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 have a question. Do the Stephensons own the building & adjacent property or not? Some are saying “yes” & others “no”. Does anyone know who actually owns the building??
Another question. How did the Stephensons obtain their license if Christena wasn’t qualified? I made a comment on FB & was asked that question. If anyone knows, please share.
I still support the qualified staff who cared for my granddaughter, but I’m not a sheep. I think these questions need to be answered.
Many of the ex employees who are complaining and disliking comments and lashing out against posters have repeatedly mentioned that they were wronged, as well as defended themselves for waiting so long to report to higher powers the abuse that allegedly happened within this daycare. That shouldn’t qualify you for bragging rights, 200 people are out of child care, based off reports that should have been dealt with long before now. If these allegations are so true, you should have spoke out sooner. Your lack of genuine concern for the safety of children leads me to believe that these are excessive exaggerations. Imagine if next time the child DID consume chemicals and actually died? No, that didn’t occur to you, because you chose to keep your mouths shut despite your legal responsibility to keep the children’s best interest in mind.
It greatly disturbs me that there are reports on this list dating as far back as 2010. You need to take into consideration the large amount of people attending HOTF and admit to yourself that the staff are some pretty amazing people. They’re taking care of a whole room full of very young children at once. Even when you only have one to look after there are going to be bumps and bruises along the way. To assume that these women, many of which have children, would intentionally hurt your child is ignorance. And to blast them all as if they’re beating and molesting your children on a regular basis is far too harsh without just cause, of which you do not have.
Have to admit I wouldn’t be surprised if these ex employees are the ones who were more questionable with the children and are now pointing the fingers at the staff that is still there.
Don’t believe everything you read. I can sit here and tell you I’m a unicorn, but it doesn’t make it true. Sit back and wait for the investigation to be over with. Enough slandering a whole facility and the people within it. You are judging something without knowing all of the facts, and anyone who believes anyone else knows the truth is ignorant.
I’d also like to address the accusations made against Chris re: Her judging people due to her religious beliefs. I personally sat down with this woman & we talked for a good half hour. I wasn’t even aware of her religious background & mentioned that I’d like to see my granddaughter baptized. I never felt judged. We were two moms talking about our kids and families.
Besides, how many of us can honestly say that we’ve never judged our peers? Time for some of you to step down from your pedestals.
Well pretty quite tonight, everybody! I guess ya,ll got bored with it, eh? Good, it was starting to resemble something outta Jerry Springer. Thought we were gonna bring in Wolf Blitzer! Good luck HOTF! Cheers.
Just sooooooooooooo glad to say that I never brought my child there. Sounds like there is a lot of professionalism and accountability lacking.
Our children are so precious and they deserve the best care.
@Frustrated- You are mistaking relief for bragging, as many people have been reporting on deaf ears for years now. CAS are not known to act on a whim on any matter let alone to shut down such an important resource for the city. It took several complaints from staff (employed and not) to get this place shut down. And do not be fooled this was not the first time this centre has gotten a visit based on a complaint. This was one that made the biggest splash.
And if you carefully read above there are a number of allegations that had enough proof to them that they decided to shut this place down while they investigate the rest. Also their was enough evidence as well to keep the former Executive Director from ever coming on the premises again while children are present. And it was the staff members legal responsibilities to divulge what they saw that’s why this is happening. It is not happening because someone who recently left or got fired picked up a phone and made a whole bunch of hollow allegations.
Also no one is blaming the staff. It is just a fact that about half of the staff has had no ECE training, thus it was up to the E.D to take the proper action to make sure the entire staff was not only aware of guidelines but worked within them. There has not been any individual member named in anyway here. All the blame rests solely on the E.D. And personally if I am placing my children in a centre, to me it does not matter how many kids their are in it. I expect my child to be in a safe environment at all times..no excuses.
Not bored. Just tired of dealing with close-minded people & those who refuse to be held accountable for their actions (or lack of action I’m this case).
