhere you go.
In SF near where I live it would be very common no one would bat an eyelash.

I live in a suburb of SF and public transport is not good and is frowned upon by the middle class here.

I think it depends on where you live plays a huge role in PT.

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I agree with both of these statements.

And personally I don't transport. Partly because both of our vehicles are both in use all day weekdays, but mainly because of the regulations in WI. Because both of our vehicles seat more than 4 passengers I'd have to get an alarm installed in the back of the vehicle. The alarm would sound every time you exited the vehicle and can only be turned off manually. It's illegal to disable the alarm, so it would sound every time anyone in my family used the vehicle, even nights and weekends. Plus, the alarms aren't cheap.

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I live in close proximity to you and it would not be a good option here either. I wouldn't feel comfortable or safe at all using public transportation especially while being in charge of other people's children.

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I BELIEVE I AM THE ONE EVERYONE IS TRYING TO RESPOND TO..(THE ORIGINAL POSTER OF "Transportation Without Permission"

the forum was locked because A LOT of people that were responding were being extremely negative and questioning my abilities as a mother-saying CPS should have been called, that i was neglecting my son by not picking him up before the provider took him somewhere, i'm just a whiny parent, etc...

First of all let me say, thank you all for keeping your comments so respectful!.. as a mother, the LAST thing we want is someone bashing our parental ability!..

i completely agree with those of you that advised to NEVER sign on with a provider that transports without both parties being on the same page. as for me, my major problem was not that she was a provider that transported kids-i just did not want her transporting mine. i was absolutely willing to work with her on early pick up times and what not, the big issue came when i did not get notice of the early pick up until it was almost the day OF!... i don't want to start another judgmental forum of providers, parents, or "unregistered" users attacking me. what happened happened. it is behind me and from a legal stand point i know what i need to do to protect myself from anything she may bring to a court battle etc.., just as the provider i'm sure is expecting the worst if this came to a legal battle also. she still wants her money, and i still refuse to pay it.

i have found other childcare with 2 possible backups and things are looking up.. thank you all so much for your input! i am only 23 years old so this was a learning experience.. i have taken everything i have read from my original post as well as this one and tried to get something good and worthy out of it...

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So happy to hear from you and your update.

We are all human and we all make mistakes.

Glad you are finding back up possibilities you really need at least one reliable one.

Glad you stuck around.

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In my area, parents really want their kids to go to "real" preschool. So I DO transport to the school (less than a mile away). This makes my child care competitive over a one that does not transport (in fact I may be getting a child soon because of this). Therefore I make it clear to any family that starts that this is the case - and that while my assistant is *usually* here to cover, there have been occasions where we will all have to take the ride. I took a car seat safety class (not required by licensing) so I feel comfortable with installing car seats appropriately.

I saw someone say that car seats are not meant to be taken out and reinstalled - and according to the class, this is NOT true. Car seats do need to be readjusted often because straps can become loose, the child grows, etc. I have a close relative who is a certified car seat tech and she almost died when another relative told her proudly "I never move the car seat!" because of the above reasons.

All that said, there is no right or wrong way to do things *provided* everyone is on the same page. The other post was not about bashing transporting. It was, as others have pointed out, transporting without permission. And that is not cool, ever.

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I agree. As a parent, I wouldn't want my child transported. Not because trips to the zoo etc aren't fun....but because the GETTING there is what would worry me.

No matter how nice the provider may seem to be, I would not know what kind of driver she was.

Was she a nervous driver (dangerous)? Was she an aggressive driver (dangerous)? Was she a great driver, but driving on roads filled with not-so-great drivers???? Was she attentive enough with a carload of yelling kids? Did she install the carseat correctly? Many people don't even though they think they have.

I also would want to do things with my child. I wouldn't like suggesting we go to the zoo.......to find out it's old news. I would want my child to have those experiences with ME.

From a provider's view.....I (actually my husband) DO transport to the local elementary school. I don't like it, but it's expected around here. We're too to close for the bus and too far to walk as far as most people are concerned and there is a busy road on the way. I would prefer not to transport. The liability is HUGE.

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omg, this happened to me. I had to get my dd from a soccer game at school. And I like to watch them too (so do the dck's) well I have this family who the dad picks up (mom drops off) every day pick his kids later and later. Their child got off the bus at 4pm, and dad is suppose to be waiting for him every day. Well, dad never managed to do this, instead, dad got off work every day at 330pm and not pick up till almost 430pm that day (he was told repeatedly) well, that day I had enough. I packed his kids up and went and got my dd, not only did I miss her game, but I missed her goal. Dad had to come and find me at school and I had it. His excuse "I forgot". His wife also laid into him too about it. This same family last year, decided to bring their dd here the day of my odd graduation because no one wanted to watch her, even thou mom could have taken the day off. So I told mom that it was fine but she was coming with me all over the place to do errands.

