When Kids Experience Harm Due to Neglect in Daycare

Your kids are precious, and when you leave them with a daycare center while you work or are otherwise engaged, you want them cared for with the same diligence you provide yourself.  Oftentimes, that is exactly what happens.  But unfortunately, there are sometimes cases where daycare centers are simply not safe, and parents don’t discover as much until after a disaster.

Case in Point 

The Elevon in Severn, Maryland, has been investigated for three violations of Code that could have serious consequences for children in their care:

• A complaint alleged the student/staff ratio was not in compliance with state regulations. Furthermore, staff were accused of being preoccupied with their phones instead of committed to supervision. That led to multiple injuries, as well as situations where young children were left unsupervised at all.
• In one situation, a staffer was accused of leaving an emergency evacuation door propped open while changing a diaper. That led to young children exiting the building without an adult. Not until surveillance cameras were watched did anyone at the center realize the kids had escaped.
• During a fire drill, it is purported that one child was left unattended inside the building.
• One child had her elbow partially dislocated after being picked up by the arm, and the incident was not revealed to the parent until after an investigation revealed the incident on security tape.

The Investigation

When the state’s Office of Child Care (OCC) was notified of these incidents, an inspection followed.  The results were unimpressive, with multiple violations found, including issues related to:

• Records related to staff members;
• Lack of notifications to parents and the OCC following problems;
• Sanitation;
• Lighting;
• Reporting of abuse/neglect;
• Security of kids at the facility;
• Discipline;
• Child/staff ratios;
• Supervision;
• Daily activities schedule.

Ensuring Your Child is in Good Hands

 How can parents feel comfortable that they’ve left their children in a safe, secure environment?  Check for the following:

• State accreditation or licensing;
• Child/caregiver ratios meet state guidelines;
• Staff is trained appropriately;
• You’re free to drop in unannounced;
• Emergency plans are often practiced;
• Sick day policies exist in written form;
• Spaces are childproof and secure;
• A health consultant is used as needed;
• Positive discipline is used;
• Communication is frequent, open, and goes in both directions.

When Neglect Leads to Harm 

Unfortunately, even the most trusted facilities may fail parents’ expectations. If your child is seriously injured due to neglect in a childcare center, they may be both criminally and civilly responsible. The dedicated, hard-hitting LaPlata & Waldorf personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. can help you to analyze your options going forward.  No child should suffer the effects of neglect. Let us help you in your quest to obtain damages to address medical bills and more. Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Source:

wmar2news.com/homepage-showcase/daycare-temporarily-shut-down-after-kids-escape-toddler-injured-in-separate-incidents