Childcare Questions - Columbus,OH

That is exactly why I have always used a licensed daycare center. The ratio in Ohio for a homecare provider is 1:6 (including their own children) children under 6 of which no more than 3 may be under 2 years old. There is no way she is providing adequate care for that many kids. The ratio for infant care for a center is 1:5 - much much better than what you have. And no way in the world would I want either my infant cared for by a 9 year old, or my nine year old expected to watch an infant.

I think you've already answered your own question. I don't know any good parent that would keep their child in a place like that, with that type of caretaker.

You might want to check on the laws in your state regarding unlicensed childcare. I am no expert, but it sounds like she's breaking the law, here and is way over ratio. If you are aware of an unfit caretaker/home daycare, it's your duty to report it. I really hope nothing else happens to those poor kids.

Hi, I'm a quality in-home provider for over 21 years. I was licensed for about 11 of those years so am very familiar with the regulations. It is LEGAL to operate a family child care home here in Ohio without a license, however you still have to follow the STATE child care laws which states you may not have more than 6 children in care at one time which includes your own children under the age of 6. No more than 3 of these may be under the age of 2. I'm constantly amazed when I interview with families the number of providers who care for way too many kids, not just because I know it's illegal but because I KNOW absolutely that with that many children at one time, NO ONE is getting enough attention. It's impossible. Now she may just be a 'babysitter' (as you call her) who provides only the basics and therefore may have a bit more 'time' to tend to the kids, but I'm a Child Care Provider and plan scheduled activities and nutritious meals, etc. As well as forms for the parents of my infants that outline specifically what their baby is eating, how much, and when.

One of my first thoughts after reading your letter is that some of what you are going by is 2nd hand information which may or may not be true.

I would NEVER EVER go outside to mow while caring for kids even if they were all sleeping. That's crazy.

I can also tell you that she IS probably propping your daughter's bottles.

This is a no-brainer. You have to find new care. Please look for a Provider and not a babysitter. He/she does not have to be license but should provide quality care. And yes I know it's extremely difficult to find that. But IMO you are putting your child at risk if you do not.

Also please drop in unannounced at an odd hour, I have the feeling you are not going to like what you find.

I'm trying not to sound mean but how many red flags do you need??? That woman is probably taking in as many as she can just for the money. I wouldn't take my pet rock to this woman to watch!!!! I would bet she doesn't even have a permit to watch children!!!

And she's mowing the grass while the children are "NAPPING"???? Are you kidding me???? And she puts your daughter in the bathroom with the exhaust fan on???? Seriously???? She's putting her in there so she doesn't hear her cry!!!!

YOU NEED TO WAKE UP!!! This whole scenario just angers me something awful!!!! Your priority is your daughter!!!!

TAKE THE TIME AND FIND A NEW BABYSITTER!!!!

EK! Pull your daughter out IMMEDIATELY!! This sitter should be reported. I personally wouldn't even risk having her there while I search for someone else, I would pull my daughter out and suffer through while searching for someone else. The time off work while you search for a new sitter is more than worth it.
ALWAYS trust your instincts, the fact you're asking means you know what you have to do, so do it asap!

You need to get a new sitter.

If you have flexibility in your schedule you could also do some unannounced drop-ins so you could see first hand what is going on.

She may have some extra kids in the summer to help out neighbors or family.

Hi M.,
I know finding childcare is very time consuming, but you need a new sitter/daycare provider asap! Young children shouldn’t really be mixed with older children and the ration for daycares for children that young (your kid) is 1/7 I believe.
The fact that he lost 2 kids, she has her 9 yro daughter babysit and that she sleeps on her bathroom, which can be very unsanitary, is very unsettling. I urge you to find a new sitter for your daughter, especially considering she’s the youngest one and the one that needs more attention.
Maybe you can get together with one or 2 of the moms with the younger children and see if you can all pitch in to get a new sitter if you’re hesitant to go to a daycare.
Good luck!

The baby sitter's situation doesn't seem out of line, but it's not ideal, either. I don't think she's breaking any laws, but she's also not able to give your baby the attention you want her to have. Your daughter isn't being abused, so take your time & start calmly looking for a new sitter. Interview them well.

Good luck!

I do casual care from home, and at times I will have between nine and eleven kids. I will never have more than one infant or more than one toddler at a time. All the kids over the age of four pretty much care for themselves, and the older ones (9&10yo) will help with the younger ones. I do not have kids for full days so I don't have to feed them or give them naps. I wouldn't have a problem with a nine year old monitoring a sleeping baby for me. If she is having to feed two little ones, I can see how she might not be able to do it properly. If your baby is 6 months she will be holding her own bottle soon, but she will also be mobile soon, so if you think the sitter has her hands too full, then start looking for another. This is how large families operate. And it doesn't sound like the 9 year old is baby sitting, but acting like a baby monitor (let me know if the baby wakes up).

I agree with Kiki's answer. I had each of my sons in at-home daycares. The one in California was a little more chaotic than the one in Ohio, but I never felt the need to "confront" a babysitter. Even if what she is doing is legal (though I don't think it is--I think you need to be licensed if you have more than 6 kids in the home) it doesn't sound like it is the right match for you and your child.
If you feel as unsettled as you describe, this is not the person you want helping you raise your child.
I have been there. With my first child, I was so nervous about putting him in daycare, but I really wanted to work part time. There was a gap of a month or two between when we interviewed daycare providers and when he actually started going. We chose someone based on the interview, but by the time my son started going there, we found a lot had changed (as it sounds like has happened in your situation). We switched providers pretty early on. It just wasn't a good match, and we felt like if there was one thing she changed her story on, there could easily be 10 more.

I know you said it's hard to find daycare for the hours you need. I would keep looking. With the economy what it is, and people needing work, it actually should be easier to find good people. Have you considered a nanny? I have heard care.com and gonanny.com are good resources. It might provide both the flexibility and oversight you desire.

Good luck!
-Sarah