I think the last post was directed to OT and not me? LOL
Believe me, I'm taking notes as well. Since D17 turns 18 in less than 60 days and is moving off a child program into adult services, I've had to educate myself extensively on how this will play out. Just today, I pulled the trigger on the agency I want to use to implement her plan (interviewed 3 of the 40+ respondents--I had 3 more set up, but figured it was wasting time since I was already enamored with candidate #1). I'm guilty of these things as well. Back when she was in elementary school, we had a provider service that continually placed flaky girls as the caregivers. I won't even elaborate on the last straw. I think because I expressed my concerns directly without having a hissy fit, the director dismissed me. After I fired them, I found out that she was under some sort of audit and probation with the state and eventually lost her certification. I really wasn't surprised. She ran a really unprofessional environment. We then went to our most excellent sitter/my adopted daughter. Night and day.
So thank you for sharing this here. I'm really using some of the lessons learned here when interviewing these agencies, and will continue to keep them in the forefront if I decide to interview respite caregivers for after school. I haven't decided on that yet. I do know that I will approach them similarly to how I approach my employees. Accessible, friendly, stated clear expectations. It's just prudent.
Good luck and enjoy your vacation!
Hugs-Bets
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
