Beware of Tiburon Baby Whisperer Child Care Center
Under investigation. Not a safe environment. Two us had our infants there until last Monday. READ Below from one of the moms:
Beware moms (of Lucinda Riva): my worst nightmare came true
So against my own rule (never use a home-based day care), I went with my "gut instinct" that this gentle, warm, woman who had been a nanny and licensed daycare provider for decades and whom was recommended to me through a mom's group forum was a good option for me: occasional babysitting, relatively affordable, and seemingly grandmotherly to my precious son. Lucinda Riva of Barbaree Way in Tiburon calls herself the "baby whisperer" and is state-licensed for up to 5 children (0-3yrs). My son took to her instantly. He would literally run from me into her home (good sign, right?). Sounds too good to be true - well it was. Six weeks have gone by and I must admit I have had a niggling feeling since the day I walked in and found the children watching TV (under 2 yrs old) after she had told me that she didn't use TV. But for the most part everything was normal and going really well - so I thought. Yesterday afternoon I received a frantic call from another mom telling me to come and pick up my son. Lucinda was passed-out, presumably drunk on the floor (beer bottles and the smell), there were soiled diapers on the floor, along with the children's food and my son was in a semi-dressed state crying. I have no idea what had happened. She said it was a "medical condition" but wouldn't go to the hospital and she has not returned my call since. I am outraged and sick to my stomach wondering what my son (and others) have been subjected to. We have informed the police, the CPS and the state-licensing board. I am so ashamed and disappointed with myself. I am a SHAM - babysitting is supposed to be my well- earned break and now I feel like I have let my son and my family down. I'm going crazy wondering if he was abused/neglected. I just wanted to warn you all about this person. Her references were great - I really thought that I had done my homework with this. By the way, she advertises on craigslist also so warm your SF-based friends. I will do my best to get her license taken away but you just never know where she might turn up. Sorry for the long post.
I would like to go on record saying that I agree wholeheartedly with the above poster. Although I did not choose to place my child in this "Provider's" care, I did meet with her and visit her home.
I am a Social Worker by profession and spent the majority of my career doing investigations for Child Protective Services. When I went to this provider's home I had a visceral, gut reaction that told me not to entrust my child in her care. On paper she looks great. In addition, she presents as warm and caring and it appears that the children like her. I understand why many loving, caring and conscientious parents allowed her to care for their children. There was nothing concrete that caused me to distrust her. However, there were a couple of warning signs. In my opinion she overstated her professional experience in both her ad on Craigslist and in her resume. I thought her home was on the small side and I did not like the fact that her television was on and that her personal computer was in the main play area. I also did not like the emphasis she put on making sure to call ahead when wanting to pick your child up early. She said that this was to ensure that she did not take the children on an outing, I felt it might me that she wanted advance warning prior to an unexpected visit.
If you have a child in this woman's care I urge you to reconsider this decision at least until a thorough investigation into the aforementioned matter is completed. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact me directly. We are all in this together. Let's keep our kids safe!
Hi -- I saw your post. I just wanted to let you know I that this person worked for me and it was a totally horrible experience. She verbally abused my daughter, neglected my newborn son, and I discovered she was stealing our liquor. I realized too late she is an alcoholic. I got her out of our employ as quickly as possible. This woman should not be babysitting anyone. She is a phony and dangerous. Sincerely,
I have had experience with the person you are referring to. I didn't trust my initial instincts and have never made that mistake again. She never took the kids out, lots of TV, and what I believe was verbal abuse. My daughter was also traumatized. Stay far away.