Judy Salvagio cares for several children at her small world daycare in Sealy, Texas. On Wednesday afternoon, she received more than a few calls from anxious parents asking if she could accept a couple more children.
"Parents where calling, immediately, the first parent that called by one o'clock was in a major panic mode," said Salvagio.
In a panic because the caregivers they entrusted were arrested and charged with endangering their children. Marietta and Freddie Patek are accused of running an illegal daycare after a state childcare inspector discovered six infants locked in a shed.
"One of the first things they can do is they can go online and check it out with the state of Texas," said Salvagio.
The Texas department of Family and Protective Services lists all the licensed daycare facilities. The Paket's received their license in 2003. It restricts the number of children in their care to three. But investigators say they found 14 children in their home.
Parents also told investigators they were rarely allowed inside the home.
"Anyone that says you have to make an appointment well then that's a red flag right there," said Salvaggio.
Salvagio also recommends parents look for providers with a Child Development Association Credential. She says parents need ask lots of questions like: where does my child sleep, what is the daily routine, and what does my child eat. All are question that should be easily provided with a printed schedule listing activities and meals.
"I always recommend dropping in the center, don't even call just drop in and catch them off guard because you want to see how they are operating," said Salvaggio.
Because its what you don't see that matters most when you leave your child in the hand of a trusted caregiver.
"Parents where calling, immediately, the first parent that called by one o'clock was in a major panic mode," said Salvagio.
In a panic because the caregivers they entrusted were arrested and charged with endangering their children. Marietta and Freddie Patek are accused of running an illegal daycare after a state childcare inspector discovered six infants locked in a shed.
"One of the first things they can do is they can go online and check it out with the state of Texas," said Salvagio.
The Texas department of Family and Protective Services lists all the licensed daycare facilities. The Paket's received their license in 2003. It restricts the number of children in their care to three. But investigators say they found 14 children in their home.
Parents also told investigators they were rarely allowed inside the home.
"Anyone that says you have to make an appointment well then that's a red flag right there," said Salvaggio.
Salvagio also recommends parents look for providers with a Child Development Association Credential. She says parents need ask lots of questions like: where does my child sleep, what is the daily routine, and what does my child eat. All are question that should be easily provided with a printed schedule listing activities and meals.
"I always recommend dropping in the center, don't even call just drop in and catch them off guard because you want to see how they are operating," said Salvaggio.
Because its what you don't see that matters most when you leave your child in the hand of a trusted caregiver.
