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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Not My Business, BUT....
rmc20021 09:18 PM 05-16-2013
I know it's really not my business...yet it is. I just checked CL as I was going to renew my ad and saw a local ad for a 31 yo mom who has decided to stay home with her kids and start her own daycare and she went on to say she is in the process of buying more toys etc. And she is going to be providing care 24/7.

Never mentioned ANYTHING about being licensed...which is a state requirement. It just infuriates me that people think it is ok to 'open' daycares in their homes in states where it is illegal to do so and think they can just go about running a business without having to follow the same guidelines as the ones who have to fork out money and take training and be under the scrutiny of the licensing laws.

In states where it is legal to do so, that's different, but when there is a law that states otherwise, why do these people think it's ok to break the laws and be allowed to care for children.

And this isn't about who can provide better care, licensed or unlicensed...it's about the LAW and people willing to break the law. If they break the law in this area, what other ways are they willing to break the laws?
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daycare 09:37 PM 05-16-2013
I see it everyday on CL. A lot of people don't know the laws, but I hate it too. Especially when you see an add for 24 day care 7 days a week $100. When the going rate in our area is about $250 a week for 5 days less than 10 hours.

I just let it be. I never want to get into anyone business because I don't want them in mine. I feel that in time they will be founded out.

I have emailed a few and offered to help them, but I get no response.

It stinks but it's not my job to report it.
Now if I knew for certain that something bad was taking place there I would report it in a heartbeat.
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californiacaregiver 10:25 PM 05-16-2013
I've provided both types of care (unlicensed 1 family mind you). Bottom line in selecting an option comes to price for parents(15 yrs exp).

The sad thing about unlicensed,,,they do not have guidelines, restrictions or supervision.

It cost me 5k to get my to get my home in order for licensing this past year, plus we did most of the work ourselves to save $$.

I have my own infant again, and the only thing that is annoying (to me) is poisonous plants. I have some in my front yard, I didn't realize were bad... until recently... plus licensing walked right past them upon initial inspection.

We have dogs, cats, a pool... our neighbors have pools, we have a second story... etc.

We can try to help protect other children...but in the long run it comes down to the licensing agency to look into it. I have & will continue to report locations that violate the law... because we (Providers) are Mandated Reporters and if you don't your just as bad... if the agency doesn't look into it... who really carries the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Sorry to be rude, but... would of, could of, should of... could of changed allot in society (look at all the junk on the news people had funny feelings about & didn't say anything)
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MsLaura529 04:05 AM 05-17-2013
Yeah, it's irks me some too. I see it all the time, and here in MI it is also illegal to watch kids in your home (unless they are blood related). And then there ads pop up for "Stay at home mom wanting to watch your kids for $20 a day" ... that hurts.
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CedarCreek 05:00 AM 05-17-2013
I see it constantly. I always flag the crud out of their post.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 05:48 AM 05-17-2013
I've actually gently assisted many SAHM's on local Facebook groups who announce that they will begin caring for 1-2 children soon. I make sure to comment with a link directly to my state's requirements (you don't have to be licensed, but you do have to make your intentions known to the state if you are caring/planing to care for 1-3 children on a regular basis) and let them know the options that the state provides them. It's a shame it isn't Facebook and you can't do that.
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Patches 05:48 AM 05-17-2013
Drives me crazy, too. I once saw an ad for a SAHM that literally lived down the street from me and she was charging about $75 LESS PER WEEK than me
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countrymom 05:51 AM 05-17-2013
happening here too. But lately its the ones that charge 20 dollars for a full day, or open 24/7 that are bugging me. If you are opened around the clock you need to charge tax to the parents.
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CedarCreek 05:55 AM 05-17-2013
My neighbor across the street recently started watching children illegally. I want to call and report her so bad but she would definitely know it was me.

Its sad because she sits out in the garage and chain smokes/plays on her computer while the small boy she watches runs around the yard and street often bare foot and shirtless. And the sa kids she watches literally run the neighborhood. Dh has almost hit them a few times with his car because they are recklessly running through the streets!

