Child Care Safety Checklist: Check Your Daycare
As the school year heads to a close, parents begin the search for finding child care accommodations for their children. There is a large variety of different types of childcare facilities to choose from, and it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your son or daughter. While childhood accidents and injuries are common, a recent tragedy in
the Upstate highlights the importance of making sure the care provider you choose adheres to standards and requirements that can help to prevent your child from suffering harm that could put their future in jeopardy. The following is important information about the various types of daycare settings, and how to be sure the one you choose is the right one to protect and care for your child.
Make Sure Your Child is Safe
A March 2016 WYFF news report on a child’s death in the Upstate indicates the three-month-old, who had been napping for over three hours at a home daycare provider, suffocated as the result of a plastic crib liner. The tragic death was ruled an accident, but it highlights the need to be extra vigilant that the daycare you choose follows all recommendations and requirements aimed at keeping your child safe.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that accidental injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. More than 13,000 children die and over nine million are injured each year, and both parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in preventing these types of accidents from occurring. Common causes of childhood injuries and deaths include:
- Suffocation
- Accidental drowning
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Accidental poisoning
- Severe cuts and lacerations from sharp objects
- Motor vehicle accidents
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Preventing Daycare Accidents
In the Palmetto State, child care facilities are licensed through the state and, as listed under Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Children’s Code, must comply with standards that promote the health, safety, and welfare of children in their care. As a parent, you can help to protect your child from injury by making sure the facility you choose is licensed through the state, as well as taking steps to help with safety both at home and in daycare by following these tips to prevent injuries from the Cooperative Extension System:
In the Home or Facility:
- Make sure sharp, breakable items are out of reach.
- Make sure cleaning products and chemicals are locked in cabinets.
- Inspect shelving to make sure it is anchored to the wall.
- Make sure safety gates are used to prohibit children from wandering off on their own.
When Playing Outside:
- Make sure playground equipment is well maintained and the appropriate size.
- Check surface materials in play areas to make sure there’s enough cushioning for falls.
- Make sure the area is completely gated.
- If there is a pool, make sure it is gated and has rescue aids and a phone nearby.
Always check that your daycare is adequately staffed and follows state guidelines for hiring. Make sure there are fire exits that are easily accessible, and that the staff is up to date on recommendations as far as product safety when it comes to bedding and toys
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
If your child has been injured as the result of a negligent day care worker or owner, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys offer compassionate, professional legal representation to help your family get the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form