Daycare Safety Tips for Parents

Working parents rely on their daycare providers to watch their children, but they also rely on those providers to give their children a safe environment to play in while they are away from their home. From daycare fights to diseases to abuse, there is a lot a parent has to worry about when selecting a daycare for their child. Even a daycare that seems to be legitimate can surprise some parents. Luckily, there are ways parents can reduce the likelihood their child will be injured or neglected while at a facility simply by taking the time to dig a little deeper into the premises, credentials, and actual care practices of their daycare.

Take a Tour of the Facility

There are numerous parents out there that will sign their child up for a daycare program without touring the facility or taking the time to see how the facility operates. It is important that parents get a sense of the space, look at the layout, and even inspect for potential safety hazards. They should also inspect the playground areas, fencing, entrances, and exits and ask how the facility monitors which parent or guardian picks up a child.

Parents should visit the facility on a busy day while children are there to see how clean the facility is and if the number of daycare providers are adequate for the number of children they take care of during the day. Parents should also look for childproofing, including proper locks, plug covers, and limits to kitchen access.

Inspect the Credentials

Next, parents should see if a daycare facility has the right accreditation. There are numerous national accreditation programs daycare facilities can join, including the National Association for Family Child Care. Some states will also employ their own quality control and daycare licensing requirements. Parents should ensure that the facility they are considering is accredited and has all state licenses required. Parents should also make sure each daycare worker is trained and certified in first aid as well as CPR.

Look for Warning Signs

A bad daycare facility will often give off warning signs – so long as parents know what to look for. After a child starts attending the daycare, parents should look out for any signs of neglect or abuse. These signs can include:

• Excessive diaper rashes – which may indicate the child sits in a soiled diaper throughout the day
• Unexplained bruising, scrapes, and cuts
• Signs of neglect, such as a dirty face or hands, spills and stains on clothing, or dehydration
• Depression or anxiety from the child regarding the facility

A parent should use their instincts when assessing a daycare facility and their workers. More importantly, parents should never be afraid to leave a daycare or switch facilities if they feel that their current provider is not taking care of their child properly.

If Your Child is Injured, Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney

If your child is injured due to neglect, poor supervision, or physical abuse at a daycare facility, you may be entitled to compensation. The premises liability attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group can hold negligent facilities and workers responsible for their actions. Contact us online or call 702-222-9999 to schedule a case evaluation now.