As a daycare owner, facing potential administrative actions can be daunting. In North Carolina, if you receive a Notice of Administrative Action, you may have the option for an informal meeting with the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). This blog will give you helpful tips and insights to guide you through the process effectively.
An informal meeting is a chance to discuss your situation with representatives from DCDEE, including their attorneys. This meeting can help you propose a resolution before a formal hearing, which can often be lengthy and stressful. If you are facing a suspension of your daycare license, it’s important to act quickly, as any suspension can jeopardize your business.
There are several reasons why an informal meeting might be preferable:
- Speed: An informal meeting can lead to a quicker resolution than waiting for a contested case hearing.
- Control: You have the opportunity to present your case and potentially mitigate the penalties.
- Less Stress: The informal setting can reduce the anxiety associated with formal hearings.
Preparing for Your Informal Meeting
Preparation is key to a successful informal meeting. Here are some steps to follow:
- Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that you have implemented.
- Letters of support from parents and staff.
- Evidence of any training or improvements made since the incident.
Presenting this information can demonstrate your commitment to resolving any issues and improving your daycare.
Typically, the DCDEE representatives will include supervisory staff, licensed specialists, and an attorney from the Attorney General’s office. Knowing who will be there can help you prepare your responses and choose appropriate witnesses or support personnel from your staff.
If you decide to bring someone to support you, select individuals who can provide valuable insights without being adversarial. This could include:
- Another staff member who witnessed the incident.
- A legal representative who understands the process.
Ensure that whoever joins you is calm, collected, and prepared to contribute positively to the discussion.
Your demeanor during the meeting can significantly impact the outcome. Here are important points to remember:
Avoid an Adversarial Tone
Present New Information Effectively
Be prepared to introduce any new information that supports your case. Whether it’s documentation of new policies, training sessions completed, or parent testimonials, presenting this evidence can strengthen your position.
Understanding the Limitations
It’s important to recognize that if you are facing a child maltreatment registry action, you may not be entitled to an informal meeting regarding that specific action. However, if there are related issues concerning your facility, you can still request an informal meeting to discuss those matters.
Follow-Up Steps After the Meeting
After the informal meeting, it’s essential to follow up on any agreements or actions discussed. This includes:
- Documenting the outcomes of the meeting.
- Implementing any additional corrective actions agreed upon.
- Maintaining communication with DCDEE to show ongoing commitment to compliance and improvement.
*Nothing in this blog establishes an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this blog is legal advice. If you have any questions, please check out our other blogs and our Youtube channel. You can also call us at 919-521-8810 with questions.