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so by the sounds of it, most of you have little kids of your own. So what do you guys do when your kids have friends and need a ride home, not drive them. Same scenerio expect the kids are older. There is no difference, there is still liability when you drive someone elses kids.

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What do providers do when your own child gets sick from school? school buses don't transport for this.

What do you do if little Johnny gets a ride to a soccer game that you have to miss half of because a mom that gets off at 3:30 wants to get her money's worth and get her nails done because you close at 5.... and your Little Johnny breaks his arm and is being taken to the hospital?

What do you do if even after covering all you bases and you close at 12 p.m. and parents still don't show up and your dd or ds graduates in 4 hours? To get a good seat you would have to leave in 2 hours.

Side note... I would NEVER take my dck's on a city bus... I would not take my own kids on one. We are suppose to keep our kids from potential child abusers and you don't know who is on that bus.. they are not seat belted in,also being on the bus doesn't "magically" make other drivers drive better... The no seat belts and car seats scare me the most..also.

I have been driving for 25 years and have never even been pulled over or received a ticket.. My parents totally trust me and I love that!

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I was wondering the same thing. I live in the county. I have no family near me. Heck, getting my parents to come and visit me is a struggle. Dh can't leave work and my kids take a school bus. So I have to pick up. And forget taking a bus here (I'm not near one) but in the last year 2 mothers have been kicked of the bus, one was because her kid was sick and was crying and the other one had a poopy bum.

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I have often wondered how providers do this when they have young children of their own and the "unexpected" circumstances come up.

When I first started my childcare business, my oldest was an infant. I had no need to go anywhere. I walked to the park and that was it. It was great! However, in an emergency I had no way to transport the small group of children in my car, but I had several neighbors that I could call on if I needed to leave.

When my son started Kindie and went to school at noon, I worked out a carpool arrangement with my next door neighbor. It was great! However, when she moved away, I was forced to walk over to school to drop off and pick up, since we didn't have a large enough car to accommodate all of the kids.

That worked out fine until they closed that neighborhood school and the kids had to attend a new one a mile further away. It took me longer to load the kids in and out of the car then it did to drive to the school! I did this for years though...I had one parent ask for my drivers license, so that he could run it and for his peace of mind I was happy to do that! I have an impeccable driving record, but I do always worry about others on the road! All it takes is one person running a red light! I always took the safest route with less traffic and avoided major intersections.

Thankfully now that my own kids are grown, my hubby is able to help me and stays home with the younger dcks, while I do transportation with the s/a in my care. That is a HUGE help!!!!!

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I answered in bold above.

One of this biggest things I read on this forum is providers who seem to feel that this profession should be respected and viewed as a "real" job by society yet, some providers feel that it should also be a job in which we should be given free passes to do things with our families and/or outside of care hours with little or no notice to families enrolled and expect parents to come pick up their children or change their work schedules to accommodate the things we want to do just because we are the bosses and/or the ones in charge.

I truly believe parents want reliability and dependability. Not a provider who simply closes every time her own children have something going on and then expects the parents they have enrolled should just have to "deal with it" and figure out back up.

Whether you close a little, a lot or not at all for family related things is fine and dandy but no matter how often you close, it is still something that should be discussed IN DEPTH with the families you enroll BEFORE they enroll so they (the families) know if they need to be flexible at their jobs or if you are going to be available to them on a regular basis.

Providers need to let families know if they will be closing on short notice frequently or if they will always give adequate notice.

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Not taking kids on a city bus because you are keeping them away from possible child abusers makes no sense to me? There could be child abusers at parks, zoo's, museums, etc...

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My families all know that we *might* have to take a ride, however I typically use either my assistant or licensed substitute to stay with the kids. I make every effort to *plan* for emergencies. I am not going to expect dc parents to have back up plans and fail to do so myself. I also think this is a case where everyone can do what is comfortable for them. If you know not being able to transport would be a deal breaker, be very clear with parents from the get go and don't take anyone on who doesn't want it. If you know you will never, ever transport, again, be upfront with parents. Let them decide if they want the service or not.

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On a bus they can be sitting right next to one. At the park, they are playing on the equipment..