Disgusting.
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snbauser 06:19 AM 05-17-2013
Very common here. I see a ton of ads on CL all of the time.
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Blackcat31 06:28 AM 05-17-2013
It does seem to be a very common thing in most areas.

Sometimes people aren't aware of the state laws and aren't intentionally doing anything illegal. A lot of people simply aren't aware of what is considered babysitting and what is considered child care.

I doubt a majority of them are out to undercut licensed child cares. I am sure most of them are simply trying to put food on their own tables and stay afloat in these terribly frightening economic times.

Also a majority of them fizzle out soon after jumping in...they realize the hard work that providing care actually involves.

I try not to let it bother me because honestly, the parents that don't do their research and look for a legally run child care are probably not the clients I would want in my care anyways.

Just like the families who chose a child care based solely on price....not the type of families I wish to provide care to.
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LittleD 06:53 AM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
My neighbor across the street recently started watching children illegally. I want to call and report her so bad but she would definitely know it was me.

Its sad because she sits out in the garage and chain smokes/plays on her computer while the small boy she watches runs around the yard and street often bare foot and shirtless. And the sa kids she watches literally run the neighborhood. Dh has almost hit them a few times with his car because they are recklessly running through the streets!

Disgusting.
If they are all over like that, I don't see why she would think it was you who called. It could e anyone one of your neighbors as far as she's concerned. I'd call.
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CedarCreek 07:07 AM 05-17-2013
I'm just not willing to risk it. These are the same people who's children egged my house after our kids got into a fight once and then another time took a baseball bat to my street lamp after I told them to get their trash out of my yard when they were throwing a drunken party one night.

We aren't on good terms.
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youretooloud 07:13 AM 05-17-2013
It's legal to do unlicensed care her.

But, I get what you are saying. Why should all of you go through the trouble and work, and harassment to do it right, while others just happily ride your coat tails?
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melilley 11:25 AM 05-17-2013
It drives me nuts too! I am in MI also and have spent a lot of time and money to get licensed and then see all these ads from the SAHM's and other people. One lady actually made a post on CL telling parents how it is illegal and they need to find a licensed provider and to put Licensed in your title line if you are. Of course I think it was flagged. And there were actually heated posts between one of the licensed providers and this unlicensed provider through CL and I just wanted to chime in, but didn't. I'm not saying an unlicensed provider couldn't provide the same quality care that I provide, but bottom line, it is ILLEGAL here to provide care in your home to any unrelated children without being licensed, for more than 4 weeks per year. I wish the state had money to investigate. I want to email these people so badly and tell them that it's illegal, but it would take all day, every day...lol

But with that said, I wonder how many of these people actually know the law?
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rmc20021 11:58 AM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by MsLaura529:
Yeah, it's irks me some too. I see it all the time, and here in MI it is also illegal to watch kids in your home (unless they are blood related). And then there ads pop up for "Stay at home mom wanting to watch your kids for $20 a day" ... that hurts.
Yeah...I'm in MI also. I'm in the SW part, how about you?
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bunnyslippers 12:00 PM 05-17-2013
In my state, the licensors pretty religiously check CL and show up at unlicensed homes.
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MrsSteinel'sHouse 12:10 PM 05-17-2013
If it is illegal there I would report it. I think that if your watching more than one families kidlets you should have to be regulated at some point to be a business and to take deductions on taxes. I don't have an ideal system for that other than licensing. I know that their are a lot of unlicensed here and I am not trying to start a controversy. But I do believe their should be a minimal standard, at least a registry so if there are issues there is some recourse.
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Blackcat31 12:12 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
If it is illegal there I would report it. I think that if your watching more than one families kidlets you should have to be regulated at some point to be a business and to take deductions on taxes. I don't have an ideal system for that other than licensing. I know that their are a lot of unlicensed here and I am not trying to start a controversy. But I do believe their should be a minimal standard, at least a registry so if there are issues there is some recourse.
I think that is the main goal of the QRIS process that is happening across the country.

