SALEM, OR — The manager of a Salem daycare who smokes marijuana during business hours is confident the state will reinstate the day care's license. Alphabet Academy Learning Center manager Charity Araujo said she has a medicinal marijuana prescription and is not doing anything wrong. She claimed the state allows her and four other employees to smoke pot on the job, as long as they follow a few specific guidelines.
The news of daycare workers smoking marijuana on the job has parents across the state nervous and concerned. Kim Hill, executive director of Childswork Learning Center in Portland told KGW-TV parents need to do their homework before selecting a day care facility.
“They should ask ‘How do you hire your people? What are the credentials you’re asking for? How do you know they are proven?’ They need reference checks and talking with previous employers, things like that, which a lot of people do shortcuts on.”
The state has set up a Resource For Parents to check every licensed and registered daycare in Oregon. From there, parents can check for possible violations, complaints, active licensing and employees. The state also encourages parents to call (503) 556-6616 with additional questions.
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