Having a childcare center at their place of employment can be a real perk for working parents. Some of these childcare centers, particularly those at larger companies, may be licensed daycares subject to state regulations. But many parents may be unaware that smaller childcare programs at their place of employment may not be regulated the same way as licensed daycares.
This means there are no minimum standards to which they are held, and they are not routinely inspected unless there are allegations of abuse or neglect.
Types of Employer-Based Childcare Programs
Many large corporations have added childcare to their list of employee benefits by having facilities on the premises. Smaller businesses have also gotten on board as a way to keep talented employees.
It can give parents a feeling of safety to know that their children are being cared for in the same building where they work. Unfortunately, the care these onsite facilities provide may be questionable if they are not regulated. Licensing does not guarantee quality in a daycare, but it does set minimum requirements and ensures that there is monitoring to confirm they are meeting these requirements.
What to Look for in an Onsite Child Care Center
Just as you would carefully vet any daycare situation for your child, you should do the same when considering leaving your child in the care of a workplace facility. If you can, talk to other employees who have used the childcare center. Drop in to observe the facility and see if it is clean and tidy. Determine whether the kids sound happy or if there are sounds of crying. Notice if the staff are attentive to the children, or if they are paying more attention to their cell phones.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, including:
- How many children are caregivers responsible for?
- What ages of children do they care for?
- How are staff trained and screened?
- Do staff have CPR and first aid certification?
- What kind of age-appropriate toys and activities are available?
- What kind of meals and snacks are provided?
- What is their discipline policy?
- How do they communicate with parents?
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured
Some of the most common types of daycare injuries include the following:
- Broken bones
- Choking
- Poisoning
- Burns from electronics or unprotected outlets
- Slip and falls
- Physical abuse from daycare workers
It is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention after your child is injured, even if the injury seems minor. Often children cannot articulate where they are hurting. In addition, an insurance company may try to downplay the injury as not serious if there is no medical treatment and try to pay less on the claim. The doctor visit will also begin the paper trail that will be needed for a lawsuit if you intend to pursue one.
You should report the incident to your employer, but getting legal help immediately is also essential. Even if your employer’s daycare center is not regulated, they still have a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care while your child is there. If you signed a liability waiver before enrolling your child, this is unlikely to stand up in court.
Contact an Experienced Texas Daycare Injury Attorney
Contact The Button Law Firm as soon as possible after your child is injured while under the supervision of a workplace daycare facility. We can help get to the bottom of what happened, and if it is determined that negligence or abuse played a part, we can help you file a civil claim to seek compensation for medical treatment, your child’s pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the injury.
Filing a lawsuit can help with the financial burden your child’s injuries have created, and it can also help to ensure that other children do not have the same experience. At The Button Law Firm, we are passionate about keeping kids safe. Call today to schedule a consultation.
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