CFN – Heart of the Family, a 24 hour daycare facility licensed for up to 150 children has been shut down by order of the Director for the purposes of the Day Nurseries Act.
Friday officials shut down the facility with parents left with the weekend to find places for their tots.
Sexualized behaviors, lost children and other issues reported by CAS of SD&G. Playing and possibly ingesting cleaning fluid?
Sounds like some disgruntled former employee(s) had something to share.
List of what it will take to reopen.
Families of children that went to HOF have created a Facebook page. LINK License info LINK
Calls starting Friday night to HOF from CFN have not been returned as of press time.
Update:
Judy Rose, Executive Director of A Child’s Secret Garden Day Care sent in the following statement;
I’m sure it’s distressing to all of the family’s that have children at Heart of the Family. At the same time, especially with Cornwall’s history it’s good to see authorities examining a facility. Of course there’s a need for more childcare, not less; but vigilance should never be attacked. Our children are our future.
Mr Garcia, I would like to hope that my grandchild will be able to speak out or at least be able to describe an issue at a higher level of schooling, that is unless the child ingests cleaning fluid while unsupervised, the. Not so much.
As someone studying Early Childhood Education in Ottawa this is very upsetting. While I think we need to wait for more information before passing judgment I think we need to draw attention to what really matters.
Whether these accusations are proven true or not please don’t let this alter your perceptions of child care. I am someone who takes great pride in what I will be doing and I am here to stay not all Centre’s are bad! Most are a truly loving and caring atmosphere. ECE’s have come a long way in a short time and we do our best.
I think that this Centre is important to the city and hopefully they can get things turned around, possibly with new management and qualified ECE’s if necessary, and re-open to support our town.
@ck – My comments regarding Judy are based on personal experience, and again – never did I use the word “hearsay”.
@Anonymous-Jane – I used one of your comments as an example of how people twist words & turn a situation into something it’s not.
I’m the one being attacked here. I haven’t attacked anyone, safe for my comments regarding Judy. Just as I know nothing about your personal experiences, you know nothing of mine.
I very CLEARLY stated that I’m very sorry that children were injured or negatively impacted in ANY way. Trust me, I’m just the grandmother & if anything happened to my granddaughter while in the care of HOTF or any other daycare, there’d be hell to pay.
Every single one of us who are involved with HOTF are upset in some way. I’m NOT close-minded. Obviously something happened to warrant an investigation. Feeling bad for the staff members who worked their butts off to provide the kids with the best care possible doesn’t make me a horrible person. One of the staff members at HOTF cared for my son when he was a toddler. I can say without a shred of doubt that she’s amazing. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t be teaching the ECE program at St Lawrence college.
I sincerely apologize for anything I said that caused hurt feelings or made me seem insensitive to the pain of others. Emotions are running high all around & attacking each other isn’t going to solve anything.
I’d still appreciate more information regarding the police involvement & if our children were truly at risk, why weren’t we told????
To outSide\viewer:
Your statement: “So before every one goes listening to the garbage of some accusations by employees who were probably never suited to work in an environment like heart…”
Hmm… that is pretty presumptuous of you. I am a former employee and very qualified to work in such a setting- as are most of the former employees who also quit. We held ourselves to higher standards of practice and did not want to be involved or risk our good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. You are right in the fact that Heart does have some awesome ECEs.. however, you are missing the point that they have FEW ECEs due to the lack of proper management, which in turn creates the mess that is happening now.
I will say that you are also right in the fact that “what goes around comes around”… it’s coming around as we speak!
To Lori Harquail Roberts
With regards to your comment about how this daycare receiving city funding you state “any organization needs to follow a set of strict guidelines in order to receive funding”. Would these “strict guidelines” be in any way similar in nature to the strict guidelines found in the Ontario Day Nurseries Act, the same Act that the Ontario Ministry of Education has alleged that Director Chris Stephenson failed to follow?
Jamie I haven’t read all the comments but I wanted to say something to everyone that is very important because I went through hell on earth when my kids were with individual sitters who were recommended to me but were evil as can be.