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At the zoo, they are in strollers or on a walking rope, I have total control when they are in my van, in their safely installed new car seats, and I always have at least 2 assistants on field trips.. we get constant compliments.. people even ask to take our picture.. of course the answer is "no"

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I still don't see the reasoning Do you do background checks on all your daycare families? Even one of them could be a child abuser and they are in your house...You never know what goes on behind closed doors...

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As I recall, someone here DID have that issue.

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Taking a group of children OFF your PRIVATE property has a certain set of risks and a level of liability that NO amount of safeguarding can eliminate.

No matter how diligent you are.

For some providers it is just NOT worth that risk.

For some parents it is just NOT worth that risk.

That's ok.

Just as long as BOTH parties are CLEARLY understood from the beginning.

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In the 20 years I have been taking care of children, I have never closed due to an appt. emergency, myself being sick, or graduation, just my planned, payed one week vacation a year... I am very reliable and professional that's why I am full with a waiting list and 90% would not have chosen me if I didn't do the field trips because I incorporate them into my preschool program...we are studying sea life this month ... so we go to the Aquarium

For my dd graduation coming in June. I have informed all my parents to pick up at normal closing time but I have planned to hire my usual Summer assistant to be here just in case because I don't trust some of the parents to pick up on time.

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amen!!!!!

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I think that these situations are VERY different than attending field trips. If I had an emergency and had to load the kids up, I would. If, as it has been, my child was graduating, I would close early or close for the day, using one of my paid days off in order to do so. This was not your original inquiry, and you were very insulting to those providers who do not take children on field trips, insinuating that those providers are failing to provide special moments.

Your claim about public transportation and child molesters is absurd. You say the difference between the bus and the park is that the kids are on equipment at the park.....which, IMO puts them at greater risk because you cannot be within an arms reach of every single child, which could result in one getting snatched right off of the equipment and kidnapped....how would you stop it AND continue to monitor the rest of the children??? On the bus, at least they couldn't get far AND all of the children would be sitting WITH YOU, not on equipment ten feet away.

I think it is great for those provders and families who want the feld trip expereince, and if it works for all involved, fantastic. However, I think that there are just as many fantastic experiences possible without field trips and to insinuate otherwise is rude, at best.

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And, FTR, I DO field trips, etc. BUT, the parents are involved and THEY transport their own children. We do many things with our families and the children expereince the field trips AND witness close parent/caregiver relationships as well.

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I prevent abductions by having 3 adults walking around interacting with them at all times... The public bus where we live has every weirdo ,crazy, psycho you can imagine... I bought my20 year old dd a car to go to college so she does not have to sit next to them... Yes I know they can be at parks but my dh will rest assured they will not get anywhere near my sweet angels! Trust me on this!

Crystal, do the parents that go on field trips ( I am assuming during work hours) not need daycare? Are they stay at home moms?
I am not implying that if a daycare provider can't do field trips, they are bad... I am just saying that there is such an advantage to those of us that do.
The only time I had a parent volunteer to go on a field trip was when we went to Disneyland and she works there so it was pretty awesome to get all the inside perks... I would love to have parents come.. but they are at work.

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I created a program called community in the classroom here in my city.

We leave the house every single day. Not all of the kids qualify to go on every field trip due to age appropriate or not, but for the most part every child leaves here daily by foot or car.

I believe the community takes an important role in helping to guide and build strong leaders. I believe it takes a community to help raise a child.

This program is what works for me and I am doing well with it. I do everything in my power to prevent and prepare for emergencies and accidents, but I'm not going to live life by the what if this what if that. Heck, a child could get stung by a bee on my property and die.

I am or for every family and I am ok with that. My offsite field trips, lessons, hikes, and community classes are my selling point. Either you love it or you don't.

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We do all of them on the weekend when parents are not working.

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First of all... to be brutally honest, you don't know if anyone ANYWHERE is a child abuser. Do you keep your children in the house at all times in case one of your neibhors is a pedophile? Do you require all parents to stay outside when picking up/dropping off their children to your daycare in case they are a pedophile? To be frank, one of your own family members COULD be a pedophile. So not using public transportation for this reason is completely ridiculous.

Second of all, buses don't require seat belts because they are designed to absorb the impact of a crash - both the size of a bus and the way the seats are designed (compact, high backs, etc) actually make it MUCH LESS likely that a child (or adult) would be injured or killed in an accident on a bus than in a car.

Just so you know

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Do you get paid for this?

