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JessDub 
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Joined: 29 February 2008
Location: Hamilton
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 Topic: Daycare caregiver
Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:28pm |
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Looking at DC options for DS I visited one local place that ticked all the boxes. However, it was a small DC and only 3 or 4 caregivers for the over twos. One of those caregivers was, I swear, morbidly obese. She was sitting on the floor surrounded (by her butt) and kids just doing crafty activities. Pleasant enough lady but I doubted her fitness to look after active children, especially in an emergency. She was breathless just from speaking to me.
I'd like to think I'm not discriminatory but her questionable physical ability put me off, especially in a DC situation. Was I too harsh do you think? Surely she wouldn't be employed if she couldn't do the job.
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Mrs_B
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Location: Hamilton
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:36pm |
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*Wonders what daycare it was....*
and yes personally I think you are being a bit harsh! How do you think all the bigger Mums manage??
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londonbaby
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:39pm |
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Yip I think you're being a bit harsh...
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MummyFreckle
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:51pm |
Dont presume that just because she is big that she cant cope or physically look after children. I think you are being a bit harsh and jumping to a conclusion based on your judgements of overweight people.
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tiptoes
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:55pm |
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She's probably great in other ways, like as you say she was doing crafts, so maybe she spends lots of time doing that kind of thing and reading stories etc... and the others might prefer/enjoy running around in the outdoor area. The carers probably have found ways that it works for them.
Maybe see if you can spend a morning there or something just to see how it works there? She can probably (maybe) do more than you think?
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Bizzy
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 1:57pm |
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if she was winded just from talking to you i would wonder too. could you maybe hang out at the centre a bit longer and see how actively involved with the kids she is?
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EmDee
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 2:00pm |
 JessDub wrote:
She was sitting on the floor surrounded (by her butt) ...
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I found this harsh and unnecessary.
JessDub wrote:
Surely she wouldn't be employed if she couldn't do the job. |
Exactly.
You've got to do what you believe is best for you and your family, and (to a degree) I understand your concern especially in regards to her ability to respond quickly in an emergency. If it is such a concern for you then I'd suggest looking at another DC.
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DS 8
DD 6
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DD 2
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jazzy
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 2:20pm |
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You are discriminatory & very judgemental..I mean going on about the size of someone butt, come on. If you are going to judge her do it for the way she is with the children cause that's the important issue....isn't it???
As for the ratio of staff to children you will have to ask what size role they have & the legal requirements & if they don't met ALL the legal requirements then don't put your child in that centre.
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kellie
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 3:46pm |
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A rather tactless way of putting it, but I see the point you are trying to make. Maybe if she was the only caregiver (like in a home based care situation) it might be a cause for concern, but I personally wouldn't be to worried.
Edited by kellie
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J&Ls mum
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 8:17pm |
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Are you serious?? That is so rude and offensive!
I'm gobsmacked!
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J - born 26th April 2008
and
L - born 3rd Sept 2010
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.Mel
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 8:28pm |
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I don't think you should be focusing on what she looks like! You should be looking at how she is with the children.. do they interact with her, does she interact with them, THAT is what is important not someones body shape!
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pudgy
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 8:40pm |
.Mel wrote:
I don't think you should be focusing on what she looks like! You should be looking at how she is with the children.. do they interact with her, does she interact with them, THAT is what is important not someones body shape!
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I disagree. If that persons body shape/weight is going to affect their ability to care properly for children then it is something to be concerned about. The fact she was breathless is of concern. I agree with Bizzy, stay for a session and watch.
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Raspberryjam
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 9:02pm |
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rather rough of putting it hun, but I agree with you - Id be concerned about her ability to act in an emergency situation - especially if there are times where she is the only one outside with them or taking a group alone - however I also agree othe comments should observe her interaction with the kids - she may be amazing
I think there is a difference between being a big mum and being a big care giver - you should choose a vocation to which your assests are put to the best use - clearly being morbidly obese and chasing 4 year olds isnt a natural skill - Im 70 kg and my kids are exhausting!
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http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Febgirl
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 9:09pm |
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Just curious - what sort of emergencies do you think she wouldn't be able to handle?
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Two little girls under 2!
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Raspberryjam
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 9:13pm |
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My thought was do you think she is capable of CPR
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http://lilypie.com]
http://lilypie.com]
http://lilypie.com]
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pudgy
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Posted: 07 April 2011 at 9:37pm |
Febgirl wrote:
Just curious - what sort of emergencies do you think she wouldn't be able to handle? |
What if a child managed to escape ? I'm pretty fit but my 3 year old has nearly gotten away a few times.
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MissCandice
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Posted: 08 April 2011 at 10:05am |
pudgy wrote:
Febgirl wrote:
Just curious - what sort of emergencies do you think she wouldn't be able to handle? |
What if a child managed to escape ? I'm pretty fit but my 3 year old has nearly gotten away a few times. |
To be honest, right now my thoughts would be earthquake. That is because of where i am, but if she needed to jump up and run with a couple kids, could she do that?
While i wouldnt have put it quite the way OP put it, i would be worried if she was out of breath just talking.
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~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~
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jazzy
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Posted: 08 April 2011 at 10:46am |
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I would ask the centre if all staff hold first aid qualifications? I had to when I worked in one.
As for chasing run away kids if the centre is set up properly then that would not be an issue & on the off chance a child did, not all staff will leave the centre...maybe ask them how many escapes they have had.
I do find it a bit odd that she was breathless talking to you while sitting on the floor...it was not that she felt uncomfortable by you & felt you judging her?
I am picky of where & who my child stays with but not on size, colour or looks but on capability, approachability, methods & if my child gets on with them.
Maybe you should look elsewhere & get somewhere that has the whole package after all you are leaving your child somewhere so you have to be happy where they are.
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JessDub
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Posted: 08 April 2011 at 11:19am |
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Fair enough on the comments. Weight is always going to be a sensitive topic. A person's weight is none of my business ordinarily but if a) you are going to be responsible for looking after my child and b) I'm paying for the service, then yes, your potential health is my concern.
I'm finding it hard enough at 25 weeks pregnant to keep up with my toddler, let alone chasing 6 or 7 kids (whatever the ratio of caregiver to child is). You have to be fit for the job. The breathlessness made an impression on me, even if I did scare it out of her (?!)
Point is moot anyway, we went with another DC.
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Daycare caregiver