One lady posted that kids will be kids – yes that is true but I want to bring something up to all of you and that is if a person sees a bruise or a bump on your child and you don’t know where that came from the CAS comes in and doesn’t leave you alone for at least 3 years even if you had nothing to do with any of that. My children were left in the heat and humidity out with the owners dog and in the freezing cold while I worked. I won’t go into much here but I went through hell having these two particular sitters caring for them. I had good sitters before them and I quit a good job with the federal government to stay home with them which was the most important. Go by your instincts and don’t repeat the sexual abuses that went on when Officer Perry Dunlop was investigating in Cornwall. Learn from what went on and still going on. I mean that folks Perry and his family went through hell on earth and learn from that. Find alternative people to look after your kids in the meantime and trustworthy and responsible people. Your kids are precious and you must protect them.
In response to ( Life is Good )….
I happen to have known the Stevenson ‘s for quite a few years
now and even attended the Harvest Church in the past and I
must say you are on the right track when it comes to the
finances {MODERATED} The Stevenson ‘s would {MODERATED} anyone who either questions them or goes against anything
that they say. I have had to deal with Chris in the past where her true colors came out and she certainly was not the meek mild Christian lady that she try’s to portray herself as….she was blunt and heartless. But a bigger question yet is how does a person with no professional credentials obtain this type of powerful position and public funding? Another inside job for the Cornwall “Insiders Club”? This is a question that Cornwall taxpayers should be asking their city council.
@ ConcernedTaxpayer – I would absolutely expect Chris Stephenson to adhere to any guidelines applicable to her/HOTF, and I would definitely expect her not to break the law. As more details are being made public, I can’t ignore the obvious. This woman obviously did something wrong. I can’t wait until the public & especially the families with children attending HOTF are told what really happened. I’m not prepared to condemn the entire establishment & every single employee without knowing all the facts. There are good people at HOTF. It isn’t fair to them. I just wish all these people who are only coming forward after the fact would have spoken up sooner. If I knew that ANY child was harmed in any way or at risk of being harmed, nothing would stop me from speaking the truth. Certainly not the threat of legal action by someone who apparently isn’t even qualified to be working at a daycare centre, let alone be running the whole show. Confidentiality agreements can easily be broken if you know for a fact that a person’s well being is at stake. It saddens me that some of you put your own self interest above those of helpless children.
I think what is getting over looked by some of the parents with their praise for the daycare and how much Chris helped them, is that this daycare was funded by the city to help everyone that needed it. Not to give the moon to some as she obvious did by the testimonies and treat the rest like garbage on the side of the road.
Chris used her religious background ,sadly to pass judgement on those parents who attended this daycare. And this is how she chose to treat the parents and children either with respect or not.
Ones she dubbed C.W.T (Cornwall White Trash ) she did not help out very much at all. She judged them negatively based on her churches moral compass. In fact she has had staff in the past stalk people’s Facebook pages in order to find out negative information about to them so they would lose their subsidies and have to leave their daycare.
As many parents know there are a lot of rules to keep ones subsidies. Some of the stipulations might be to stay in school, or stay gain fully employed or be living in a single income household. If she thought you were a C.W.T and she wanted you out she would look for anything she could to report to the city and have that person lose whatever little help they were receiving.
You people hiding behind your aliases seem to know quite a bit about this situation. Chris Stevenson, where the Stevensons live, what their children do for a living.
Now as for your conspiracy theories, you may as well be proving alien existence, and government schemes.
A simple bit of research would prove to show that although yes, Heart of the Family is owned by Harvest Church, it is a completely parallel organization. The church started this facility not force religion on anyone, but to fulfil a need in our city. Wow ! a church giving to the community …. profound.
As far as your {MODERATED} regarding misappropriation of funds, Any partitioner of Harvest church can assure you as to the pastors deliberate transparency of church funds and daycare alike. There is no more integrity than that of the Pastor of that church.
Now as for you anonymous commenter’s, you know why you got fired. This thread should not be your stage to release your held up emotions of a bad memory. Your current unemployment should not fuel your rage comments. Maybe there is somewhere else that will accept your considerably vast 2 year community college program, or whatever you think makes you “qualified“.
You know who you are. You know what you did. And yes, your turn will come.
