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Girl, 5, found near Hwy. 80 after wandering off from day care
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Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
A Benson mother was relieved but concerned last Wednesday when her 5-year-old daughter was found walking along State Route 80 after she wandered away from the Tree House Daycare Center on 5th Street.
Tina Jones said she received a call from the daycare center that staff had been unable to find her daughter, Jessica. Jones said she was upset to find out that they had not yet notified police.
Police Chief Paul Moncada said they never received a call from the daycare center. A couple who found Jessica along SR-80 about a mile from the facility called the police.
The daycare center's notifying Jones that her daughter was missing roughly coincided with the police finding her, Moncada said.
Tree Jones, owner of the daycare center, said Jessica told the teacher on duty she was going to use the restroom around naptime. The teacher later thought Jessica was taking too long in the bathroom and checked on her. She was gone.
Moncada said it's hard to track down the exact amount of time Jessica was walking. The daycare center could not give the police a time for when Jessica went to the bathroom and they noticed she was missing, he said.
"I am very upset with the severity of how quickly this daycare center did not react," Jones said. "Their security is not good enough to protect my children. The police found her, but she could have been hurt or taken."
Tree Jones said the daycare center understands the severity of the situation, and the mother was given the option to have the teacher on duty at the time fired. Tina Jones did not take that option, she said.
The daycare center has since purchased door alarms, said owner and operator Tree Jones.
Police recovered Jessica walking near the La Habra Apartments on SR-80, nearly a mile from the daycare center around 12:30 p.m. An out-of-state couple saw Jessica and pulled over, watching her until police arrived.
Jessica's father, Chad Jones, said while he doesn't know the couple, he is grateful they pulled over.
Tina Jones said she is upset not only that her daughter had managed to walk a mile, but also that she was wearing neither shoes nor a jacket despite the rainy, windy weather. Jones said she recently started taking her four children to the daycare center while she works during the day.
"Like other parents that work in this town, we just don't have a lot of choice for childcare," Jones said. "The daycare center said they were frustrated over what happened, but to me, they seemed more concerned with whether or not I would be taking legal action. They weren't looking at what needs to happen to protect these children. I am worried about the safety of all these children, and not just my own."
Jones said because her daughter is safe, she wasn't even thinking about legal action, noting she was just grateful for the good outcome.
The mother of five said she did talk to Jessica about what had happened, telling her that the police found her, but sometimes "people take children," and she can't ever just leave the daycare center or home.
Jones said Jessica told her she left from the front gate of the daycare facility "to find her mommy."
However, Jones said she has no idea how Jessica ended up on SR-80, since they do not live there, and she doesn't work in the area either.
It is assumed that Jessica walked east on 5th Street until she got to SR-80, where she started walking south.
Chad Jones said he also is concerned with the lack of choices Benson residents have in childcare.
"I am glad my daughter is home and safe, but I am very upset that the daycare allowed my daughter out of their sight long enough for her to end up a mile or so away on a highway barefoot and without a jacket in the rain," he said. "I believe the daycare should be held accountable for their actions and that this incident should be brought to the attention of every citizen in Benson."
The safety and well-being of the children should be the daycare center's top priority, Jones said.
"The employees of this daycare are paid to provide a service, which is the safety and welfare of our children," he said. "So, like most jobs, if that service is not done properly, termination should occur, and management should be the first to be looked at."
A Benson mother was relieved but concerned last Wednesday when her 5-year-old daughter was found walking along State Route 80 after she wandered away from the Tree House Daycare Center on 5th Street.
Tina Jones said she received a call from the daycare center that staff had been unable to find her daughter, Jessica. Jones said she was upset to find out that they had not yet notified police.
Police Chief Paul Moncada said they never received a call from the daycare center. A couple who found Jessica along SR-80 about a mile from the facility called the police.
The daycare center's notifying Jones that her daughter was missing roughly coincided with the police finding her, Moncada said.
Tree Jones, owner of the daycare center, said Jessica told the teacher on duty she was going to use the restroom around naptime. The teacher later thought Jessica was taking too long in the bathroom and checked on her. She was gone.
Moncada said it's hard to track down the exact amount of time Jessica was walking. The daycare center could not give the police a time for when Jessica went to the bathroom and they noticed she was missing, he said.
