Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

I toured a daycare center a while back that I absolutely fell in love with and Ellie totally bonded with the teacher in the classroom she'd be in. Then as we're leaving we see a couple of the teachers smoking on the side of the building in the parking lot area. I have real issues with smoking (no offense to anyone who's addicted). I cannot stand it! And I know I'm a bit of freak but I even skeeve (sp?) people who smoke holding my baby b/c of the smell. Anyhow I asked the provider what do they do about this and she told me only 2 of her employees do and she has a strict policy that they are not allowed to do in front of the center (obviously not while they're working either) but they can do it on the side of the bldg on their lunch but that is the only break they get for it and they know to wash up afterwards, etc. She confessed legally she can't prohibit which makes perfect sense to me but I'm still bothered by it. I figure it must happen at all centers but for the most part I'd never know unless I happened to walk out like I did on their break. The two teachers who do are not in the waddler classroom that Ellie would be in, but one is in the 3 yr. old room that she'd be in after a year. WWYD?

Message edited 5/17/2007 11:23:03 AM.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Hmm, if they smoked outside of the workplace and it didn't affect their work, I wouldn't be so bothered.

If they smoked in the workplace, I would run a mile.

eta...I would be more offended that the classroom was called "Waddlers"

Message edited 5/17/2007 11:29:09 AM.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Posted by racheeeee

Hmm, if they smoked outside of the workplace and it didn't affect their work, I wouldn't be so bothered.

If they smoked in the workplace, I would run a mile.

eta...I would be more offended that the classroom was called "Waddlers"

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Posted by cloddy

Posted by racheeeee

Hmm, if they smoked outside of the workplace and it didn't affect their work, I wouldn't be so bothered.

If they smoked in the workplace, I would run a mile.

eta...I would be more offended that the classroom was called "Waddlers"

I thought it was cute!

Message edited 5/17/2007 11:48:34 AM.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

I would say that you're going to find the same problem at any daycare center.

I would consider staying at the center while she's in the class she's in now. WHen it's time for her to move up reevaluate. Turnover tends to be high at daycare centers. She may not even be there by then.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

I know it sounds awful but I am a preschool teacher and I smoke.

I NEVER smoke around the parents or children, in front of the school or when kids are being picked up or dropped off. I have one break, where I "hide" on the side of the building and have a quick smoke. As SOON as I come back in, I go to the bathroom, wash my hands and I ALWAYS spray myself with a body spray and chew a piece of gum.

I know its an AWFUL habit...and even worse when you work around children (and I have my own who I NEVER smoke around EVER!) BUT I take a lot of pride in what I do and I love my kids. I consider myself a very good teacher and daycare provider (I used to work with really young ones) and smoking does not get in the way of that at all.

I understand your concern..but..if they are wonderful providers and arent smoking anywhere near your children, I think I would be ok with it.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

If the teacher was in the infant room I would say something only b/c the second hand smoke that is on their clothing while holding the baby can affect a baby if they are breathing it in.

Don't stress too much 'cause maybe that teacher won't be there by the time your child is ready to move up.

It would disturb me too - and I quit when I was preggo and hate it now! GROSS !!

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Andrew started day care at 11 months and one of his infant room teachers smoked -- outside on a break on the side of the building. She was a great teacher and Andrew adored her, so while I didn't love the idea, she never overtly reeked of smoke.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

I dunno, that's hard, I think I might find another daycare. I hate smoking, it's discusting I wouldn't want someone handling my child that was just outside smoking.

At dd's first checkup at the ped. the doctor asked if anyone in the home smokes. I don't. Her dad smokes but not in my house, and he doesn't live here, he only comes to visit. I told the ped. this and he said tell the dad if he doesn't quit smoking he isn't allowed to hold the baby. Apparently the nicotene on their hands, body and clothing is not good for their lungs at all. I won't even let her ride in his car since he smokes in it.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

my SIL is watching my son 2 days when i go back to work and she smokes, their is nothing i can do besdies ask her not to smoke around the baby and to wash her hands (i think she'll smoke outside anyway, she wouldnt do it in the house with him there). She also has cats and i am SOO allergic, again not much i can do but change him as soon as i get him home

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Here are some articles about outside smokers and children


http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/shs.html

http://no-smoking.org/march04/03-09-04-2.html

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/1/29

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

That's a tough one. So many people smoke and she's right that you can't not hire them because they smoke so if you really love the place and feel like she would be well cared for I would just let it slide. She sounds on top of it as far as knowing they only get to do it once and making them wash up from it. As long as she didn't smell like smoke and I knew for sure she wasn't around second hand smoke I guess I could live with it for the peace of mind of having her in a place I loved.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

I understand how you feel. My MIL is a smoker and watches James a couple of days a week. It bothers me, but there's not much I can do about it.

Re: Daycare providers who smoke? What do/would you do?

Ok, Here is another one of my "It's ok to lie for the benefit of my child" moments.

Tell the director and the teachers that your daughter is allergic to smoke. She gets rashy/red eyes etc, so that anyone who handles her needs to wash their hands carefully after smoking.

I don't see how they could argue that.

Ava is in a room called "Twaddlers".

Good Luck