Wow… where do I start with you “Frustrated”…
EARLY OR LATE…EMPLOYEES FILED REPORTS!!! The Ministry obviously didn’t take anything seriously in the beginning… how is that our fault? Either we had no physical proof or they could never catch them in the act.
Also, I would like to mention AGAIN that there are amazing ECE’s working there. I’m sure no one intentionally lost a child so that they could fall down stairs or get into a maintenance closet. No one is accusing them beating children or sexually harassing children!!
I personally worked at Heart when one of the “sexualized behaviours” incidents happened so I know that it is true. Again, an awesome ECE left the room for 2min and when she came back there had been an incident between 2 children. Yes she was a great ECE, did she have a lapse in judgement, absolutely. Fact of the matter is that these things HAVE happened. No one is slandering every single person working in the daycare. In my opinion, the problem lies with the management.
What I would like to know is how people are SO SURE that these things haven’t happened and it’s all made up!?!?
If you are willing to test it out with your child then by all means go ahead!
I’m not saying that anything was done purposefully but it is what it is. Shit happens. Shit happened. Shit is being dealt with.
If you thought it was an amazing place before then this investigation is only going to make it better and make them tighten up ship. At least the Ministry/CAS/Police are watching out for children & families!
Same three people complaining, I am waiting for the full report. Your excessive complaining and excuses don’t do it for me, sorry.
Accidents and incidents happen often with children. It is managements responsibility to make sure they do what ever is necessary to help the staff avoid these accidents. I don’t think any of the staff are to blame. It looks to me like incidents happened and they either weren’t reported to the ministry or parents and some of them were swept under the rug because management didn’t want to look bad. This director and supervisor had an obligation to report every serious incident and they chose not to. Removing management will probably solve alot of the problems and the teachers will be better for it. They’ll get more support and better supervison which seems to be what they need. A new director who is qualified will make sure daycare rules are followed according to the law. Its the same for any business. Bad managment trickles down. I think a change will be good for everyone.
Honestly, being aggressive with other people is a bully tactic. You need to calm down and speak like an adult. Getting hysterical with your “!!!!!!1!!?!?!?” isn’t mature behavior and it doesn’t reflect well upon yourself.
Also, blatantly arguing with every little detail of a message that is defending the honor of the daycare and its staff doesn’t convince anyone with half a brain that you’re telling the truth. It looks more like you’re attempting to to force everyone by extensive accusations that the report is true, and somehow you’ve done the right thing. As well, if someone is skeptical, it doesn’t mean you need to take a chunk out of them.
If you didn’t have the spine to report these things in the first place, for whatever reason (From what has been mentioned “Fear of getting in trouble for breaching confidentiality.” and “The need to maintain income”) then you can’t be mad for parents who have had great experiences from being skeptical of these accusations. Don’t turn around several posts later and claim you reported them and nothing was done. Your original admittance was fear. “Reports were made, nothing was done.” Try harder.
If this is the type of behavior you put forward, then I’m extremely glad my child hasn’t been in your care. People are allowed to question and disagree without you personally attacking them. If you hadn’t noticed, there is a very large group of people in support of the daycare, and that highlights their credibility far more than those of you who are attacking them.
Accidents will happen. How much of this is true, but exaggerated? How much don’t we know? It’s all being researched now, and I personally won’t be bullied into believing you did the right thing. Personally, I would have done what I had to do the moment I discovered the wrongdoing. I wouldn’t have cowered out of fear of getting a spanking.
Incidents will happen. Especially in a facility so large. Does that make the staff the spawn of Satan? No.
And I’m sure you’ll feel the need to have the last word and take a stab at me as well, but I’m afraid to tell you that most of us are grown ups and are aware that a foot stomp doesn’t make you right.
“Same three people complaining”…
No complaining. Stating a different side of the story. Our experiences. If you don’t want to believe it then that is fine. Stick your head in the sand. Your side of the story is no more credible then mine.
But don’t sit there and judge former employees for not reporting sooner or not doing enough. People are giving us a hard time NOW even though CAS has investigated and found proof of the incidents listed.