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Yes actually, I do make sure absolutely no neighbor,delivery man,repairman is in my home while children are in care!
These are my preferences and a licensing requirement !!!
As soon as my kids turn 18 ... they get fingerprinted and I don't allow anyone of my kids friends here during daycare hours that are over 18 and even under 18... they are never near the kids anyways.
The parents never touch anyone else's kids and they pick up their own child and leave...While we are in public places, we check the stall before allowing our kids to go into the bathroom and they are never out of our site! We routinely teach the children about personal safety and they can say "no " to an adult... and absolutely there are no pedos that live in my home!

also we have our own private fenced in yard that nobody can or will enter without our knowledge!

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Second of all, buses don't require seat belts because they are designed to absorb the impact of a crash - both the size of a bus and the way the seats are designed (compact, high backs, etc) actually make it MUCH LESS likely that a child (or adult) would be injured or killed in an accident on a bus than in a car.


Um ....I do not want a baby flying through the air in a bus.. no matter how "crash resistant"that bus is
no matter how strong you think you are... during a crash... a baby can get ripped from your arms!
My kids get properly installed car seats and that are strapped in to my van!!!

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That's all fine and dandy, and sounds pretty routine for most daycares... but what's the difference between making sure your kids are safe in your home, yard and in public areas... but not the bus? You are the one who suggested that the bus could have a child abuser on it - well, child abusers are everywhere. All we can do is supervise. My kids are all well supervised on the bus.

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Who said that my baby comes on the bus with my IN MY ARMS????? She is in her carseat, buckled in.

And, I can assure you with 100% certainty that more babies and children (and adults) die in CAR accidents every year than in BUS accidents.

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Car accidents are one of the leasing causes of death in people under the age of 21..... I read that this was nation wide

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No. I don't NEED to be paid to build relationships with children and families and I am not the one providing the caregiving, the parents are, which prevents me from bearing liability if something should happen. I do it because I enjoy it.

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1-4 years of age
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
5-14 years of age
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Cancer

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probably because there are more cars than buses

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I'm sure that's why....

Driving children is a increased liability, but then I could say the same thing about serving peanut butter sandwiches. Lol

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Actually, it is not against regs for a repairman, volunteer, etc. to be there during hours, just FTR:

The following individuals are exempt from the requirement to submit fingerprints:
(1) A volunteer who is a relative, legal guardian, or foster parent of a child in the facility.
(2) A volunteer that provides time-limited specialized services if all of the following apply:
(A) The volunteer is directly supervised by the licensee or a facility employee with a
criminal record clearance or exemption.
(B) The volunteer spends no more than 16 hours per week at the facility.
(C) The volunteer is not left alone with children in care.
(3) A student who is enrolled or participating at an accredited educational institution if all of the
following apply:
(A) The student is directly supervised by the licensee or a facility employee with a criminal
record clearance or exemption.
(B) The facility has an agreement with the educational institution concerning the placement of the student

Cont.) FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES Regulations
102370 CRIMINAL RECORD CLEARANCE (Continued) 102370
(C) The student spends no more than 16 hours per week at the facility.
(D) The student is not left alone with the children in care.
(4) A third-party repair person, or similar retained contractor, if all of the following apply:
(A) The individual is hired for a defined, time-limited job.
(B) The individual is not left alone with children.
(C) When children are present in the room in which the repairperson or contractor is
working, a staff person who has a criminal record clearance or exemption is also present.

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There may be less buses than cars, but the passanger capacity on a bus is exceedingly greater than that of a car! So a car accident would quite likely have far fewer potential victims than a bus accident. Yet, there are still far less reports of injury and death from bus and train crashes than that of cars!

I really recommend you do some research ont he safety of buses and riding them before knocking it - because the information you have is obviously false.

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I know it's not against regs, but I was also told that they (lic) prefer providers to not have any visitors during daycare hours. That list she gave me included friends, family or third part services of any kind.

I was asked to schedule house maintained appointments on weekend or after hours. If it could not wait to be done ie. plumbing issue, then to separate the children. From this person and to have a second adult present.

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because I know that if little Suzy sits on my couch and forgets to close her legs while wearing a dress.. nobody is going to get a cheap thrill from it in my home... but a bus? people have their cell phones and have ample opportunity to snap a picture..
if you are too busy with one child and little Suzy is sitting next to some well dressed pedo..he might get a chance to touch her( this happened to me as a child on a bus..also while walking on the riverbed and at the mall..( I was a so called free range child)

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I think I commented on this before, but I think buses are different everywhere. Here, I would never get a parent to allow me take a child on a public bus, here they are not very safe. Public transportation here is NOT good. But if you go up to the city, it's very good and it's a safe method for everyone to consider.

