5/29/15

Dear Safari Childcare Parents,

Some of you have asked for details regarding the closing of our McHenry location last Friday.
We would like to address the issues that ultimately led to this decision.
It began in July 2011, when a DCFS Licensing Representative visited our McHenry location for
an alleged complaint. During this visit, the DCFS Representative verbally requested names
and phone numbers of random parents. In 22 years of providing childcare, Safari had never
received this type of request before. In an effort to protect the privacy of our families, Safari
asked DCFS to put this request in writing. DCFS refused and stated they do not have to put
anything in writing.
Since that day, our McHenry location received over 90 DCFS visits. During these visits, DCFS
made countless requests and demanded Safari immediately prioritize their needs over meeting
the needs of the children. DCFS refused to expand or renew the license, and substantiated
anonymous complaints without any investigation by stating Safari was uncooperative
because we requested:

DCFS provide written request to take confidential parent or staff contact information;

DCFS not interview children without parental knowledge or consent;

Interviews with staff be conducted outside of teaching times;

For the past four years, Safari has met with countless DCFS officials attempting to resolve this
matter. Despite assurances from DCFS the harassment and targeting would stop, it still
continues. Approximately a year and a half ago, Safari entered into litigation regarding the
McHenry location. Last week, as our McHenry lease neared its end, we decided our resources
would be better spent elsewhere. We voluntarily relinquished our DCFS license on Thursday,
May 21st. As part of this process, we requested 30 days to inform staff and parents of our
upcoming closure. DCFS denied this request and instead insisted we close the next day.
While the DCFS targeting began in McHenry, it has since expanded to other Safari locations.
Despite having never received a single request for parent or staff contact information for 20+
years, today DCFS routinely requests this information from Safari. Safari believes strongly in
the privacy rights of all individuals and we believe government officials should put requests for
your private information in writing. Our efforts are to protect your privacy and identity.
DCFS now demands random interviews with children (unrelated to allegations of parental
abuse or neglect) without parental knowledge or consent. Reasons include wanting to
interview a 2 year old to ask why he bit his friend and asking a preschooler why he pushed a
girl. Safari believes parents have the right to know and consent to DCFS interviews with your
child while your child is in our care. We feel you should be notified in advance before your
information is released or your child is randomly interviewed by DCFS.
Just this past month, a DCFS Official showed up at Safari, requesting to take a child into

custody without any documentation. Safari declined to turn over the child without a court order
or parental consent. In response, this Official asked why we were causing trouble, and said he
is like the police.
Safari is committed to protecting you, your child and our staff. When DCFS interrupts the school
day demanding to interview teachers during your childs prime learning time, Safari responds by
asking DCFS to schedule interviews with teachers at a time that does not interfere with the
childrens learning. DCFS considers this response by Safari uncooperative. DCFS has
threatened several Safari staff, has told them they will be Run out of the business and has
stated, We are DCFS, we can do whatever we want!
One conscientious DCFS licensing representative confided in our staff that DCFS reps were
specifically instructed to make frequent visits to Safari locations and not to leave without
documenting something. Safari has been subjected to countless DCFS visits and has been
cited for poop in the toilet from a child who did not flush and for a staff member singing
America the Beautiful too loudly.
DCFS accused Safari of failing to report two instances of abuse and neglect at the McHenry
location. In one instance, a 3 year old snipped a piece of her own hair with safety scissors,
which we documented. The other instance was when a 3-year-old boy was punching and
kicking teachers and classmates, to the extent he gave another child a bloody nose, and was
placed in a high chair by his teacher to prevent further injuries. For DCFS to categorize either of
these instances as abuse or neglect, is an insult to children who are actually beaten, tortured,
malnourished, etc. It is also contrary to DCFSs own definitions of abuse and neglect.
While Safari is not perfect, we do strive to do our best. Safaris Leadership team has cared for
over 50,000 children over the past 24 years. As Owner and President, I have personally
invested every penny I have ever saved back into the schools. My dream is still to create a
chain of loving and supportive schools where we teach kids to read. My own children attended
many years ago, and since that time, I have worked to protect each child as if they were my
own. I would never want my child to be interviewed by DCFS without my knowledge or consent.
I would also not want my contact information released to DCFS without written request or my
consent.
We understand you may be a bit overwhelmed with all this information. We would encourage
each of you to rely upon your own experiences at Safari by looking around at the hardworking,
loving, caring and committed staff, who care for your child daily. We will continue to provide
additional information in the coming days and weeks and hope you will support us in our efforts
to stop the harassment of our staff, children, and parents by DCFS.
Sincerely,
James Ourth
Owner and President
Safari Childcare