"I am very upset with the severity of how quickly this daycare center did not react," Jones said. "Their security is not good enough to protect my children. The police found her, but she could have been hurt or taken."
Tree Jones said the daycare center understands the severity of the situation, and the mother was given the option to have the teacher on duty at the time fired. Tina Jones did not take that option, she said.
The daycare center has since purchased door alarms, said owner and operator Tree Jones.
Police recovered Jessica walking near the La Habra Apartments on SR-80, nearly a mile from the daycare center around 12:30 p.m. An out-of-state couple saw Jessica and pulled over, watching her until police arrived.
Jessica's father, Chad Jones, said while he doesn't know the couple, he is grateful they pulled over.
Tina Jones said she is upset not only that her daughter had managed to walk a mile, but also that she was wearing neither shoes nor a jacket despite the rainy, windy weather. Jones said she recently started taking her four children to the daycare center while she works during the day.
"Like other parents that work in this town, we just don't have a lot of choice for childcare," Jones said. "The daycare center said they were frustrated over what happened, but to me, they seemed more concerned with whether or not I would be taking legal action. They weren't looking at what needs to happen to protect these children. I am worried about the safety of all these children, and not just my own."
Jones said because her daughter is safe, she wasn't even thinking about legal action, noting she was just grateful for the good outcome.
The mother of five said she did talk to Jessica about what had happened, telling her that the police found her, but sometimes "people take children," and she can't ever just leave the daycare center or home.
Jones said Jessica told her she left from the front gate of the daycare facility "to find her mommy."
However, Jones said she has no idea how Jessica ended up on SR-80, since they do not live there, and she doesn't work in the area either.
It is assumed that Jessica walked east on 5th Street until she got to SR-80, where she started walking south.
Chad Jones said he also is concerned with the lack of choices Benson residents have in childcare.
"I am glad my daughter is home and safe, but I am very upset that the daycare allowed my daughter out of their sight long enough for her to end up a mile or so away on a highway barefoot and without a jacket in the rain," he said. "I believe the daycare should be held accountable for their actions and that this incident should be brought to the attention of every citizen in Benson."
The safety and well-being of the children should be the daycare center's top priority, Jones said.
"The employees of this daycare are paid to provide a service, which is the safety and welfare of our children," he said. "So, like most jobs, if that service is not done properly, termination should occur, and management should be the first to be looked at."
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Concerned Parent wrote on Feb 10, 2010 12:12 PM:
" While I understand the concern of this parent and frustration with the daycare I also believe that it is up to the parent or parents of every child to make sure that they have done their job in teaching children that it is not ok and very dangerous to run off like that. Discussions with children should be done on a regular basis reminding them of dangers that are all around us especially young child need constant reminding. One conversation with a child of this age after the fact is not enough. I hope these parents continue to enforce and remind this child and their other children of the dangers that are out there in hopes to avoid future incidences. As a parent myself children even younger then this, they are constantly reminded by myself and my husband of dangers around us. It is our job as parents to teach our children right from wrong and of the dangers in this world. We can not leave it all up to outside care takers to do the parenting in our places. I would be extremely concerned if this daycare did not recognize the errors that were made in this situation however from the response of the owner it seems that they have and are taking steps to correct them and to better ensure the safety of all children in their care. "
The Father wrote on Feb 10, 2010 1:19 PM:
" I am the father of Jessica and I can ensure that her actions are not going unpunished. She will have consequences and this will be something that will be talked to her about. I agree that it is my job as a parent to teach my children right and wrong but you should remember that she is a 5 year old that needs to be supervised. All children should be supervised and that daycare is paid to watch my children. They failed to do their job and they should have consequences. If it had happened from our home CPS would have taken our children away from us. The story the daycare gave to the paper was different from the story I was told. Seems to me they are covering up the fact they are understaffed and incapable of doing the job they are paid to do. The police found her over a mile away before the daycare even knew she was missing. Anywhere between 15 and 30 mins. That is unacceptable for my child or any other child. It only takes a min for a child to disappear and as adults we all should know this. So even if she was out of site for 5 mins thats 4 mins to long. The bathroom story is a lie cause she went out the front door which is nowhere near the bathroom. I recommend parents with children at this daycare think long and hard about the safety of your children. "
BJ wrote on Feb 10, 2010 2:48 PM:
" Wow this brought tears to my eyes. Thank god for the couple who wasn't afraid to stop and call the police. How many other folks saw this little girl walking alone and didn't want to get involved?
