When it comes to choosing a daycare, parents have a lot to consider, from staff qualifications to cleanliness and safety policies. One critical factor that often gets overlooked is whether the daycare has security cameras, and more importantly, how those cameras are used.
At The Button Law Firm, we’ve put together a free resource called 10 Tips for Finding a Safe Daycare to help parents make informed decisions. In this article, we’re diving into Tip #9: Security Cameras because knowing what’s happening when you’re not there can make all the difference.
Why Security Cameras Matter
Security cameras are one of the most effective tools for protecting children and holding caregivers accountable. They deter misconduct and provide valuable evidence if something goes wrong. But not all camera systems are created equal.
When evaluating a daycare, look for facilities that have both live feed and recorded footage. A live feed allows parents to check in on their child in real time, usually through an app, but live streaming alone isn’t enough. If the video isn’t being recorded and stored, it can’t be reviewed later if an incident occurs.
What to Ask the Daycare
When you tour the facility, ask direct questions about their camera policies:
- Is the footage recorded and stored?
- How long is it kept?
- Can parents access recordings if there’s an incident or concern?
This information is called the retention policy, and every daycare may handle it differently. Write down their answers so you have them for future reference, especially if an issue ever arises.
Be Aware of Red Flags
In many of the daycare cases we’ve seen, parents are denied access to camera footage after something goes wrong. Daycares might say, “We don’t have access right now,” or “We can’t share that footage.” But here’s the truth: while they may not be legally required to share it, they absolutely can if they choose to. Refusing to show footage is a decision, not a technical limitation.
If a daycare seems hesitant to provide access to recordings, that’s a red flag.
Check Camera Locations and Blind Spots
Take note of where cameras are placed. Are they only in public areas, like the front entrance, or do they also cover classrooms and playgrounds? Unfortunately, abuse and neglect often happen in areas where caregivers believe they aren’t being watched.
Understanding where the blind spots are can help you stay informed and ask better questions before enrolling your child.
If You Suspect Something, Act Quickly
If you ever believe your child may have been harmed, it’s important to act fast. Surveillance footage can be overwritten or deleted in a matter of days or weeks, depending on the daycare’s system. Reaching out to an attorney right away can help preserve that critical evidence.
If you believe your child was hurt because of daycare negligence, contact The Button Law Firm. Our team is here to help families get answers and hold negligent daycares accountable.
Call us at 214-699-4409, e-mail us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with our team.
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