Quote “The CAS found that, without changes being made to the operation, children who remain there may require further protective intervention. IN PARTICULAR CAS FOUND:….”
Maybe you should have a re-read!?
NO WONDER no one wanted to speak out before (and some even now). We were disregarded before and even with PROOF we are being disregarded now. I’m not here to change your mind. I am here to share my side/my experiences. Like it or lump it.
Melanie Leger,
I’m starting to think you need to see a therapist for your deep wounds and shame for being “let go” or “deciding” to leave. You are way too involved in something in which has nothing to do with you anymore as you “chose” to leave. I can’t wait to see the results of these investigations to go back and laugh at your fierce judgement. You worked there in the first 7 months of it opening, thank you for being there to work out the kinks. It’s 4 years later and I believe better without you and all the other staff that were let go! Isn’t that why you are let go? You don’t meet the need or are a fit for the organization. I wish you best of luck in your future endeavours, time to let it go sweetheart!
@ Melanie Leger,
I wise man once said you can’t fix stupid. You have given your insight has a former employee, as others have done as well. I have given my insight has someone who has known several people who have worked their and who have had to deal with this stuff. The Ministry and CAS stated the proof on their door, and yet this is still not good enough for some. It looks like to me we will just have to find peace in the fact that the Daycare will not be open again any time soon. It will take at least to the end of the summer to satisfy all of CAS wishes. And that does not include the ongoing police investigation which they have made public yesterday, which could result in charges being laid.
The longer these people defend the actions of Chris Stephenson, overall the sillier they will feel as each day goes by without the centre reopening. Then they have to justify to themselves that not only they trusted the wrong person with their loved ones, but that they defended them so fiercely while keeping their blinders on.
It is what it is!
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Hope everything works out for everyone involved whether it affects you directly or indirectly.
Good luck all!
J. Stuart, sounds like you have a personal axe to grind with the Stephenson’s as you feel the need to drop their names at every opportunity. By chance are you a former attendee of HCF? you probably would not admit it if you were, but you seem to have a lot of info on the Stephenson’s, enough with the personal attacks, just stick to the facts and let the investigation find out the truth and if the finding is negative deal with it then. Until that time you are just blowing smoke up everyone’s @#s!
I find it interesting that I’m basically bring called stupid by having a feeling of suspicion on what is happening. At the end of the day, I believe the ladies who were watching my children were doing a great job by the standards of care that I find applicable. I also hold my children’s caregivers to the same standard I have for myself which means I don’t expect perfection. I expect accidents, bumps, bruises ect…that means my children are being kids. There is a huge difference between accidentally harming a child and intentionally harming a child.
I Also will speak directly to the former employee- you stated you were employed when this facility first opened. Well, as somebody who was part of a large organizational start up I can say that my place of business in no way resembles the way it was in the first year. It was a disaster, disorganized, nightmare ect…and took awhile to iron out the kinks but we did and our org is now very successful. How do you know that things are the same today as they were before? If you have such conviction why don’t you provide us”misguided” parents with an itemized list with dates and times that children were mis-treated? You are obviously very passionate about defending your position but I have yet to see your “hand”. You have our attention now so instead of attacking the skeptics why don’t you educate us? Also, in regards to your complaints to the MOL… If your interest was protecting children wouldn’t your efforts be directed at the MOE or CAS? Do you have copies of documents that you sent to make your complaints? I’m a highly educated woman and know how the system works so I say show me the proof’
I don’t blindly support HOTF and am very concerned about the ED’s decisions but I am tiring of people inferring that I’m dumb because I prefer to hear all sides of the story before I make my final judgement.
There is no need to feel suspicious, it has been clearly outlined above. It is the defenders who’s speculations are muddying the waters for people who are trying to use this forum to be informed. Because of certain peoples “warm feelins” toward the HOTF they are ignoring logic. It is like arguing that the earth is flat, how do you people blatantly ignore facts. Are you suspicious that earth is not really round as well?
