A mother from western Michigan who watches her friends' kids before the morning bus said that state officials claim she's running an illegal daycare.

The mother received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services that she either needs a license or must stop watching three neighborhood children for 15 to 40 minutes before the school bus stops in front of her house. The state forbids regular childcare for more than four weeks without a license.

Mostly, the mom is helping out, especially during poor weather. When she called the state to complain that the kids should be able to come into her house from the rain or snow, she was told to 'Tell the parents to buy an umbrella.'"

Do we live in such a highly litigated society where neighbors can't help neighbors anymore?

I know of SEVERAL scenarios where kids have come home from school and stay at a friend's house until their parent gets home. I've heard of many before school and after school arrangements. It's a working world, and families need to make plans to get their children transported and cared for. Having a neighbor you can rely on is reassuring for the parent who is striving to be both a loving parent and a responsible employee. I, personally, have offered to help my neighbor by watching her kids each morning for 15 minutes and then drive them to school since she will be taking her other child to a special needs school in Novi. She can't be in two places at once. 

Neighbors helping neighbors is a completely different arrangement than a day care program. It is unpaid; it is a favor; it is a friendly exchange.  Childcare is a professional business agreement. For the sake of keeping positive community relationships, the two should never be interchangeable.

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