Why Age-Grouping in Daycare Matters for Your Child’s Safety
When parents choose a daycare center, they trust the facility to keep their children safe and follow the rules designed to protect young children. One of Texas's most important safety requirements is that children are placed in age-appropriate classrooms.
Unfortunately, at The Button Law Firm, we have worked with families whose children were seriously hurt because a daycare failed to follow these basic guidelines. In many of these cases, the injuries could have been prevented if the center had placed children in the correct classroom based on age.
Below, we explain why proper age-grouping is essential and what families can do if a daycare’s negligence causes their child harm.
How Texas Daycares Should Group Children
Licensed daycares in Texas typically separate children into classrooms by the following age groups:
- Infants (under 11 months old)
- Toddlers (1 to 2 years old)
- Preschoolers (3 to 4 years old)
- School-aged children (5 years and up)
These groupings are required to help ensure each child receives age-appropriate care and is in a safe, supervised environment.
Why Age-Appropriate Classrooms Are So Important
Age-grouping in daycare centers is not just about organization—it is critical to keeping kids safe. Here are three reasons why:
1. Younger Children Need More Supervision
Infants and toddlers need more attention and hands-on care than older children. For this reason, Texas law requires a lower caregiver-to-child ratio in classrooms with younger children.
When daycares combine age groups—often due to being short-staffed—they may exceed these ratios. As a result, children may not receive the supervision they need, putting them at risk of harm.
2. Classrooms Must Be Designed for Specific Age Groups
Classrooms should be set up to meet the children's specific needs. That includes:
- Soft flooring for infants and toddlers who fall more frequently
- Secured furniture that cannot tip over if a child climbs on it
- Toys that are free of choking hazards and safe for younger children to play with
When children are placed in classrooms not designed for their age group, they are more likely to get hurt.
3. Mixed-Age Classrooms Increase the Risk of Injury
Children who are close in age may be able to play safely together. However, placing very young children with much older, stronger, or more active kids can be dangerous. Younger children are more likely to be unintentionally knocked down, pushed, or hurt during play.
We often see these mixed-age classrooms in daycares that are understaffed or trying to cut corners, but that is never an excuse for putting children at risk.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hurt in a Mixed-Age Classroom
When a daycare combines age groups in violation of Texas guidelines, and a child is hurt, the facility may be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
At The Button Law Firm, our team helps families take legal action when daycares fail to follow the rules and put children in unsafe situations. We are here to help families get answers and move forward after a preventable injury.
Contact The Button Law Firm After a Daycare Injury
If your child was seriously injured at daycare and you suspect the center failed to follow proper age-grouping guidelines, contact our team today. We are experienced in holding negligent daycares accountable and can walk you through your legal options. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.
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