To address another comment I have an axe to grind with any self righteous organization who believe they are above the law. Who believe they can pick and chose what they report to parents and to the ministry. Who ignore the days nurseries act as a whole.
Chris is the one you all should be pointing the finger at. It was her disregard for these laws that caused this. It was her disregard towards the educated employees who were trying to help her bring this daycare up to code. And finally it is her fault that this did not happen at a sooner date before it got this big an inconvenient for everyone because of her underhanded ways no one could prove it till now.
@John Doe – You took the words right out of my mouth.
@JStuart – It most certainly does seem as though you have an axe to grind. You’ve attacked every single person who doesn’t agree with your views or challenges you in any way, going as far as calling us “stupid”. Why am I stupid in your eyes? Because I’m choosing to wait until I know ALL the facts before passing judgment?? Yes, serious allegations were made, but guess what? Anyone can call CAS & make allegations against anyone they please. Of course these allegations need to be investigated, but as the police officer posted… Innocent until proven guilty. I don’t think that those of us who are waiting for more information before lynching everyone associated with HOTF look silly. You look silly because you obviously have a personal bone to pick with someone at HOTF & are resorting to name calling and bullying tactics. Sorry that I’m not willing to take the accusations of former employees as gospel. I would rather wait until the authorities in charge of this investigation release their findings. Oh, and for those of you who don’t seem to know the definition of “Allegation”, here you go.
al·le·ga·tion
/ˌaliˈgāSHən/
Noun
A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.
Synonyms
assertion – statement – contention – claim – proposition
You’re welcome. 🙂
@ j stuart — You seem to be the expert here on facts , let me give you a few facts – not sure what education level you operate at but I hope you can understand a simple definition, Allegation- a positive assertion; specifically : a statement by a party to a legal action of what the party undertakes to prove, this is a fact there are some allegations against HOTF, absolutely none of which are proven , nor is there any existing or past proof of any of the accusations. \
Now lets talk fact – there are confirmed past employees of this center who have openly admitted that they witnessed things they did not in agree with of found themselves in positions they were not comfortable with, but never reported because they “feared for their jobs” , here is another fact for you, this is a felony and charges could be pressed with the loss of their ECE license.
Chris is not the one who needs to have fingers pointed, its uneducated people like J.stuart who are token to this city and give it the nickname ” Canada’s arm pit” and belong in groups with name like ” Cornwall white trash ” , this is an information blog, if you have anything useful to say id say blog away if you have some solid and proven information that no one else does, until that point people, like this with opinions like these are poison, this isn’t a lynch mob as most of you have made it, obviously most of people like this are less concerned about children and more concerned about muddling in affairs they have no business in , while you wait for your government checks to arrive in the mail.
Outside Viewer CFN is the most read newspaper in Cornwall Ontario. Just for your clarification if your goal is accuracy.
What bearing does that hold on my statement Jamie? I never claimed it not to be ( although I would find it interesting to see your readership against the freeholder and the seaway news)
And if that’s true then why were the statement concerning the issues at HOTF given to the freeholder and not the free news?
Here you go.
http://cornwallfreenews.com/2013/06/cfn-celebrates-crashing-through-the-50000-unique-visitor-in-a-month-club-may-2013-numbers-special-ad-offer/
Outside Viewer, the letter says in plain English that an investigation was conducted and the CAS found the following issues, so not everything is just an allegation. I’m bewildered why so many people on “your side of the table” in this argument keep glossing over that fact or acting like it’s no big deal that kids are getting lost and drinking chemicals
Personally, taking a step out of my journalist shoes I would hope that there would be no tables and that all anyone would care about are the children. Let the investigators do their thing and hopefully anyone with any information will step forward and help them do their job.
The truth is what matters; now who or how. Get to the bottom of the truth and work from there.
you’re absolutely right Jamie, and I was just addressing the few posters who seem to be unwilling to address the issues that are confirmed. Certainly not every employee of the HOTF daycare was incompetent, but there were issues and those who choose to be concerned with these issues rather than blissfully ignorant of them ought not to be chastised.
