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The summer months mean children are out of school, leaving busy parents to plan on ways to occupy their time. Time spent in a daycare facility or with a babysitter may be needed to ensure older children are supervised throughout the day and to provide for the needs of younger ones. Deciding on the right provider in either situation can easily create tension, as parents worry about safety and the quality of care their children will receive. To keep everyone happy and to protect against potentially serious accidents and personal injuries, we have collected the following tips to help guide you in making these arrangements.
Child Care Center Licensing
One of the first things to look for when choosing childcare is whether the home or facility is licensed under the state’s law. The state’s child care licensing program provides safety guidelines and regular inspections to ensure children are provided for properly. There are two types of childcare settings you can choose from:
- Childcare centers, which often operate as businesses in strip malls and other office spaces, may provide for larger numbers of children depending on the amount of staff they employ.
- For more informal care, many families rely on individual providers in their neighborhoods, who care for children directly in their home. Each state has its own regulations as to how many children can be cared for at the same time.
What to Look for at a Daycare
In addition to making sure the individual or group daycare provider is licensed, we offer the following tips on what to look for during a visit:
- Check the ratio of staff to children. While one person may be adequate to supervise older kids, you want more interaction if your child is a toddler or infant.
- Check the playground area. This should be in a fenced in, enclosed area, with ground covers designed to cushion against falls.
- Keep an eye on cleanliness. Notice the condition of toys, chairs, mats, and other surfaces, and while workers are quick to sanitize items after the children are done playing.
- Look for emergency numbers. Make note of where the telephone is located. There should be a list of emergency numbers kept close by it.
- Ask for references. In addition to checking the background of the workers or the daycare provider, ask for references from other parents.
While you want your provider to have strong security features in place, do not be afraid to drop in for an unannounced visit. Even if it is just to observe the staff’s attitude, stopping by other than at expected times can help provide a behind the scenes look at how the daycare operates.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help
Accidents happen, but when injuries occur as a result of the negligence of a daycare provider, they can be held liable for the damages your child suffers. A skilled personal injury lawyer in San Francisco, CA is here to help in these situations. Reach out and contact a law firm to request a consultation today.
Thanks to the Morales Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and summer daycares.