To concerned parent - Do you even know this family to judge them on how or what they say to their children? Probably not. Just be thankful it wasn't your children, I'm sure that you would not appreciate someone telling you how you should raise your kids. In this day and time both parents need to work to support their families and have to put some trust into who they are leaving the children with. Hopefully the daycare center will be more alert with the precious lifes that they are RESPONSIBLE for while the parents are working.
So glad this turned out to be a happy ending and she is home safe. "
To concerned parent - Do you even know this family to judge them on how or what they say to their children? Probably not. Just be thankful it wasn't your children, I'm sure that you would not appreciate someone telling you how you should raise your kids. In this day and time both parents need to work to support their families and have to put some trust into who they are leaving the children with. Hopefully the daycare center will be more alert with the precious lifes that they are RESPONSIBLE for while the parents are working.
So glad this turned out to be a happy ending and she is home safe. "
Another parent wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:29 PM:
" The Father- you are absolutely correct!
Concerned parent,
A discussion with a child does not take away the primary responsibility of the day care to supervise and protect the child.
Calling the family before the police makes me wonder if the person in charge has the ability to manage an emergency situation. If a child was seriously injured or choking would the day care know you call for help first ? "
Concerned parent,
A discussion with a child does not take away the primary responsibility of the day care to supervise and protect the child.
Calling the family before the police makes me wonder if the person in charge has the ability to manage an emergency situation. If a child was seriously injured or choking would the day care know you call for help first ? "
B wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:34 PM:
" I would like to know what Parents Propose to do now that the Treehouse Daycare is closing down for good today. There is no where else for the children to go. "
LindaF wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:34 PM:
" I am Jessica's Aunt and let me start first of all by saying to people who feel the need to express their "opinion" about the parents being at fault. That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.Daycares are paid to provide a safe place to leave your children while you go to work.This is obviously not a safe facility at all.Think for second about the alternative outcomes of this situation.There are so many terrible things that could have happened which would have resulted in our family losing this child forever.Parenting is not the issue at all here.This is simply a Daycare center not doing it's job.They should be held accountable and I will do everything in my power to convince Jessica's parent to take action and not let this just become another news story pushed under the table in a week.It is so much more than the story you read to us.Jessica is our family and we love her very much,it is horrible that the negligence of these child care providers could have cost us our beautiful little girl simple because they did not do what their title suggest and that is to " provide child care" . Thank God for the kindness of others, it could have been a completely different kind of person who found her. "
Friend of Father wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:20 PM:
" I know how the father of this child was raised, as I too was raised the same way. It IS ultimately, in my opinion, the DAY CARE's fault. As a Law Enforcement personnel, the dangers of a child leaving and not being called are very high. Why did the center not call the cops IMMEDIATELY? I would not refer this center at all. "
Friend Of Family wrote on Feb 11, 2010 1:03 AM:
" As a parent of a 3 yr old i want "Concerned Parent" to explain to me how you would tell a 3, 4, or even a 5 year old how to be aware of the dangers in society. that is without scaring them out of their wits or making them so paranoid that even family members they don't see often would hurt them? i have had conversations with my little one about stranger danger and she doesn't understand what i am talking about she still says hi to everyone at wal*mart she sees once a week. this is a small town. we trust the places we pay to take care of our children to be sure our children are safe and taken care of. i know this day care will not take children that are even showing signs of being sick.. so how do the allow something like this to happen? "
Tina wrote on Feb 11, 2010 8:57 AM:
" You know I understand that this is very unfortunate to other parents that lost their child care as of yesterday and could 't find another place for them to go. I as being the mother didn't have a place for my 2 youngest today so I am having to stay at homes also. I just want to know that if this had happened to one of your children and you were in my shoes how would you react? Would you want to prusue leagal actions? Would you feel comfortable with having your child in that same facility? I love my daughter as well as the rest of my children way too much to have someone else that is responsible of taking care of my children to lose them or even get them hurt. I really am sorry for the rest of the parents that now have no childcare. Maybe someone else would like to start a center and they will want to provide care for children. "
Concerned wrote on Feb 11, 2010 10:48 AM:
" I can understand the predicament parents will have now. However, if there is an unsafe situation, isn't it better to have your children somewhere else?
