KNOW THE LAW WHEN CHOOSING A CHILDCARE OR PRESCHOOL

This post was inspired by some recent claims against a local preschool. I hope this post, along with the included link will help parents when looking for care for their children, and when questioning the practices of current child care providers.

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As a provider, I think it’s very important for parents to empower themselves with knowledge and find out exactly what the rules are for certified, registered, and exempt childcare/preschools. Beyond that, parents need to sit down and decide what is really important to them when it comes to finding care for their children.

This can be very difficult in Bend where the resources and available care is limited, however all parents need to realize that there are good options out there and you all are in control of, and should remain in control of how your children are treated and cared for as well as how you are treated by those caring for your children.

Things you need to know

Withholding food and water as a punishment is not allowed. Do I even need to explain why? When children are thirsty they absolutely should not be denied access to water.

For Certified caregivers:
No more than 3 1/2 hours between meals and snacks for children over 12 months! ( Every 2 to 2 ½ hours is much better).

Children less than 12 months of ages must be fed on his/her own feeding schedule!

Children may not be restrained. Unlike babies who need to be in a high chair, toddlers and up are able to sit in a chair at a table (child sized) on their own. While it may be frustrating when they get up and down at inappropriate times, it is completely developmentally inappropriate, arguably abusive, and illegal to restrain a child with ties, straps, buckles, or physical holds in regular childcare setting. Only specialized, therapeutic childcares or residential settings that are licensed and hired specifically trained staff may use these techniques. The bottom line is that this type of restraint can be traumatizing to children and is a fire hazard at the very least.

By law you are always allowed access to your children. No one, and I mean NO ONE can refuse to let you see or have contact with your child/ren at ANY time. Providers may ask you to work around naptime for coming and going to help the little ones sleep better (the quiet time is often needed) but they can’t keep you from picking your child up regardless.

I would also recommend that you drop in unannounced and check in on your child’s preschool/childcare. Take some time and listen to how they talk to and treat the kids:

• Do they use a respectful tone with the children?
• Do they get down on the child’s level to communicate?
• Do the children seem at ease around the teachers or afraid?

Consider it a HUGE red flag if your caregiver has a problem with you doing this.
While on occasion it is normal to pick your child up as or right before they need changing, if your child is ever left unchanged for more than a few minutes after vomiting, or having diarrhea, I would seriously reconsider the provider you have chosen. Children should be taken to the potty and changed at regular intervals throughout the day.

Please note that while these are rules that apply specifically to certified child care facilities – ALL high quality establishments should at the very least, adhere to these basic standards.

If you would like to know more about the rules and regulations for certified and registered family child care homes you can contact the Childcare Division of WorkSource Oregon Employment Department (www.childcareinoregon.org). They will actually send you the booklets of information for free! And if you have concerns or legitimate complaints call the local certifier.

Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. No childcare provider should have the ability to bully or intimidate you.