A Missouri boy was inappropriately disciplined by an unqualified and untrained worker at a daycare center in Chesterfield. He was subjected to inappropriate yelling and other prohibited forms of punishment. A state investigation revealed this was not the first time this daycare worker had hurt a child in the classroom: numerous daycare workers had witnessed the caregiver’s inappropriate tone and loud outburst directed at children. However, the caregiver involved was allowed to continue working with children at the daycare center.
This daycare center failed the young boy and his family by not properly training and supervising its employees. Their reckless behavior disregarded the health and safety of the little boy in this case and his classmates. Workers at the childcare facility also neglected to contact the boy’s parents and/or grandparents following the incident, as required by state laws.
The boy’s parents contacted our experienced daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm to get justice. Our legal team joined forces with another firm to hold the daycare accountable for this little boy’s injuries and for its failure to follow state laws. The family was able to cover expenses and provide resources needed to help their son move forward, thanks to a settlement secured by attorneys on the case.
How Did the Daycare Hurt the Little Boy in This Case?
In daycare abuse cases, not all injuries experienced by children are visible. This case is an example of one where the injuries that the little boy sustained were emotional and psychological. The daycare worker’s actions toward the boy and his classmates were traumatic and caused emotional distress. The boy’s mentality and behaviors toward others significantly changed. He developed significant anxiety and began acting out by hitting and biting other children.
In addition, he became increasingly combative with authority figures including his parents and grandparents. The boy threw toys at his grandfather’s face and other children. He continues to throw tantrums and lose control of his emotions, and his new, reactionary behaviors have prevented him from making friends at his new daycare.
Not an Isolated Incident: A Daycare’s Pattern of Safety Shortcuts
An investigation into the incident involving the little boy at this Missouri daycare center found the facility to be in violation of seven state-mandated childcare standards, including:
- Failing to understand age-appropriate behaviors and how to manage
- Using inappropriate discipline methods that were not constructive nor age-appropriate
- Separating a child from the group for more than one minute
- Enacting physical punishments such as spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair
- Using discipline techniques—physical and verbal—that are humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children
- Neglecting to use firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior for infants and toddlers
The Chesterfield daycare’s neglect in this case was not an isolated incident. The childcare facility had been cited more than six times, including a month before and three months after this incident, for missing criminal background check results for numerous workers, not having staff complete their required annual training hours, and failing to finish safe sleep training within 30 days of hiring.
How to Find a Safe Daycare Center
We aim to make communities safer, and that starts with empowering and educating parents seeking safe childcare facilities for their children. Our daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm have created a free guide with tips to help parents find safe daycares.
More Helpful Information
For guidance on navigating the aftermath of daycare injuries, explore these articles. They offer valuable insights into understanding legal rights, addressing medical concerns, and ensuring your child's safety and well-being, providing the crucial information you need to effectively handle such situations.
- What Are My Rights as a Parent If My Child Was Hurt at a Daycare Center in Texas?
- How to File a Daycare Incident Report When Your Child is Hurt at a Texas Daycare
- 8 Commonly Asked Questions About Daycare Injuries Answered
How The Button Law Firm Can Help Your Family with a Daycare Injury Case
If your child was abused or neglected at daycare, camp, or school, contact our compassionate child injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm. We are experienced in working on cases involving children, like this case where a young boy was hurt by an unqualified daycare worker at a daycare center that had a history of safety violations. Our attorneys will listen to you and your child to assess the situation and determine where a daycare, camp, or school failed to protect your child in its care. Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form below for a free consultation.