Sooke parents file small claims suit over lost deposits, exposing gap in daycare regulations
CTV
Parents in Sooke have filed a lawsuit in small claims court against a daycare provider over an arrangement for care where they feel misled – and their position may expose a larger gap in a child care system under pressure.
Parents in Sooke have filed a lawsuit in small claims court against a daycare provider over an arrangement for care where they feel misled – and their position may expose a larger gap in a child care system under pressure.
“I do think there needs to be some accountability,” says one of the parents, Emily Swan.
A notice of claim filed in court shows the group of seven is suing Chelsea Wiegel Denton for a total of $6,010 in deposits paid to secure child care.
The claim says: “The person we are suing falsely claimed to be a licensed child care provider. She collected deposits from each claimant with the promise of child care and did not deliver the service, nor is she fit to do so safely. She is not licensed, not honest and is taking money from families as a scam to her benefit.”
CTV News has been in contact with multiple families involved in the claim – months after they once felt lucky to get a spot in the provider’s care.
“I texted her right away because you want to be quick with child care if there’s a spot,” says Jessica Spisack.
She was planning to enroll her son in March 2023 for part-time care on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Spisack says she visited the home twice, paying a $460 deposit after the first one – and was asked to pay another $240 to cover the next month.