I also understand that there aren't many options for the parents who work in the Benson area. This is unfortunate, but the safety and well being of our children should be first, not blaming someone else for the loss of somewhat unsafe child care.
Would it be possible to have this group of working parents, take turns watching the kids on their days off? This way, you would be able to bring in the necessary monies, spend time with your children, and all be able to know that your child is safe, and well taken care of.
Just a thought... "
I also understand that there aren't many options for the parents who work in the Benson area. This is unfortunate, but the safety and well being of our children should be first, not blaming someone else for the loss of somewhat unsafe child care.
Would it be possible to have this group of working parents, take turns watching the kids on their days off? This way, you would be able to bring in the necessary monies, spend time with your children, and all be able to know that your child is safe, and well taken care of.
Just a thought... "
friend of tina wrote on Feb 11, 2010 10:59 AM:
" The negative opinion is bad and should not be allowed I hope that person goes missing "
Rena Coyle wrote on Feb 11, 2010 11:16 AM:
" That little girl who everyone talking about is my granddaughter and I can tell you her mother and father have talked to they children about what could happed to them if they running away or get out of sight. I no what it is like to lost a child for 5 min. Back in Nov. of 2009 My grandson that I have went miss out of my sight at a festival. He was on a ride and got off and out of my sight that quick and I 47 years old and I can tell you I have talked to I am blue in the face to all of my children and grandchildren on these thing. But kids will do anything if you are not watching them. My grandson is 6 years old. And I can tell you I was scare for 5 min. But I got people to help me right away. I love all of my grandchildren and I am so thankful for the people that found Jessica. I would wont my son to lost any of his children, because he know what we all have lost in 2009 year, his brother and grandfather, it's been a bad last year. Grandma love you Jessica "
another Parent wrote on Feb 11, 2010 1:20 PM:
" I am convinced the "concerned parent" that chastised the childs parents were one of two things.. very very young with babies still at home OR more likely the owner or teacher that let this happen. NO ONE with a child over 2 thinks they will obey everything you say just because you say it. This was neglect and if they are closing GOOD they are doing it for two reason.. they think they are about to get the pants sued off of them and/ there will be legal action from thes tate licensing folks.Or Is it possible that there was no license? Either way children are definately safer without this group. Parents ANY child care IS NOT better than horrible & dangerous child care. Maybe it is time some of the businesses in town step up and provide care for their employees. "
SHARON wrote on Feb 11, 2010 2:16 PM:
" MY grandkids stay at the tree house and have off and on the past year..i don't think any one has more regret than those their. i don't think finger pointing or blaming is the special of the day. I am sure it has brought to light some things that for sure need improving, but not to condon what happened, but why is there not on ordaniance for facilities to have alarms and such already..??? It is a scary thought and horrible this took place. i am grateful Jessica is safe and sound..but things happen even when we think we are being very careful...i am sad they have closed.. "
wanda wrote on Feb 11, 2010 5:26 PM:
" It would be a great thing for Benson to have a daycare or two. It is a small town, but there are many children that need cared for while parents work. A parent needs to feel that their children are in a safe environment and left with adults that are trained to handle situations that may arise in a school day. How safe is any town that doors are left UNLOCKED? The entrance/exit is a distance from the restroom. so did the child leave quietly through the kitchen door and out the gated fence. I just do not understand how this happened. Thank goodness the child was found unharmed. I wish the town much success in resolving their daycare issues. "
concerned citizen wrote on Feb 11, 2010 5:48 PM:
" this is crazy people are not getting the entire story the other side of the story there are many many numerous wrong "facts" above and in the paper "
cdg wrote on Feb 11, 2010 8:51 PM:
" A "day care" center that allows one of the children it is care to wander off is not doing its job. A "day care" center that doesn't notice that one of its children is missing is not doing its job. If they are now "closed down for good" (as one of the above comments states), that is precisely what should be done. The argument that "there is nowhere else to take the children" is ludicrous. If th "day care" center doesn't provide a modicum of care, it certainly is not a suitable place to take the children. Better they stay home, or stay with relatives or neighbors or SOMEONE who will actually provide day care. "
