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worked until at least 6 p.m., when the daycare closed. Mr.
Speltz cared for all the children if Mrs. Speltz was absent,
usually when Mrs. Speltz had doctor or dentist appointments. For
a short period of time, Mr. Speltz cared for a small boy whose
mother had to work very early from 5 a.m. until 6 a.m.
Generally, however, Mrs. Speltz directed Mr. Speltz to monitor
and care for about five or six older children when he arrived
home.5 Mr. Speltz monitored the children indoors and whenever
possible outdoors, where the children could be active playing
kickball, soccer, and basketball, and sledding on the vast
stretch of property that petitioners maintained according to
State of Minnesota daycare standards. Sometimes Mr. Speltz took
the children on nature walks along the creek running through
petitioners’ property. Mr. Speltz also took the children for
rides in a trailer connected to his tractor, and he often took
them across the many acres of petitioners’ farm to collect
firewood that Mr. Speltz chopped to heat petitioners’ home.6 In
addition, Mr. Speltz spent time repairing the children’s toys,
cleaning, and organizing the daycare areas.
Mr. Speltz also performed tasks benefiting petitioners
personally, including picking up mail, groceries, chopping
5When the children were split into two groups, Mrs. Speltz
watched the younger children, whose care involved diapering,
toilet training, and playing with toys.
6Firewood was the only source of heat in their home.
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Last modified: May 25, 2011