I'm not trying to be "that mom" but we went to LO's preschool open house tonight and something concerned me. As we were outside playing I noticed the fence only went around 3 sides of the play area and was open to the parking lot. The parking lot then goes out to a busy street. Busy street or not though this really concerns me. Kids are fast and it only takes seconds. There are also a lot of weirdos out there and I feel like anyone could walk right into the play area. I am debating if I should email the director with my concerns or just let it go. Am I being ridiculous for even worrying about something like this?
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That sounds crazy to me. I'd definitely ask the director! There was a daycare here we were considering, but I went online to see their state inspection reports, and a baby had been found sitting outside in a parking space. That was enough for us to rule them out. And I really don't consider myself "that mom" either!
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I would definitely be concerned about that. It doesn't seem like they should even be allowed to have a fence like that!
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That doesn't seem very safe
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What?! I would definitely be concerned and I'm not one who is easily phased!
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I would def be concerned!
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That's definitely not cool! I would be super concerned about that. I'm surprised that's even allowed.
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@abbydabbydoodlebug: I was trying to look up laws because it's a daycare as well but I'm struggling with what to search for.
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@Bao: I have no idea either. If it's a franchise, maybe you can find the quality assurance for the centers? I'm not sure how I'd find a law on that for the state, but I cannot fathom how that would be OK.
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@abbydabbydoodlebug: it's a public preschool but there's a daycare in it for before/after school and summer care.
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@Bao: I found this for Ohio and it clearly states that fencing is required. I'm not sure what state you're in though. Maybe you can search "law daycare fencing outdoor"for your state.
http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5101:2-12-14 -
Huh. And what is the point of a three-sided fence? I'd be concerned too.
As far as laws, are there laws about day care access control/having a door or gate that can be closed?
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@abbydabbydoodlebug: I'm in MI, I found stuff but nothing specifically about fences.
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@Bao: OK found this:
R 400.8170 Outdoor play area.(7) The outdoor play area shall be in a safe location.
(8) The outdoor play area shall be protected from hazards, when necessary, by a fence or natural barrier
that is at least 48 inches in height.https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/Child_Care_Center_Rules_419095_7.pdf This is a link to the pdf file I copied the above from.
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@Bao: I would definitely be concerned and bring it up to the director asap. I would be so paranoid!
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It doesn't say specifically all 4 sides need to be fenced, but I'd say that it's definitely not in a "safe"location or protected by hazards. Access to a moving car is a hazard!
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@abbydabbydoodlebug: I just read that one! Hmm...well I did email the director so I'll see what she says!
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@Bao: OK good luck. You're definitely not crazy to be worried about that. I wouldn't send my kid to a school that's not completely fenced. Kids are sneaky and way too quick to not have incidents. Have you tried looking up their cps reports?
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@abbydabbydoodlebug: briefly I didn't find anything so far.
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@Bao: Any update on a response from the director? I find it asinine that a daycare and preschool playground wouldn't be securely fenced all the way around! I'm curious to see what the director's response was....
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@Ree723: no response
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@Bao: My daycare has this too! It's actually a big pain for the teachers because they have to be very strict with the kids and how far they are allowed to go. But they've got all those kids listening so well it's not been a problem. They are getting a fourth fence this year. The teachers are excited!
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@Bao: I'd call the state department of licensing and ask them about it. I'm sure the site has been inspected so they must have signed off on it, but who knows whether it's just ok according to state laws, or whether the license is contingent on them fully fencing it by X date, or whatever. The licensing people should know for sure. And if this has somehow slipped under their radar, at least it will give them a reason to go back an take another look at it.
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Tbh I don't really care what the state rules are. That would make me very uncomfortable. Were you able to take a tour of the facilities before you signed her up?
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@Bao: still no response? This would really bother me. Especially as my child would totally run straight for the parking lot... It's hard with a lot of kids to always keep them all herded together, esp outside. Weird.
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@regberadaisy: it's the only preschool in our district. It's a really good school...outside of that, ugh!
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Surely that isn't legal.....it just seems too foolish
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@hellobeeboston: no response, assuming because of the holiday weekend but still.
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@Bao: is there another preschool you can send your LO to instead? We toured 3 before we selected one. Just curious, did you not notice during your original tour when you were selecting a preschool.
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@BandDmommy: I honestly did not even think about it when we went in March for the tour, DH took her out just for a minute because it was so cold out. There isn't any other preschools in our district, the co-op just closed this year. LO actually got a scholarship to go here so if we go somewhere out of the area it will add another few thousand to our plates. Obviously her safety is first but this school has been here for 30+ years I'm starting to feel like I must be the only crazy mom.
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@Bao: I would worry about safety and that would bother me. There is a good chance they may not do anything. Honestly I'd look for other options.
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@BandDmommy: it's either there or we pull her completely. We can't afford the other preschools around here.
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@Bao: Oh that's tough. I'd go with your gut.
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@BandDmommy: I'm definitely going to talk to the director more about this and not just let it go until I'm comfortable.
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My inlaws run a child development center in Michigan and I can try to ask about the fencing thing but what I do know is Michigan has a TON of rules and regulations about childcare and preschools. Like a ton. So I would be shocked if there wasn't something about fencing.
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@gingerbebe: there definitely is. When I chose a daycare (also in MI) I looked up the licensing report online. You can read the full report and inspection notes and I specifically relber them having to have the play area safely enclosed. Hell, they even had specific rules about what kind of ground covering you could have under playground equipment, there is no way a French that doesn't have 4 sides is okay!
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And we have a fence!
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@Bao: Yay! Glad you stuck to your guns and got this addressed.
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@mauxie: my SIL helped a bunch too!
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@Bao: Great update!
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41 comments