J. Stuart… you are bang on! Good for you for speaking out!
Once again, bravo Mr Wisely, took the words right out my mouth! Cheers. As for Mr Janes father, dont believe everything you “read”! Its very easy to coherse young moms to tell false stories with the promise of riches! Aint that right,”ladies”!!!!!!!
I love how everyone is bickering back and forth. Some people arguing about how the daycare is awful, most of which never actually had children attending, and a bunch of ex employees. No offense, ex employees, regardless of whatever threats you may have received, if these allegations are true, you are ALL disgusting for not taking action sooner. So regardless of you leaving, I sure as heck wouldn’t trust ANY of you with my children. The other side of the coin being that you’re lying, which also makes you disgusting. So congratulations on being completely irresponsible people and keeping your self-interest above the safety of children.
And I love how you’re so sure all of this happened, and the many staff members who have children attending there haven’t said a thing, right? They don’t mind risking their kids when these allegations must be true. Yes, this makes complete sense. What a waste of breath. The daycare will reopen. Go cause drama somewhere else now.
Reality check? Do you have kids? If so you know how important an income is? Do you not realize that employees were being fired by Chris because they were speaking up…the rest of the employees didn’t know what to do until now…after support and knowledge everyone DID do the right thing by coming forward..didn’t they? Took some time but christena does whatever she had to to get what she wants..good or bad…so it took some time before everyone could really make sure those kids would be out of her care…out of harms way! Parents who are still supporting her did you read that? All of this was to protect YOUR children! Also all of those parents out they whose kids got hurt..you are all waiting for them to come forward…you will be waiting a while because they have no idea…the policy when I worked there was that everything had to be run by her and she would “tell” the parents…so did she? For all you know your child could have gone through something there that you have no idea…I’m not telling you to be happy the centre closed down…hopefully it reopens and under new management..just please be happy that precautions and actions are being taken so that your child’s “accident” isn’t the next one we all read about..
I’m just curious as to what education actually has to do with this? I do understand that having a diploma can be reassuring, but, would life experience not also be just as good? Now I’m in no way standing up for anyone here but just trying to see what a piece of paper(diploma) or formal training has to do with this? I have a friend of mine who is an ECE and some of the things she tells me that I’m doing “wrong” as a parent according to her “schooling” is just crazy. Personally unless you’ve had kids, raised them, and know what it takes to be a parent I don’t think a piece of paper or schooling can replace that experience or replicate it. …. Just asking a question, not looking for any confrontation but merely just another angle to look at it. Also, I am 100% all for things like this being investigated, that being said, as soon as something like this is brought up to the authorities attention, places like this HAVE to be shuit down until the investigation is over. So just because it has been closed down doesn’t mean that all of what has been accused is actually true.
Hmmmm …. Dear Former Employee,
If I translate correctly I perceive this incident to be regarding allegations questioning the safety of children attending Heart of the Family, yet I keep hearing about how the ED wronged you. I do not think that is the issue or the reason for the investigation(s). However it does make sense hearing all the complaining regarding the ED firing all of you. I mean ….. allegations need motive don’t they?
Lol. “I wanted to keep my income more than I wanted to protect children’s safety, even though Ministry officials would have supported my actions.” Self-preservation. Good job. I seriously hope you don’t work at any other daycare facility… Ever.
We didn’t keep our jobs…most of us left, we chose not to support that daycare and after doing our part found that there were people out there to help your kids…none of us former employees who left for that reason should feel guilty…as for those who got fired maybe it serving them as a form to get back at management but its all true…believe it or don’t believe it…just don’t continue to support management when you find out its true..and I hope in the end when you all realize just exactly how true it all is you realize how important it is to be involved in who takes care of your children…
Hey man! I only claimed that a retard can get an ECE certificate and that the Judy woman is full of mean-spirited hubris.
I worked there for about 7 months when they first opened. I reported them on several ocassions. Nothing was done. I quit. Obviously over the course of the years enough employees and parents had to complain to get something done about it. Nothing happens overnight and nothing happens when “one disgruntled ex employee” complains! Clearly the Ministry/CAS/Police needed to build up a case to have REASON to be able to suspended their license and shut them down temporarily. I wouldn’t necessarily use the term ‘abuse’ because I don’t believe anyone was purposely physically beating children, however, neglect is definitely an issue. Christina Stephenson does bully/threaten people. Some people handle it differently than others.
