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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Hell of American Day Care
An investigation into the barely regulated, unsafe business of looking after our children
BY JONATHAN COHN
It was 5:30 in the morning when Kenya Mire looked down at her baby girl, Kendyll, who was curled up tight on a foldaway crib. Night, night, Kendyll had just murmured in her quiet, serious way. At 20 months, she was picking up all sorts of words, like baby, the name of the doll she kept nearby, and Bryce, the name of her big brother. She hadnt slept much that night, and Mire thought about calling in late to work so Kendyll could get more rest. But it was only Mires second day at a new job she badly needed, as a receptionist at a Houston oil company. Mire, who was 30, with an open face and wide smile, was intent on making a good impression. The best she could do was give Kendyll an extra hour to nap and prepare some warm milk for her breakfast.
When Kendyll got up, Mire dressed her in a purple shirt that matched her ownpurple was Kendylls favorite colorand put a pair of purple-striped stretch pants in her backpack. It was a challenge to get Kendyll to sit still for the hour it took to unbraid and re-braid her dark hair, and on such a hectic morning, Mire didnt even try. At around 7 a.m., they got into the car and drove to Kendylls new day care.
The place was called Jackies Child Care, but there wasnt anyone named Jackie who worked there. The proprietor was Jessica Tata, an energetic 22-year-old registered with the state of Texas to look after children in the wood-paneled house she rented on a quiet, middle-class street. Her regulars included Elias, a chunky 16-month-old with a bowlegged walk, and 19-month-old Elizabeth, who always jumped into her moms lap when it was time to drop her off. As Mire walked back to her car that warm February morning in 2011, she noticed Kendyll hovering at the entrancea little sleepy, a little curious, gazing at the scene inside. Mire felt uneasy about leaving, especially since it was only Kendylls second day there and she didnt know Tata that well. Shortly after, she called Tata to check in, and Tata reassured her that Kendyll was doing just fine.
Just after lunch, Mires cell phone lit up. The number was Tatas, but she didnt recognize the voice. Theres been a fire, a woman said. Theyve taken all the kids to the hospital, for smoke, as a precaution. Mire tried not to panic; she clutched at the word precaution. Her phone buzzed again, this time with a text message from a friend: What day care did you say Kendyll goes to? Mire called the friend, who was watching live TV coverage of a burning Houston day care. Black smoke was billowing from windows and holes in the roof; firemen were running out of the house, cradling limp babies in their arms. One little girl had braided hair and a purple shirt, her friend told her. She looked like Kendyll. Mire ran to her car. I cant panic, she kept telling herself as she drove through heavy traffic and later past ambulances and fire engines. I just have to get there.
more
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/112892/hell-american-day-care#
Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)Only one player in this whole affair that is not a victim, Kenya's employer.
CrispyQ
(36,461 posts)And we, as a nation, claim that we care for our children. What a tragic story.
I believe government should provide these things, free of charge, to all citizens:
three hots & a cot
health care
child/elder care
education through college
kiva
(4,373 posts)sounds like basic human rights to me.
I do disagree with the presumption that home day care providers need more than a high school education, since I've known several people who do an excellent job with no college. I think that basic first aid courses, plus any safety courses that apply to that environment (water safety, etc.) are necessary, but not a degree.
sadbear
(4,340 posts)However, it is true that we, as a society, don't really give a shit about other peoples' kids.