The woman who runs a Saanich daycare that is under police investigation also has an extensive criminal past, CHEK News has learned.
Though CHEK News has made multiple attempts to speak with Jaylene Hawkins, she has declined to be interviewed.
She is accused of attempting to care for too many children than is allowed in the province, and now she’s doing damage control.
READ MORE: Saanich parent pays $1,100 to hold daycare spot only to find it doesn’t exist
An online criminal record search reveals a string of fraud charges dating back more than a decade.
There are also concerns about her husband, Anthony Cianflone, who lives in the home, who has a lengthy criminal record including assault charges as recently as July.
Gillian Fehr runs four daycare centres in Victoria called, Gillybird Nature Academy.
“There are, I’m sure countless amazing Licensed Not Required in Victoria. This situation is so utterly sad for them because they are dedicating their lives to providing care for them,” Fehr said.
She has 500 families on her waitlist, and is currently closed to any further additions.
Fehr is aware of the allegations against Hawkins.
“I completely understand parents who are desperate, and they are looking for spots, and they don’t exist,” Fehr said. “And they see something come up, or somebody posting that they do have space. They are just absolutely elated.”
Fehr recommends that before parents choose a daycare, they should ask for criminal record checks for everyone living in the home, and ask for proof of a first aid ticket.
She says deposits should be paid one month in advance.
“They are first time parents who haven’t gone through this process before. So they are believing what is told to them by a provider, who say they have all the right certification, and people don’t know to make them prove it,” Fehr said.
Hawkins continues to solicit spaces for her daycare on Facebook as recently as of Wednesday.
Mary Griffin