Ministry found just cause to suspend their license. When they get their crap together they can reopen. IT IS WHAT IT IS. I saw someone complaining about them shutting the daycare down on Friday evening because then the staff couldn’t do anything about it over the weekend… ever think that MAYBE they shut it down on a Friday to give parents the whole weekend to find alternate childcare for Monday?? Hmmmm…
Anyways, no sense in beating a dead horse. They will reopen eventually. Let’s be thankful that the Ministry/CAS/police are keeping our children’s safety and best interest in mind! Could you imagine if nothing was done and worse things happened in the future because it was overlooked!?!
Oh and for all the people who are judging former employees (quit or fired)…
When I called the Ministry today they asked me if I quit or if I was “let go”. Which in my opinion shouldn’t matter because several amazing ECEs were “let go” for no reason… simply because Christina didn’t like them- examples range from they questioned her about policies/procedures to being friends with a former employee on facebook. The list goes on. Obviously she wouldn’t admit to this though and would find other reasons to “let them go”… such as removing a child from a room without the teacher seeing and then writing them up if they didn’t notice fast enough. What a trickster she is! hahaha
Not funny.
I bet she isn’t laughing now.
Well the good old Catholic Church sold off a few churches, too the born again Christians…and schools too..great!
Now the new owners are showing their true colours eh?? Fancy houses and jobs for the wife.
The day care was a wonderful idea, and is much needed in this town, but should be run by professional people only!
My heart goes out to the families that have had no notice, and have had to look for care for their children elsewhere, as well as the staff that have lost employment.
This is starting to look like Tammy Faye Baker scene.
Religion and business are not nor ever have been a good mix.
People looking after children should be qualified.
If the Church wishes to use taxpayers $$ for subsidys to enhance there business they should have a board of directors that include other people other than there own on it.
if the parishoners are happy to give their tithe to support their pastor so be it… But the people that bring their children to what they think is a church run day care should be aware.
This is staring to look like a scandal, and I hope it will be resolved soon for everyone involved.
Facilities such as this,should be completly transparent.There should never be a time,when parents are not told of any incidents involving their children.I know of a child attending there for several years,and for several years hearing of the occurances of just this one child.I adivsed my young friend to take her child out of there.My friend was stuck.a hard working young mom,working shiftwork..not any sort ” trash” i assure you!! I told her thats not how people take care of children.
I think it’s awful that the employees who DID have the guts to report Chris’s wrongdoings were ignored. I keep reading “Let go for no reason… Was fired because I stood up to Chris… Chris didn’t like me, so she fired me…”
A person can’t be fired without just cause. Why didn’t the former employees report her to the Ministry of Labour??? If your human rights were violated, then why wasn’t she reported to the Human Rights Commission?! Like hell would I quietly walk away from my job because my boss didn’t like me. There are resources to help former employees who are acting as though they were helpless. If you were indeed mistreated by Chris Stephenson, then pick up the phone & contact the proper
I thought this would be a forum for people to band together to try & find solutions. People didn’t hesitate to attack me when they didn’t agree with my comments, but not one single person addressed my apology? Nobody answered ANY of my questions. You know… The people who seem to have an awful lot of info that the rest of us don’t have. No, the majority of you are just looking for a sh*t show. Sad…
I’d also like to add that as far as I know, my granddaughter was never exposed to anything that had to do with religion or had anyone else’s beliefs shoved down her throat. If that had been the case, her parents would’ve raised hell. I’d like to know where this information is coming from???
To all the former employees who didn’t come forward: last time I checked “duty to report” trumps any confidentiality agreement? Also, how many terminated employees actually admit they deserved to be fired? So yes, I’m happy the Ministry is making the distinction there since, it’s been my experience, that terminated employees rarely hold positive feelings for their former employer.
It’s one thing to say you quit because management was unpleasant but saying you did because kids were being mistreated and you didn’t agree. That’s pathetic! If it was so bad there I would be shouting it from the roof tops and no confidentiality agreement would stop me!