other side of the story wrote on Feb 12, 2010 11:17 AM:
" Another side of the story ? what that somehow they are not to blame in someway ? A kid walking down a highway deserves no excuses . With talking like that I would think the loveable loser it back "
TsMama wrote on Feb 13, 2010 1:26 AM:
" I'd like to ask how this daycare has been allowed to get away with not being inspected for alarms and adequate staff to child ratios? Are they not checked on a regular basis? We've been military and moved to several different states and have never seen daycares that did not have codes and permits that were up to date from inspections. The daycare facility has obviously been able to cover up anyone knowing that they were short staffed and not up to standard safety! This is not the parents fault, maybe they didn't know how to check into the reliability of the daycare center. This is a mistake easily made to someone that is forced to put their children in daycare for the first time. (that's how it appears to me) I am so glad that this little girl was found, cold I'm sure, but safe and alive! "
TsMama wrote on Feb 13, 2010 1:30 AM:
" One more thing...WHY DIDN'T THE DAYCARE DIAL 911 THE VERY SECOND IT NOTICED HER MISSING? Even if they were calling the parents at the same time, they should have been on the other line with 911! They offered to have the parents fire the daycare person? That's not the parent's job, it is the daycare's responsiblility to deal with it's employees, and the parent's to follow up and make sure all was done to assure nothing like this happens again! Sounds like people higher up than the daycare teacher needs to be reprimanded! And buying sensors for the doors after the fact is a moment too late! "
More Information wrote on Feb 16, 2010 3:35 PM:
" While you are all going on about how "daycare" isn't providing the safety for a child, forcing it to shut it's doors, why don't some of you look at your own school system. Call the Sherriff's Department in Benson and ask them about the 6 year old boy that was found wandering underneath Interstate 10 on Pomerene road today. Put it all out there, don't just pick on one. "
hello wrote on Feb 17, 2010 8:56 PM:
" why doesn't anyone in the paper want to look into the little 6 year old wandering underneath I-10 on Pomerene Road Tuesday and do a smear article about the lack of safety at the Pomerene Charter school??? Lets be fair and put this type of news out there. Both Benson police and the Sherriff's Dept. were involved. Get the news done, people! "
Mother of 4 wrote on Feb 18, 2010 1:46 PM:
" I've had my older kids in the same daycare a few years back and they were always well supervised and taken care off. The teacher M is not one of my favorites because she has a tendency to do personal stuff instead of watching the kids. The owner wasn't even there that day, so the teacher is the one responsible for not watching the little girl and for NOT calling 911. Teacher M should get all this rap, not Tree! No wonder she decided to close, with no support from the community. Of course if was horrible that the little girl ran away and it was lucky nothing happened to her. Tree needs to be able to depend on the hired teachers to do a good job and I guess teacher M didn't do what she was hire to do! This daycare is not a terrible place, it was just unfortunate that the wrong teacher was in charge on that day and I know that the center is up on all their inspections and is definitely licensed! Give Tree a break! "
Mari wrote on Apr 13, 2010 4:14 PM:
" Hopefully the family of this incident reads this. Today, I found a 2 yr. old that wandered from his preschool group. He was just about to walk into a very busy street in downtown Chicago. This little boy had walked so far without anyone following. Supposedly this school has a 1:5 teach/student ratio and this incident was unexcusable. I made sure that the preschool called the parents to notify them but I think more has to be done. I think with so many parents choosing daycare, these facilities are overwhelmed and not monitored enough. Im wondering what I should do? This child could have easily been injured if I hadn't been crossing the street. Anyone have any advice as to what I should do. Should I report this preschool and to whom? "
Concerned wrote on Feb 10, 2010 10:56 AM:
Jessica was without shoes and a jacket on a rainy day.
It seems they don't notice when a door opens or closes? And how long does it take to think a child is in the bathroom too long? And once you discover a child is missing..... then what? Just hope they come back?
I'm sure they have quite a few children to watch, but it shouldn't be so many that they start losing them. "