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I just took the kids on a nice outing to IKEA. We walked the store for about 2 hrs, kids in the shopping carts. An elderly gentleman came up and tapped me on the shoulder, introduced himself, and asked if he may say "Hello" to the kids. He said he loves to talk to the kids, but is very hesitant to. He talked to the kids using cartoon voices, it was cute. The kids loved it and laughed with him. He said, goodbye, and walked away.

We had lunch in their restaurant and came home. The kids are asleep and I'm chilling.

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It sounds like your busses have the same kind of clientele as here in my town.

Here he city buses attract most individuals that are of very low income ( which does not mean you are a bad person) they attract those who have to ride the bus because they lost their license, those who had too many DUI and can't drive, those who are not legally here and can't get a license to drive and so on... In my town it also attracts a lot of the mental house patients because they also can't drive. I would never want my DCKs around those people.

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I wish you and I were closer I love outings.

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Our regs say" NO person over the age of 18 can be on the property of the facility!!! This includes front and back yard, house everything!
Any adult present must be fingerprinted and cleared by the doj and child abuse index report!
I have had to pay double for a plumber to come at night...I have had to wait forever for an appt for the cable to come on Saturday... all my friends that come over are fingerprinted and I put them to work reading books, but I am the only one that changes diapers and dress the kids!

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Wow really??? I didn't know that.

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exactly the same here!!!
The one time my dd took the bus to her school.. someone approached her and she got off immediately and called me... bought her a car the next day!

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Well, like I said - all you can do is supervise. A daycare dad could snap that same pic while in your home (as a matter of fact, one poster here has had it happen), a neighbor could snap that same pic from an upstairs window while a little girl is playing in your yard, a stranger could snap that same pic while one of your daycare girls is sitting on a bench at the zoo or getting out of your car
I get that you don't think buses are safe, but I think both of your reasons for thinking buses are unsafe are grossly misinformed.

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yes...and if licensing comes and there is an adult in the house that is not fingerprinted.. then you can be fined and possibly lose your license

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NOT directed at anyone in particular but I am completely confused about the point...

Is this thread about:

public transportation???
field trips???
providers who transport???
pedophiles???
traffic statistics???
programs that offer off-site activities???

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It's about how we can confuse BC......lol

Yes it's gone all over the place. Lol.

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Oh, our buses are the same

I have been riding them for more than half my life and have never encountered any sort of unsavory situation. I have had more issues grabbing a coffee at the local Starbucks than I have on a bus (I take the bus multiple times a week as we don't drive)!

To each's own!

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well you know I think we are all weird!

and now I have a headache!


I guess i am just too overprotective of my babies.

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Well it worked ....LOL!

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My child that is in public school calls his Dad to get him. His Dad can leave work and has a large break in the middle of the day that I do not.

My child would, again, be in the company of his Dad. I would have to be delayed or attempt to get ahold of that DCC's parent.

I would start calling all of the emergency contacts.

The one thing I AM nervous about is when I go into labor. Will the parents arrive in a timely fashion (30 minutes or less)....????

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This is the point I was trying to make early on before the thread got crazy!
I hope and pray that when you go into labor.. they will come right away but don't count on it! I was a high risk delivery.. I had toxemia and they did an emergency induction 4 weeks early and I had one parent calling my husband hourly telling him to leave me at the hospital and to come watch her kids!

So, just having a backup doesn't help at all. There are very inconsiderate ridiculous parents out there that don't care about you at all!

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That is a big concern of mine when it comes to "emergency situations" where parents just don't arrive in a timely manner. It actually creates a panicy feeling in me.

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Lol... Glad I could do something right today. Lol

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Please, where does it say that? I have never seen it in writing.

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http://dpss.lacounty.gov/dpss/childcare/provider.cfm


click on step 3

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Forgive me because I'm ESL but from what I got from that link is that anyone who lives in the home over 18 or anyone who will be in contact with the children.

Plumbers and what not would not fall in these catorgies. ?????

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I have a friend who actually had a parent come to the hospital when my friend was leaving with her new baby, and ask the provider if she could take the dck home with her because the dcp had no one else!

My friend actually did! She's still in business though 30 years later and going strong.

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I will look for a better link... I was told NO adult at all on the premises.
( unless they have been fingerprinted)

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WOW, when I first started I probably would have done that too.
I didn't close when I had my baby just the night of the emergency( I almost died that day and so did the baby) this mom knew this and she didn't care!
She wanted us... not our emergency backups!

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That may be a LA CTY thing, it's not state. I would ask for clarification in writing. Crystal posted the state regs.

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