Also, I don’t believe for a second that other facilities in Cornwall have a ZERO serious occurrence rating and ive dealt with Judy in the past…very unpleasant to say the least.
@ Lori…you are right…people should be sticking together! You are right..many of us should have done something sooner…it’s probably something we all regret because the incidents just kept piling up even after everyone kept leaving that place! I do strongly think that by hiring inexperienced workers straight out of school and not knowing better is one reason employees weren’t aware of all te support they would of had. Also while I was working there, religion was never pushed on the children, but I don’t believe that Chris used her religious beliefs to judge families…many parents didn’t see it and were told “we are full!” Or “we will put you on the waiting list” and she never did..just discarded them because she wanted nothing to do with them! She plays the game f favouritism with everything and she had no problem discussing things like this with her favorit employees..
*** I Do believe that Chris used her religious views to judge families
@ Former Employee – If people were judged based on Chris’s religious beliefs, I’m NOT ok with that. I’m also definitely not ok with someone who’s supposed to be a professional & setting an example for her employees calling clients “white trash” (if she did… I don’t know either way)
Lori,
Have you ever been to the Ministry of Labour for a wrongful firing. Do you understand that it is a pain staking process that cost tens of thousands of dollars to complete sometimes. And what do these childcare providers make 20-30 grand a year. Also when the E.D has been accused of destroying documents do you not think that it would be hard to prove based on these facts. Another fact is that most of the staff who were aware of her wrong doings who tried to fix it, were very vocal and didn’t last more then 6 months because of it. So I am sure most lawyers would state in this scenario that the juice is not worth the squeeze. However if these investigation keep going forward and criminal charges are laid I am sure you will see several wrongful firing cases go against the E.D and some for bullying in the workplace. Did you know once a staff member was either let go or fired that the staff were told to remove them from Facebook and to be longer associated with them at all. This E.D acted awfully paranoid against former employees fired or not for someone who has been operating with integrity and has nothing to hide.
@2funny- There are several former employees who have reported incidents to the ministry since 2009. Thus proving that this was not the result of one employee. This is a good time to highlight the difference between a licensed ECE and someone who just watches your child for 8 hrs. A licensed ECE is not only trained to know what the guidelines are but they Must report incidents otherwise they risk their lively hood and a investigation themselves. The qualified ECE’s who remain at the HOTF have put themselves in a very bad situation by ignoring the E.D ways in order to keep their job.
Also the argument is not about other daycares in the city not ever having issues similar to this one. Its about being transparent which other professional centre are. They work with the ministry to fix their shortcomings, and not pick and chose which information they give to the ministry or the parents. The E.D at the HOTF treated the ministry and the CAS like the boggie man who were their only to shut them down instead of being their to help them succeed. If she would have been transparent and check her FALSE PRIDE at the door and listen to her staff that was educated and willing to help her. None of this would have happened.
@ 2funny…
As a matter of fact I did file with the Labour Board and there was a hearing in Ottawa and everything (as did several other employees). The problem is that it is my word against hers. There is no proof of the mistreatment. There was either no paperwork or ‘fudged’ paperwork to suit her needs. My hands were tied. Trust me, I tried. As did other people.
So before you go judging people know your facts!
People are so defensive and they know nothing either. Until you have walked in my shoes or know my whole story don’t preach to me what I should have done. I did what I could do. It was too big for just me.
I bet everyone who was fired from my workplace has a sob story about how we wronged them and fudged our paperwork to suit our needs. You must have lost your case lol which makes you even less credible to me
As for Chris, I totally agree that she failed to report and adhere to ministry standards..no argument there. Had she been vigillant and maintained proper reporting this situation might not be as it is. MOE doesn’t expect perfection but they will throw the book at you if you don’t comply. I am in agreement with everything that is being imposed on hotf and hope they are able to rebuild the community’s trust
J. Stuart! You are very well informed!
I completely agree with your comment: “This E.D acted awfully paranoid against former employees fired or not for someone who has been operating with integrity and has nothing to hide.”
I quit the centre (was not fired). And I was told that I was not allowed on the premises. Not even in the driveway. My nephew’s father listed me as an emergency contact but they would not allow that -a staff member was not even allowed to bring him out to me. Luckily, there were no emergencies and my nephew’s stay at the centre was short.
