In a heartbreaking incident that no parent should ever have to endure, Grei Mendez, a daycare owner in the Bronx, pleaded guilty to drug charges after an infant tragically died from fentanyl exposure at her facility. In September 2023, one-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici lost his life after coming into contact with the potent drug hidden inside the daycare. Authorities later discovered fentanyl stashed beneath play mats where children played daily, leading to the hospitalization of three other children who, fortunately, survived. This devastating event was a wake-up call, not only for parents but for the entire childcare community.
The tragedy at this daycare underscores an essential truth: you can’t have quality without safety. Safety isn’t just a checkbox on a list; it’s the foundation upon which quality childcare is built. When safety is compromised, it doesn’t matter how engaging the curriculum is, how caring the staff might be, or how well-equipped the facility appears. If children are not safe, nothing else matters. For parents, the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are in a secure, nurturing environment is priceless. This is why it’s so important to thoroughly vet childcare providers, especially home-based ones that may not be as closely monitored as larger daycare centers.
The incident in the Bronx highlights the urgent need for rigorous oversight of home-based childcare providers. As a parent, you want to trust that the people caring for your child are not only qualified but also operating in a space that prioritizes safety above all else. This is why choosing a childcare program that is part of a supervised network is so crucial. Supervised networks ensure regular inspections, support, and accountability for providers, which can help prevent the kind of tragedy that befell young Nicholas.
I’m Ms. Emmy, the Executive Director of Program Support Family Child Care Network (PSFamily). Our network is committed to making sure that home-based childcare providers operate in environments that are not only safe but also nurturing. We believe that quality care starts with safety. That’s why we conduct regular visits to monitor and support our affiliated programs. Our goal is to give families the peace of mind they deserve, knowing that their children are being cared for in the best possible conditions.
To further empower families in making informed decisions, we’ve created a downloadable guide that highlights key factors to consider when choosing a childcare program. This guide is designed to help parents ask the right questions, and understand what to look for in a quality childcare setting.
When choosing a childcare provider, parents are not just selecting a place where their children will spend their day; they are choosing the environment that will shape their child’s earliest experiences. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize safety above everything else. If a provider doesn’t meet stringent safety standards, it’s simply not worth the risk, no matter how appealing the program might seem otherwise.
We understand that entrusting someone else with your child’s well-being is one of the hardest decisions a parent can make. That’s why at PSFamily, we’re committed to doing the heavy lifting for you. We hold our network of providers to the highest standards, conducting ongoing training, support visits, and safety checks to ensure they are upholding the level of care every child deserves.
Remember, when it comes to your child’s care, you should never have to compromise on safety. By choosing a supervised network like ours, you’re not just choosing a childcare provider; you’re choosing peace of mind. Download our guide today and take the first step towards finding a safe, high-quality childcare program for your family. Because at the end of the day, you can’t have quality without safety.
Get our downloadable Essential Guide to Choosing Childcare now by clicking here.
