How confident are you that your child’s day care is safe?
Millions of parents across the United States entrust their children with day care centers every day. During the eight or so hours between drop-off and pick-up, parents often know little about what goes on.
The majority of day care centers are safe, and the majority of caregivers have the best interests of the children in mind. But injuries, abuse, and neglect can and do happen.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to recognize signs of an unsafe day care.
Keeping Your Child Safe
Are you looking for a day care? Is your child already attending a day care and you want to make sure it is safe? Here are some tips to help you choose a safe child care center – or recognize signs of an unsafe one:
- Do your research: Is the day care licensed? Call the state licensing bureau to get information about the day care, and be sure to ask if there are any complaints on record. Call the police department’s non-emergency line to find out if there have been any police reports filed in the past. This can inform you if there have been any potential safety issues, such as vehicle thefts or electrical fires.
- Search online: You can often find online reviews of day cares. Websites like Yelp.com or Google.com can offer insight into the safety and quality of a particular center.
- Tour the facility: A tour of the day care can tell you volumes. Is it clean? Do the children seem happy? Does the staff seem happy, helpful, and professional? Is there plenty of room and safe equipment for children to run and play?
- Talk to parents: If you are considering a day care, a good place to start is with references provided by the day care center. But don’t stop there. Talk to parents of other children to find out about their experiences.
- Talk to your child: If you suspect something is wrong with your current day care, talk to your child. Pay close attention for signs of distress, sadness, or anxiety. Younger children may not be able to communicate that something is wrong, but you may spot non-verbal cues.
Search for a licensed day care or check a day care’s inspection record
https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/default.asp
What To Do If Your Child Has Been Injured, Abused Or Neglected
Has your child suffered any of the following?
- Injuries at day care centers or child care centers – Not all injuries in a day care center indicate that there is a problem. Accidents happen. But when caregivers fail to provide adequate attention for your child, accidents are more likely to occur.
- Abuse by caregivers – Has your child been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused?
- Neglect by caregivers – Is the day care failing to meet your child’s basic needs? Is the center understaffed or overcrowded?
If your child has been injured, abused, or neglected at a day care, you should speak with a personal injury attorney about your legal options. Making sure that your child is safe is top priority. Once your child’s safety is ensured, talk to a lawyer who can help you hold the day care responsible and seek compensation for medical costs and your child’s suffering.