@2funny, you are right- I did lose. I had no proof. However, this does not make me less credible. I quit- was not fired. My point is that I practiced my ‘duty to report’ on many different levels.
But I also agree with you about what they have to do to reopen and hope they are able to become a well run facility for our community
I don’t understand why people in the same business have to be so backstabbing with one another. There is nothing to gain by this you are only hurting the family’s involved. I have not heard anything bad about Heart of the Family. Believe me my grandchildren or my nephews and niece wouldn’t be there. Daycares should be resourceful with one another. There are secrets behind other daycares that don’t get reported. I remember sending my oldest daughter to a daycare years ago that Judy ran, she was not a happy camper there with some problems that arose. I removed her from there and sent her to another daycare. My Grandmother always said “What comes around goes around and it will someday kick you in the BUTT.” Girls you are doing a great job, you have lots of support. Think positive and keep your heads up.
An investigation won’t hurt anyone besides the people doing the wrong..so we will all just have to wait and see..those of us speaking out know what we know…just like the ladies sitting in the office at heart of the family know what they know..
I believe the former employees. I’ve noticed them come and go over the years and I have endured some issues along the years that were questionable. Thinking I could trust this facility. I do believe it took many attempts from people who did report this facility prior to this shut down. This isn’t a one parent one disgruntled staff kind of situation. I have history there and I know and feel first hand that there was some secrecy. I wish I would have acted on my gut instincts sooner. 🙁 The pieces of this puzzle will fall into place and shame on the parents who stand behind this facility while there are parents first handedly saying something was wrong with the way issues were handled within this facility. It could have been your child affected. Althought maybe these parents were receiving specialized treatments because they came from good homes and not broken homes. I know of atleast one woman who was offered specialized services through Chris. So I can see how she has been manipulative and dishonest and my heart aches thinking of the kids and parents who are not open to the possibility of the truth behind this intervention.
Also I would like to state I am not fighting any cause for Judy or Chris I am fighting for awareness that these allegations are taking our children out of harms way. I do not stand behind Judy rose or even know who she is for that matter. I am saying parents be wary these allegations are more than likely very truthful. What more do you need? Parents and former employees did make complaints and that is why it is closed! The ministry didn’t just pull this out of thin air. I did notice many times kids wandering in the halls and my kid came home with signs of neglect on many occasions but I called and reported to Chris and apparently I spoke to the wrong person.
Anonymous Jane I will disagree with you on an issue. The parents are the victims here as are the children of whatever is officially discovered. They brought their children in good faith.
I think the silence of the HOF management is a bit ominous. From reading the notice on the doors there were issues and from what I read how they were dealt with is almost equal to the issue of the incidents happening.
Again, transparency and answers are needed. I can understand how dramatic this issue emotionally can be for some; but hacking at each other isn’t going to solve anything.
We have now called HOF three times including once to the home of the director. So far they have not responded. That says volumes too.
Just because it wasn’t your personal experience does not mean it should be disregarded. I’m surprised more parents are not concerned. Even if it wasn’t my child I would be wary and have come concern that some other child may have had a horrendous experience as no child deserves that regardless of if they were my blood or not. Compassion. Which was obviously lacking from this facility that we entrusted our children’s health and safety.
Mr. Admin,
Has their been any information found on how this centre obtained their licence and considerable funding from the city? I am concerned on the how the city doled out all this money to someone who had no experience in running any daycare let alone the biggest one this city has to offer. You think with the history this city has with its sponsored programs they would have been more diligent in this matter. Also not to mention this cities history with child abuse.
You are right in saying that it speaks volumes that the HOF have remained silent on this issue not just with you but the Freeholder did not have direct quote or statement either. It is one thing to defend oneself on a self made facebook page, and calling your supporters directly. But to defend oneself in a public forum where people will ask the tough follow up questions is another. You have provided a forum here for someone with integrity to defend themselves but all we hear from is parents with misinformation and half truths from the HOTF.