Mr Admin, the most read newspaper in Cornwall. Really? Come on? I never knew it exsisted until this week! More of a tabloid.BTW are you the same reporter that wants to sue the city cause you were kicked out of council meeting?
@fauxpas – Where does it say that a child ingested chemicals?
Lori – it’s in the first complaint under “Lack of Supervision”. It actually says the child was alone in a maintenance closet, poured cleaning fluids on himself, and it is unknown if he actually ingested any. The parents weren’t informed of this, either, appallingly.
I have a feeling you’re going to equivocate and accuse CAS of speculation in regards to that complaint, but there’s no need to equivocate. It’s not okay that a child was alone in the room with dangerous chemicals whether he drank the chemicals or not. Again, this is not an allegation but a cold, hard fact, something I trust you don’t need me to post the dictionary definition of.
Faux Pas – no worries. I read the document. I actually went straight to the centre to take photos. All I’m saying is don’t post that a child was drinking chemicals when that’s not what’s stated on the document. It’s just fodder for drama seekers. I already posted my feelings about any possible wrongdoings. I’m not blindly supporting HOTF. If the investigation finds that there was indeed gross negligence on the part of HOTF, then I’ll give you a different opinion.
I can tell you without a doubt that if I found out my granddaughter was found in a closet full of cleaning fluid, somebody would be getting their ass sued off!!
Never heard of CFN Garcia? That one statement alone tells me that you are full of crap..pleading ignorance doesn’t give you clearance for a cheap shot at Gilcig.
Lori, perhaps you’re correct that it’s a bit dramatic to say that a child drank some cleaning fluids. It remains curious to me that the issues CAS already found are not enough to sway your opinion and that you require further findings of “gross negligence”.
I appreciate that you’re willing to consider the opinions of others, but unfortunately a lot of people feel it’s appropriate to blame the whistleblower and mindlessly repeat the word “allegations” without lending any credibility to the serious issues already exposed.
Ferris, sorry mate. have lived in this town 45 years and this is the first i,ve ever seen this “informative” news site! Not being a poser, just a fact man!
@ Faux Pas – Well said.
Actually, you are a rookie poser Garcia..mentioning nothing about the headlines..just taking aim at CFN. You must not have heard of The Standard Freeholder or the Cornwall Daily News or Le Journal or the Seaway News or 101.9 or 104.5..all of which have made Gilcig and CFN their headline story over the last couple of years..if your not a poser Garcia, you must be the most illiterate, uninformed, naive man in Cornwall..just an informative fact man! Oh yeah, blogger etiquette #1 no giving yourself a thumbs up Garcia. end of.
My children’s esperience at heart of the family was not a good one at all.
They tried giving my step daughter to my ex-husband who didn’t even know her, and he told them that he was not there for her but they tried giving her to him anyway, they put my daughter in the hall way all by herself for a punishment, anyone could of took of with my daughter and they would have not known it all because no one was watching her, for my son they told him he was to hyper for them to watch, he was stupid and dumb, and made to sit down all day until i came and got him. When your children are putting up a fight and crying because they do not want to go that is pretty bad. For my step daughter i would go and get her and when i was there i was sent to three different rooms no one new where she was, final we found her but she was not on there property she was outside the fenced in area. My expereince there was not a good one and I hope they get this all figured out these are innocent children that should not be exposed to this type of behavior. These are just a few of things that happened to my children at the daycare, and they were only there for a short period of time, i took them out because of how they were treated by staff.
Sorry but had to wade in here for a bit, several years ago a need for a lack of daycare was addressed from some very well intentioned people, and from some of the comments and the amount of children involved and families was very well received but this community.
There is now a police investigation going on, after investigations from the MOE and CAS…
I have read posts from both sides, and i think calmer and more patient thinking should prevail.
