Kids Co. Corrects "Stranger-Danger" Story

Dear Mercer Island Patch Readers,

Kids Co. supports the efforts of local reporters to keep our children safe. Last Thursday an article appeared on the Mercer Island Patch website entitled, “Parents Worry After Man Photographs Children at Island Park Elementary – Again,” written by Kendall Watson, Mercer Island Patch’s Editor. 

This afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Watson about this article and correct some of the information contained in it. His article suggested there were multiple incidents that occurred at our Kids Co. at Island Park Center with a man taking unauthorized photos; in fact, there was only one.  The article also included copy of an email message about the incident, implying it was sent by Kids Co.; it was not. 

Committed to accuracy in reporting, Mr. Watson graciously offered to edit the article to reflect correctly the facts. We gratefully accept his offer.

For clarity, on the morning of July 10th a man was seen taking photographs of Kids Co. day camp children on the Island Park Elementary playground. There was no apparent threat, but Kids Co. staff immediately asked him to leave and took the children inside.  Once there, Kids Co. staff contacted the Mercer Island Police and sent an email to parents alerting them about the incident, communicating in detail Kids Co.’s response.

Please know this man has not been seen since and this was the sole incident with him involving Kids Co.

That day our staff, well-trained in security protocols, moved the children to our Lakeridge Elementary center. They returned them to Island Park Elementary later that afternoon in time for parental pick up.

Kids Co.’s first priority is the safety of the children in our care and we routinely train our staff for the variety of potential threats that may occur.  On July 10th, Kids Co.’s staff proved their mettle and we are grateful for their attentiveness and care for the safety of children.

On behalf of the Kids Co. family, thank you for caring about the kids among us.

Maria L. Thompson

Kids Co. Director of Development and Marketing