If you look on their Facebook page they are speculating that the centre will reopen soon. I am starting to believe even that is a lie to save face and keep support as long as they can. Because anyone who knows anything about the government, they move at a snails pace. And they have had many things outlined to them that CAS needs to approve first before they can be reopened and if people would read the list once again that you posted above those things need time. Just one of them is that the entire staff need to be trained for behaviour management, if parents think they have obtained that training in 4 days they should give their head a shake. Also they need to nominate a new director who is qualified, and that might be tricky. Because CAS knows how close nit this board is. It is entirely occupied by close friends and church members so the board really needs to be dismantled first before CAS can ensure that Chris is truly at arms length from the daycare before it reopens.
As a police officer, far from your city, I’m so glad professionals are investigating….innocent until proven guilty is our motto…if left up to you people, you would have executed the staff at this daycare, and burned it down….that was in the old west…you are a lynch mob…maybe most of you need to invest some of your time in getting a job and leave policing to the pro’s
Theodore Wisley (and others who haven’t read the Notice of Direction)
Please sir, stick to the Facts. The Ontario Ministry of Education clearly states in it’s Notice of Direction-
“Given the disregard for the proper management of the day nursery demonstrated by the Executive Director (Chris Stephenson), and the serious nature of the items listed in the Notice of Direction the operator confirms that the Executive Director (Chris Stephenson) of this program will not be present at the premises of Heart of the Family Childcare Centre at anytime when children are in attendance there.”
Disregard for proper management? Not allowed on the premises when children are present? While you sir continue to belittle past employees the Minister of Education has clearly placed the blame for this fiasco on the Executive Director, one Chris Stephenson.
No more passing the buck please.
@Mel – Thank you! Your post was bang on and a breath of fresh air! The most intelligent post on this topic by far!!!
@JStuart – The moderator obviously didn’t like my last response to you, so I’ll reword it.
You seem to be very quick to shoot down anything I have to say. Why not stick to the facts instead of playing the “one up” game? To answer your question, no I’ve never had to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour, BUT if I had to, I would in a heartbeat! If so many former employees are making the same claims, surely the MOL would take that into consideration & I don’t know if you’re referring to legal fees when you stated that “cost tens of thousands to complete sometimes…” I do know that there are plenty of lawyers who do pro bono work & there’s also Legal Aid. I just find it extremely disturbing that former employees are coming forward AFTER THE FACT with these claims of horrendous conditions at HOTF, mistreatment of children, employees being bullied, and the list goes on and on. If it were me, I would feel that it was my DUTY as a human being to take every possible course of action I could in order to put an end to these “claims”.
Also, before you reply with a condescending & judgmental comment, please take into condideration that although I haven’t had the pleasure of dealing with the MOL, I have and am still going up against a major institution that almost always wins. Almost! 😉
So the Stephensons & HOTF aren’t answering their phones? Are any of you honestly surprised by this? The fact that they refuse to speak to media doesn’t = they’re guilty. It means they’re getting good advice. They’re at the center of a criminal investigation. I’m just going through a divorce & have been advised by my attorney to keep mum. It only makes sense.
So….when this news first broke I was dumbfounded, I really did not want to believe a single word, I loved the centre, my children loved the centre and were looking forward to returning this summer. I got to thinking of some past issues that I had seen go on and just brushed off at the time. Issues such as children roaming, un proper handling of medicines and the big one of someone that I knew getting city subsidy to pay for the care, not needing everyday care but being told from the E.D. that it will only accept full time. Therefore lying to the city saying that these 3 children were there M-F, when they were not, and when they needed care at the last min were told that there was no room for them that day. Were they not getting paid for those spots anyways?? Did they double dip?? Maybe another issue to be investigated?
@Lori Harquail Roberts
Former employees are not speaking out “AFTER THE FACT”… no one wanted to hear us before. I’m sure you’ve read my comments about me reporting them. When nothing gets done and your voice is falling on deaf ears you simply throw your hands up in the air and say screw it. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle and was not willing to let it take over my whole life. I knew that people complained before me and that people were going to complain after me. It takes more than one person/one incident to shut a place down. There is a process for everything. And I figured that over time something like this would probably happen. The proof is in the pudding. Not all “former employees” turned a blind eye. So please don’t judge.