Some posters, are also posting on the facebook site of the friends of the HOTF, and bragging about what they are trying to stir up on here..These posts on reafiirm, that a few individuals have not a lot to do with their time, but try and stir the pot…
I am not a member of the church, nor ever have been, but do not subscribe to character assignation for those involved on either side of this issue , ultimately, its the children which need care and protecting, and the working parents which need proper care for their loved ones.
CFN, has provided a good and open forum, and is I believe trying to give the people of this City some information, that the mainstream media do not wish us to hear or know.
So, lets let the police do their job, CAS, and the MOE…
Darn… little laptop, and no spell check.. sorry for the errors..
Angela Vaillant- that sounds completely made up!
Interesting that CHRISTIAN HARVEST CHURCH & HEART OF THE CITY DAYCARE are so similar in transparency and operation. Pastor Roy Stephenson runs the church and his wife Chris Stephenson executive director ran the daycare. All on the same parcel of land purchased from the catholic church, both the school and the church building along with the parsonage were sold to Christian harvest church. People cant understand how Chris acquired such a large sum of money from the city being she had no formal education ECE ect. To approach the city for the funding of nearly $200.000 she would never have been successful if not for those close friends and church members who sat on the board of directors. They had the expertise due to their line of work on how to jump through the right hoops ..to acquire funding and they raised additional money through their congregation and various local businesses for supplies ect. Unfortunately funding does not equip chris to be Executive Director and there in lies the problem. Her experience as a baby sitter and children’s programs through the church do not transfer well when applied to a Government regulated Day Care Facility. In a professional setting one has to adhere to rules and regulations you cant just use your own partial judgement . Nor rip pages from a log book or not bring a child who was found playing with hazardous chemicals for medical attention. This incident alone is mine boggling that even the parents weren’t informed. My God if this isnt disturbing enough to close up the place I dont know what is …perhaps a death Thank You CAS for possibly preventing what could be a fatal situation. Thank you past employees who asked the hard questions and filing complaints of misconduct. At least your concerns were documented and not sweep under the rug or ripped up. Im not surprised so many ex employees were really fearful and intimidated its a tactic used to keep you quiet. However it was not successful! Even the gentleman that was initially hired from the church to be the chef at HOTF had to leave. He was a long time church member with an excellent reputation as a chef in Cornwall for many years. Again dealing with E.D who was unqualified and using strong arm tactics is like her way or the highway. He chose the highway and left the church as well. The only way to truly have a CLEAN & Safe Operating day care is to throw out the dirty bath water. Start fresh separating Christian harvest church and pastors wife chris from the entire Operation. If any of these parents whos children were put at risk take up a law suite against management the financial bleeding will drain HOTF. One thing set in stone that is crystal clear Chris is never to be Executive Director or ever be on the premises if a child is present! Thats a good start …
CFN is the most read newspaper not just in Cornwall but all across Canada and the US where former Cornwallites are living. I am a former Cornwallite living in Ottawa and this is the only paper that I will look at. I do not look at the “toilet paper of record SF” at all whatsoever. CFN is #1 all the way and I thank Jamie Gilcig for such a great paper. I sure do get a lot of laughs here as well and Jamie makes my day.
@ Faux pas – It’s not that I’m disregarding what the CAS has reported. Please remember that my 3 year old granddaughter attended HOTF up until their closure on Friday. I’ve been accused of being insensitive, stupid, and that I basically have blinders on. Absolutely NOT true. Read all my posts instead of just picking & choosing the parts you feel can be used to make me look like an uncaring, brainwashed idiot. The investigation isn’t complete. If all of the allegations are proven to be true, then I’ll definitely rethink my opinion of HOTF. At this point, I’m simply not prepared to crucify every single employee or even the facility itself. My granddaughter thrived while attending HOTF. We never had a single negative experience. We didnt have to send her to ANY daycare, as I’m in a position to care for her while Mom & Dad are working. We sent her to HOTF because we found it to be such a positive environment. I’m not dismissing other parents’ claims & I’m truly sorry for those who had negative experiences.
