Concerned About Mobility of Daycare Provider...

Under the American's With Disabilities Act (ADA), as long as she is able to perform the duties of the job, even with adjustments for the disability, i.e. using a chair to scoot, then they cannot fire hire for that disability. Implying that she cannot perform her job would be infringing on her health privacy which is against the law.... see the endless circle.

I do believe that it is okay to ask the director what they're emergency exit plan is for the room.

Ask your care provider for a copy of their emergency procedures - at our daycare center every parent gets a copy with the handbook...
It's good to know anyways, just in case...

I would and I would ask.
You are the parent and if you are concerned, then speak to them.
They are caring for children.
You as a parent, need to make sure that they can, do this.
And that their mobility... does not impede safety or supervision.
Any care provider, would explain this.

But if you are not comfortable with it, then you can opt to find another care taker.

And yes, anything can happen in 45 minutes. With or without children around.

I can appreciate your concern but I don't think you need to worry about this. As you said the other woman is physically able.

I personnally think you are well within your rights to ask the owner. Her disability itself is none of your business, but you have a right to know if she is capable of lifting a small child or escorting kids from a building quickly. The owner should have asked her certain questions related to the tasks of the job (e.g., you must be able to lift 30 pounds, etc.).

As far as worrying, I think it depends on the age of your child. A preschooler, yes, I would worry. I want an adult watching my child who can run after her if she dashes toward the street. An elementary aged child, probably less worried. It depends, in my case, my 7 year old woudl be the one in a fire helping the adult to get out. Which I respect about her, but obviously, I woudl just want her out. She's the one who needs being cared for.

I would ask what their plan is for such emergencies. You don't say how many children are there. In Oregon, there has to be a qualified adult for every 6 children. It could be that one person could get them safely out. It could be that the apparently disabled person could get up and walk in an emergency.

I would ask if they're licensed/certified by the state. The state does have specific requirements for safety issues. I might call the state and see if the provider has met their requirements. You needn't mention the name. Just ask what the requirements are.

Aww, Live Bold, you and I know that this is not about your foot, sweetie! This is not about a home daycare. This is about a woman who rarely moved and parents noticed it. She wasn't hurt, she wasn't disabled. She WAS lazy. Parents who took their kids out because of it, and a daycare director who replaced her because of it. I am not being judgmental. I will tell you that all the other teachers there moved plenty. I am always nice to you, commiserating with you over your problems and giving you caring advice. And you are striking out where you have no good reason to.

Original:
I know this sounds bad, but I have to say that I would find another situation. There was a woman who wouldn't move around in our daycare, and I felt that she didn't do ANYTHING to work with the kids except WATCH them. She wasn't disabled either.

I wondered if I was the only one who felt that way, but didn't say anything to anyone. There was another lady whose child was my son's age, and this child was the woman's favorite. I was surprised when this family was leaving for another center. I asked the mom why and she said "I don't want to pay this kind of money every week for someone to sit on her butt all day long and just look at my child." After she left, I went to the director and told her my what my feelings had been for a while, and what this lady said. She was taken aback, but it must have made an impression, because not 3 months later, she replaced her with someone who didn't sit around like that.

Anyway, I would not just be concerned over a fire. I'd be concerned with the overall issue.

Dawn

At my grandsons daycare...one of the teachers whispered to my daughter at dropoff time that the cook there had hepatitus...soon after that the cook was gone.Seems she had had it for awhile and they were trying to keep her on without alarming everybody...cause she was so well liked. I do believe businesses will cover for their employees cause they are "so well liked". Is there a home office or somewhere else you could call and stay anomonous?

I would find another provider. It is great a disabled person has a job, but she should not be allowed to work with kids who depend on her to exit in an emergency.

I can understand your concern. However, as you said this is a licensed facility and as such, I'm sure that they have addressed the situation.