I think that by 2015 or 2018 (I can't remember what I read now) ALL states will have a minimum NATIONAL standard that ALL child care providers will need to follow.
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countrymom 12:18 PM 05-17-2013
I got one for you. this was last weeks.

there was a lady looking for more kids. In ontario you can only have 5 unrelated kids per day. this lady also mentioned that she had 2 full time helpers everyday. Now if min. wage is 10 per hour. how much money do you think she was making. She had to have alot more kids. I wish I could go around and spy on some of these people.
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littlemissmuffet 12:18 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
I'm just not willing to risk it. These are the same people who's children egged my house after our kids got into a fight once and then another time took a baseball bat to my street lamp after I told them to get their trash out of my yard when they were throwing a drunken party one night.

We aren't on good terms.
Sounds like these kids could be in danger... running around in the street - your hubby almost ran them over... more than once?

Someone is eventually going to report her, and she's going to assume it was you anyways - so I really do think it is your place to report her.

What if one of these poor kids do get hit by a car?

If she retaliates, get the police involved.
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littlemissmuffet 12:20 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by countrymom:
I got one for you. this was last weeks.

there was a lady looking for more kids. In ontario you can only have 5 unrelated kids per day. this lady also mentioned that she had 2 full time helpers everyday. Now if min. wage is 10 per hour. how much money do you think she was making. She had to have alot more kids. I wish I could go around and spy on some of these people.
Could her helpers be family?

My hubby is my part time assistant (well, full time now that he's on parental leave) and I don't pay him!
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CedarCreek 12:55 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
Sounds like these kids could be in danger... running around in the street - your hubby almost ran them over... more than once?

Someone is eventually going to report her, and she's going to assume it was you anyways - so I really do think it is your place to report her.

What if one of these poor kids do get hit by a car?

If she retaliates, get the police involved.
The police have been involved between us before.

Should I report her? Yeah.

Am I going to? No.

I'm not going to risk my home being vandalized again because these parents are choosing to use an illegal provider.
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CedarCreek 02:30 PM 05-17-2013
Ok, I take it all back!

I just called.

Dh and I just witnessed her leave with an infant in her car and then we realized she left 3 toddlers with her 10 year old!! They came out into the driveway to play.

Then, his 7 year old sister got off of the bus with our other neighbor girl and they went inside!

Finally, she came back with another school aged child.
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Familycare71 03:45 PM 05-17-2013
WOW!!! So glad you called!!! I can't imagine that the parents of those kids know what is happening! That is also a CPS issue!!
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Patches 04:00 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:354936:
Ok, I take it all back!

I just called.

Dh and I just witnessed her leave with an infant in her car and then we realized she left 3 toddlers with her 10 year old!! They came out into the driveway to play.

Then, his 7 year old sister got off of the bus with our other neighbor girl and they went inside!

Finally, she came back with another school aged child.
Wow! crazy! Who does that?!
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CedarCreek 04:06 PM 05-17-2013
My licensor didn't answer, i'm sure she is gone for the day. But i'm hoping she will get my message and call me on Monday.

After I posted, yet another neighbor girl went over there to play with the ladies daughter. Not too long after that, I saw the lady yelling at the little girl and then she lightly slapped her in the face!

I swear, i'm not making this up!

I know the lady is really good friends with that girls Mom but still..Jesus.
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Unregistered 04:42 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by rmc20021:
I know it's really not my business...yet it is. I just checked CL as I was going to renew my ad and saw a local ad for a 31 yo mom who has decided to stay home with her kids and start her own daycare and she went on to say she is in the process of buying more toys etc. And she is going to be providing care 24/7.

Never mentioned ANYTHING about being licensed...which is a state requirement. It just infuriates me that people think it is ok to 'open' daycares in their homes in states where it is illegal to do so and think they can just go about running a business without having to follow the same guidelines as the ones who have to fork out money and take training and be under the scrutiny of the licensing laws.

In states where it is legal to do so, that's different, but when there is a law that states otherwise, why do these people think it's ok to break the laws and be allowed to care for children.