I’m not totally disregarding what CAS has to say, but I’d much rather see a thorough investigation done by the Cornwall Police. I’m actually happy they’re involved because I’ve witnessed way too many screw ups by CAS. I’ll be honest. I don’t have a whole lot of respect for the CAS & their more often than not shoddy investigations & findings, and to answer your question before you ask, no my child was never taken away from me by the CAS. Thankfully I’ve never had to deal with them on a personal level, but people close to me just about had their lives ruined because CAS jumped the gun.
@Jim Luciani – I haven’t been on the FB page since this afternoon, but I may be one of the people you’re referring to. In no way have I bragged about stirring the pot here, but I did state quite clearly that I’m not Miss Popukarity here & it seems that one particular individual just sits there’ waiting for me to post and can’t attack me fast enough. I also said that these things wouldn’t stop me from voicing my opinion, and they won’t. I’m not going to be bullied into agreeing with people who’s opinions I think are absolutely ridiculous & exaggerated.
@GeeGee – Totally agree
@LifeisGood – I still can’t understand why people were SO afraid of ONE woman. Had I been any of these employees who were allegedly threatened, bullied, fired for no reason, or witnessed shady happenings, I would’ve hired a lawyer in an awful hurry. I don’t believe the excuses that are being made by former employees. Those children should have been your highest priority. I would have raised hell until somebody with some power was willing to listen to me. The fact that some of you “gave up” or “let it go” is very disturbing considering the allegations being made.
Also, lets note the difference between “Executive Director” & “Program Director”. The latter is more than qualified for her position. HOTF can function quite well without Chris.
Let the police and cas do their work and sort this mess for all people involved and affected by this sudden closure.
A letter writing campaign, organized by empolyees are not going to change the MOE;s orders.
Changes need to be made,clearly from the top, and then down.
No amount of ” i said this and they did that” will make any difference.
The truth will hopefully prevail, and the parents in need of childcare will once again feel secure and happy with their choice.
But….. by some people, trying to play the devils advocate, by posting here and there, only increases the “what is the truth”??
Jobs are scares indeed here, and those were good paying jobs.
Changes are needed to be made, and i hope that the Board complies soon, and let the people that they stared this for, continue to have good care for their children
Apologies Lori, I didn’t intend to portray you as an idiot and I certainly don’t think every employee is incompetent. As I mentioned before I appreciate that you’re actually willing to consider that there were issues, unlike posters such as “geegee” who would just as quickly presume people are making up stories than accept potential criticisms. I have zero personal experience with CAS but trust them more than the Cornwall Police to conduct an investigation
@Lori… could you afford to “hire a lawyer and raise hell” on $12/hr?? I’m having a hard time with the people who are criticizing past employees attempts to report. There was no intentional child abuse. Staff were not beating children. So there was not much one could do. The MOE needed more. The incidents are worrisome and saddening but the scariest part is the ED hiding stuff and covering tracks. If we are going to point fingers here lets point them the way of the Executive Director.
@InShock: at $12/hr Legal Aid is available, but good attempt. 😉
I wonder why, since you all think Chris (who you say is such intimidating, manipulative, devil spawn.) would tear up paperwork that CAS had already reported on somewhere else. Yes, it makes perfect sense to tear up documentation that is duplicated out of one’s reach.
Perhaps those terminated were responsible for the children during these incidents and that’s why they were terminated, so it left a bitter taste in their mouths. Childish maneuver, point the finger at someone else for revenge. (How does it feel having the tables turned on you? Maybe, because I said it I’m right and everyone needs to believe me now. No? Then stop acting that way towards those who are skeptical.)
Your words simply mean nothing to me, because anyone can say anything they want. If the daycare weren’t doing their job well enough then their requirements wouldn’t be as simple as making their documentations more visible (because the documentation was already there), maintaining a schedule of staff/class activities/meals (which they already had), and making the ED remain off site when children are involved (ONE person).
Nobody is bragging on the Families group. On the contrary, they are simply supporting each other in this dark time. 150 Families out of care. As if Cornwall isn’t struggling to stay afloat enough as it is. Keep up the good bullying ex employees.