Thursday, January 08, 2009

Accusations

Way back in September, there was a huge outbreak of ringworm in Audrey's class. Audrey never got it, but because of the outbreak, the school changed the policy, and if you were diagnosed with ringworm, you had to stay out of school for 48 hours (the State regulations actually say as long as it is being treated, you can go back to school). Audrey never got it at that time, so we assumed we were okay.

Flash forward to November/December (I can't remember exactly when). I drop Audrey off at school one day, and while she is washing her hands, I notice a suspicious looking spot on her arm. A parent freaks out, I take Audrey to the doctor, her pediatrician says it could be anything, gives us cream anyways, and I take her back to school.

To make a long story short, Audrey was not allowed back in school since the doctor's note said she was being treated as ringworm. In the end, it wasn't ringworm, the spot morphed into an eczema spot that Audrey gets (it was right in the crease of her elbow), and actually, it's still there. Ray called and discussed this a little heatedly with the owner of the school. Some not so nice things were said by the owner of the school (like Audrey would have been kicked out a long time ago in other facilities for her biting issues she had in the previous room). Ray explained he was just trying to understand the policies, and in the end, it was okay.

We moved on, forgot completely about it.

Until yesterday. I was at work, and the owner called me saying she needed to talk to me face-to-face, that Audrey was okay. She wouldn't tell me anything over the phone. So of course I go to the school. She begins to tell me that the Division of Child Services showed up the day before because of parent complained about a ringworm outbreak as well as one of the teacher's credentials.

I didn't get it at first, and then I understood - she wanted to know if I was the parent that called.

As calmly as I could, I told her that we did not call, I wouldn't have even known who to call, and I didn't even know what teacher she was talking about. I explained that if I had a problem, I would come to her.

She then wanted to know if I knew anyone who would have done this. She is on a witch hunt, which isn't good. The visit by the State showed they were doing above and beyond the State regulations, so I am not sure why she needs to know who ratted them out.

We really like the school, the teachers, the curriculum. I wouldn't dream of moving Audrey, but I was definitely shocked by the owner's accusations yesterday. Not a good way to end my day.

13 comments:

Wendy said...

WOW! That's crazy. In NH a child care provider could get into a lot of trouble for drilling a parent like that.

Lori said...

that is tough... but she could get in trouble for accusing you. as a parent you have a right to have any situation looked into by the state on an anonymous basis. As an owner I can understand why you'd want to know who did it, but at the same time you'd get in even more trouble if you tried to get that family out of your center because of it.

glad you got it straightened out ahead of time

AmyBow said...

And, what the heck?!, calling you and probably making you nervous and throwing your day off and making you come in? ARRGHHH. Day care is such a weird situation - you are their client, but they have all the control since they know how much you need and depend on them and how you don't want to uproot your child.

SJINCO said...

If they were following procedures and doing everything the right way, why should it matter who called and ratted them out? I would assume that the Division of Child Services showed up and found nothing wrong, and..... ?

I'd be upset that she made those accusations towards you, and would think that THAT could probably get them into some trouble. Keep us posted on how things turn out!

Sabrina said...

That was uncalled for, drilling a parent like that.

Frannie said...

that is a lot of drama for you! I can't believe that she called you in and thought you did that.

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

Holy crap! That's crazy! I cannot believe they would think you called, let alone ASK YOU!!

Hopefully it will all blow over soon.

slush said...

It was totally unacceptable for her to call you in and discuss this with you. What if you had called? It shouldnt matter.

Sorry for the drama. Thats awful.

bichonpawz said...

I agree with Rachel....that's just crap!! Even if she did suspect you, I can't believe she called you in and actually ASKED you! Hope the drama ends soon for you....it can be very stressful.

That Chick Over There said...

I think what she did was completely inappropriate.

Anonymous said...

What a load of hot, smelly garbage THAT is?! Seriously?!

Hopefully it all goes away and they get their act together and stop throwing accusations around.

Daisy said...

Very unprofessional of her to call and accuse you like that.

Pamela said...

me thinks she protests too much?