In the United States, approximately 23.4% of children under the age of five receive childcare from someone other than a parent. With most parents working outside the home, they rely on daycare centers or similar programs to provide the same level of care they would themselves. Entrusting your child to professional caregivers should be a smooth transition, with the expectation of receiving high-quality care. Unfortunately, the reality is that many instances of daycare abuse and neglect occur frequently. We assume these paid professionals will act as an extension of parents, giving meticulous attention to detail as if their actions could mean life or death. Alarmingly, this is often the case, with a rising number of child fatalities in daycares at the hands of the very staff we trust with our children's lives. Are we demanding too much from these daycare centers? Is it unreasonable to expect our children to be returned to us in the same condition they were in when dropped off? This situation is perplexing, raising the critical question: who is really minding our children?
What Are Some Common Types of Negligence Seen in Dallas/Fort Worth Daycares?
Injuries to children at daycare centers are usually caused by the following:
- Lack of proper supervision
- Incompetent childcare staff
- Insufficient childcare staff-to-child ratio
- Staff lacking first aid skills
- Playground accidents
- Hazardous or unsafe facilities
- Injuries from defective or toxic toys
- Injuries caused by other children
Daycare centers and their employees have a delicate job to attend to and they are held to a different level of expectation. When they fail to meet such a standard of care, they are acting negligently and should be legally accountable for such negligence.
In Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) designed the Minimum Standards for Childcare Centers. Daycare centers are required to adhere to these minimum standards to reduce risks and create a safe environment that supports children's learning, health, and well-being. These standards include specific staff-to-child ratios and training requirements for childcare facilities. Research indicates that maintaining appropriate ratios and group sizes is essential for promoting optimal child development.
What to Look Out for Before Sending Your Kids to Daycare
If you or a loved one sends your children to daycare, make sure the facility implements adequate safety training and protocols for the kids in their care. Inspect the daycare facility, and review its policies to ensure it meets all appropriate safety guidelines. Specifically, a daycare center should maintain the following:
- Appropriate child-to-caregiver ratio
- Storage and safety precautions for chemicals, cleaners, medications, and small objects that can be swallowed
- Properly maintained building and grounds area
- Properly following all mandated state childcare laws
Furthermore, make sure to ask them about what their top five priorities are for caring for the child and run for the exits if one of the five does not mention the importance of keeping all children safe and well observed. It is also crucial to be aware if the daycare center is exceeding the prescribed minimum standards allowed for daycare centers. Following this helpful guide is the parent's duty to better ensure that their children will have the proper care they need.
Want to Learn More About What to Do if Your Child Was Injured at a Dallas Daycare?
If you or a loved one has had a child that was injured or killed as a result of negligence by a Texas daycare facility, reach out to us at 214-699-4409, so that we can be that shoulder you can lean on. More importantly, we want to help you to take action and get you the compensation you deserve. Our daycare negligence team is ready to handle all your needs and answer any questions you may have. When your child is hurt or worse, the last thing you want to do is deal with the legal side. Let us guide you through this process so you can focus and attend to your family in this difficult time.
.png)
.png)
