TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Have you ever conducted a home visit and felt that something was not quite right? Home visitor Monitors, especially ones who have been in the field for many years have developed an inner voice that sets off an alarm telling them something is not quite right. You may be sensing that things are not exactly the same as what the provider is telling you. As a Monitor, value that inner voice and do not ignore it.
It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the children and your own safety. Try to evaluate what it is you feel is not right. First examine your senses.
SMELL
Do you smell an odor? Is it a disinfectant, animal smell, or trash such as dirty diapers? Identify the smell. Is it something that must be taken care of while you are there?
For example: dirty diapers not disposed of properly.
HEARING
Think about what you are hearing. Listen to the children. Are they using language that is disturbing?
For example: calling each other ‘stupid’ or swearing. .
Listen to the provider. Does she talk harshly to the children? Think about her tone of voice. Does she seem nervous?
FIRST IMPRESSION
Think about your first impression when you enter the home. Do the children seem active? Are there areas of the childcare environment that are screened off from your view and the provider does not want you to look in that area? What do you not see? Do you see appropriate toys and books for the children? Do they seem engaged in age appropriate activities? Is there evidence that child appropriate activities are part of the daily schedule.
Example: Pictures the children have painted on the walls.
When trying to identify what is feeling off, think about your visit in general. Ask questions. If you realize that the provider’s answer does not make sense or match what you are seeing, ask additional questions.
For example: You ask why there are dirty diapers left on the changing table and not disposed of properly. The provider tells you that she just changed the baby when you knocked and she did not have time to do it yet. However, you observe more than one soiled diaper on the changing table. You would then want to ask more questions to learn what the provider’s regular routine is for diapering and disposing of the diapers.
Sometimes you may not be able to get to the source of your feelings by using your senses. That is where good documentation comes in. You should document what occurred on your visit. If you still feel uncomfortable talk to your supervisor, she may want to accompany you on the next visit.
Do not ignore those inner feelings. If they persist from visit to visit, then something is probably is wrong. Ask for help in identifying it.