And this isn't about who can provide better care, licensed or unlicensed...it's about the LAW and people willing to break the law. If they break the law in this area, what other ways are they willing to break the laws?
I NEVER advertised that I was licensed or not licensed. Why? Because many parents here think "licensed" means expensive. So I just didn't tell them I was. Now, when they got to the point of interviewing/pricing, THEN and only then did I tell them BTW I'm licensed. lol I don't think a CL ad really proves anything. What you have seen her do in action may have more weight. Especially with what you posted about her leaving the baby in the car, stuff that is more safety concerning.
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NeedaVaca 06:28 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by rmc20021:
I know it's really not my business...yet it is. I just checked CL as I was going to renew my ad and saw a local ad for a 31 yo mom who has decided to stay home with her kids and start her own daycare and she went on to say she is in the process of buying more toys etc. And she is going to be providing care 24/7.

Never mentioned ANYTHING about being licensed...which is a state requirement. It just infuriates me that people think it is ok to 'open' daycares in their homes in states where it is illegal to do so and think they can just go about running a business without having to follow the same guidelines as the ones who have to fork out money and take training and be under the scrutiny of the licensing laws.

In states where it is legal to do so, that's different, but when there is a law that states otherwise, why do these people think it's ok to break the laws and be allowed to care for children.

And this isn't about who can provide better care, licensed or unlicensed...it's about the LAW and people willing to break the law. If they break the law in this area, what other ways are they willing to break the laws?
It is possible that since it's a state requirement where you live they don't say they are licensed because they think it should be a given?
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Scout 06:38 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Ok, I take it all back!

I just called.

Dh and I just witnessed her leave with an infant in her car and then we realized she left 3 toddlers with her 10 year old!! They came out into the driveway to play.

Then, his 7 year old sister got off of the bus with our other neighbor girl and they went inside!

Finally, she came back with another school aged child.

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Preschool/daycare teacher 06:39 PM 05-17-2013
In my state it is legal to have an unlicensed daycare with up to 5 children, but it really bothers me that so many providers have a lot more than 5 children and still do it unlicensed. I know one lady in particular who has an unlicensed daycare. I wanted some advice, so I e-mailed her (I knew her before I even knew she ran a daycare, so thought someone I know already would be a good on to answer my questions). Instead of giving advice she got all defensive and said she's never had anyone question her daycare and that she has police officers children there and it's fine, etc etc. Well I soon found out why she got so defensive when I wasn't even questioning her (like I said all I wanted was advice). She told me she has 8 children ages 10 months to 4 years old on her busiest days of the week, plus "several" school age children after school. I also know she has three of her own school age children. I was floored. How can she get by with THAT many children everyday and not be licensed? It's like everyone just looks the other way. She said, "the parents all know I'm not licensed, but they're okay with it. I even have a county police officer's child, a state police officer's child, and a child of a CPS agent, and they don't care either, so I know it's okay". I wanted to say, "That doesn't make it legal!" But I kept my mouth closed.
So instead of answering any of my questions, she just went off and was all denfensive, and then when I assured her the purpose of my writing to her was NOT to question her, she started bragging about how many children she has and how busy she is, etc.
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Happy Hearts 09:08 PM 05-17-2013
I have reported two illegal daycares. As far as I know, one of them was shut down the next day. Not sure of the other one. I had no problem, guilt, fear, qualms or anxiety AT ALL about reporting them.
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missjenny 10:37 PM 05-17-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I NEVER advertised that I was licensed or not licensed. Why? Because many parents here think "licensed" means expensive. So I just didn't tell them I was. Now, when they got to the point of interviewing/pricing, THEN and only then did I tell them BTW I'm licensed. lol I don't think a CL ad really proves anything.
In my state it is illegal to advertise unless you have a license and you must put your license number in the Ad. Though I don't think they really enforce it in my area. At least it doesn't seem like it.

What bothers me is that in my area I see a lot of SAHMs charging like 15 to 20 a day. And some teenagers (also 15 to 20 a day) too saying they will watch kids in their home due to transportation issues. When I baby sat I charged 8$ an hour and I followed the rules which meant not watching the children of more then one family in my home. And when I had transportation issues I rode a bike.
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