Investigators say 54 year old Marcus Blanchard of West Palm Beach had a dirty little secret. They say he was molesting a half dozen kids his girlfriend was supposed to be babysitting in her home.
She never got a county day care license, even though records show she was warned in the past she needed one.
“Any child care in this county requires a licensure. Even if you have just one child? Even one child,” said Courtney Shippey with the Palm Beach County Health Department, which issues daycare licenses.
Carolyn Damptey of West Palm Beach is playing by the rules. She runs a licensed family daycare out of her home.
She feels licensing is key.
“You shouldn’t want to just place your child with anyone anywhere. You’ve got to feel comfortable that your child is in good hands,” Damptey told us.
To get a daycare license, people like Carolyn have to pass home inspections by the thecounty health department and fire-rescue, be trained in first aid and CPR, and get 30 hours of child care training at a community college.
“The applicant as well as all household members have to be background screened,” Shippey said.
So if you’re a parent, trying to find a family daycare, how do you find one you can trust? Experts say even if you know them, make sure they’ve got a daycare license. A license costs $40 and is good for one year.
“The license is the only sure indication that the home is appropriate and safe for your child. If they don’t have that, don’t even fool with them? Don’t go any further,” Shippey explained. He says the license must be displayed in a conspicuous place in their home. You can also go to the health department’s website,
to see a list of the licensed family daycare homes.