Are you a parent with a busy work schedule? Have you been putting your child into a daycare to provide them with a safe, nurturing environment while you make ends meet? If you are shopping around for a good daycare, or want to reevaluate your current one, there is some information you should be armed with.
We know children get hurt – it’s just something that is going to happen. They’re exploring, pushing their boundaries, getting used to their bodies. There will be stumbles and bumps and scrapes – and, of course, there will be crying. When an accident is more than just a boo-boo, it is normal to start wondering if you made the right choice. Much of protecting your child at daycare comes from your first choice of where to send them.
Before committing to a location, you should visit the center on multiple occasions both on tours and while there are children present. You want to see firsthand how the daycare runs. While you’re there, keep an eye out for industry credentials, get in touch with the other parents for their opinions. When you get back home, seek out third-party references.
Taking all these precautions will help soothe your worries, but if your child was injured and you suspect negligence was the cause, there are a few things to consider. Was there supervision during the accident? Were there damaged toys, or unsecured materials such as bottle warmers and food? Your initial research should go a long way to clue you in to the level of safety the daycare exhibits, but situations can change.
If you suspect that your daycare may have neglected your child, seek out the police or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800422-4453). If you need legal advice, contact us at 202-296-0666 for legal consultation.