Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In New York and other States, hazing is a tradition or problem that continues to victimize children in elementary school, middle school, and high school. In many instances, the tradition or initiation of hazing goes unpublished and there is a degree of tolerance for the bad acts of members, athletes, or students who commit these bad acts. Many schools have anti-hazing policies and procedures in place. The enforcement of these policies and procedures is not so easy and it a challenge to spot hazing activities and to punish the wrongdoers.

A Child Injury Lawyer can advise, consult, and represent the hazing victim in a case against the bullies, homeowner's insurance, school, and other possible defendants. There are a myriad of problems associated with hazing activities. The victims of hazing often suffer physical and / or emotional personal injuries. In some instances, serious personal injuries and even wrongful death result from hazing related activities.

It was reported in Warsaw New York that two high school wrestlers were charged with crimes involving alleged hazing acts that took place in a locker room. The victim suffered a broken jaw as a result of the hazing related activities. The charges were filed after a criminal investigation that included almost 30 interviews. The Wyoming County District Attorney filed the charged against a 16 year old and a 17 year old. The students charged reportedly bullied two other students into fighting against each other. The inverstigation also uncovered evidence in the form of a mobile phone video of at least a portion of the fight. The students charged will be entitled to representation by a New York Criminal Defense attorney or the services of the public defender's office.

It is difficult for victims and their parents to deal with the aftermath of a hazing incident. There are many issues to address including continued attendance at the school, dealing with or being around the bullies involved in the incident, medical care / treatment counseling, and other issues. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on School Injuries, Homeowner's Insurance, Damages / Comnpensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Texas and other States, drivers should exercise the utmost of caution when driving in or near an area of school bus stops. School buses are typically large, yellow vehicles that are easily seen. When a school bus stops, it should be obvious to all drivers in the area. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the obvious presence of a school bus and put children in danger by reckless and careless driving. As a result thereof, children suffer serious personal injuries when they are hit by a vehicle in or near a school bus stop zone. See Texas Child Struck by Driver While Walking from School Bus.

A driver was recently arrested and charged with a hit and run collision after he hit a child walking home from school after getting off of a school bus. Ivy Pilgreen, a 1st grade student from Silsbee, Texas, suffered serious personal injuries and required care at the UMTB pediatric unit.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Treatment / Medica Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A parent or other interested person can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Derry, New Hampshire and other communities, school bus drivers have a duty to drive safely and otherwise properly supervise the children on the school bus. It was reported that a school bus drive, Amy Weeden, was accused of stopping short which, in turn, caused two students to suffer personal injuries as a result of the braking. The incident was reported to police and Weeden was ultimately charged with disorderly conduct and assault. See Derry New Hampshire - School Bus Driver Stops Suddenly - Personal Injuries.

Parents rely on schools and day care centers to safely transport and otherwise supervise their children. From time to time, there can be challenges on the job for a teacher, assistant, school bus driver, and others charged with driving and / or supervising children. It is important for these adults with the fiduciary duty of caring for children to keep their calm and composure and always act in the best interests of the children. Safety first - safety always should be followed.

When a child suffers personal injuries as a result of bad acts or negligence of others, a claim and / or civil lawsuit may be pursued to enforce the rights of the injured child. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A common element in many homes can cause significant risk of injury to a child - the open window. Every year - over 5000 emergency room visits are reported that were necessitated when a child fell out of a window of a building. The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio collected research and reported on the dangers of falls out of windows and resulting personal injuries to children. The danger can be easily removed by having window guards installed in the home, school, day care center, and other location frequented by children. It is also vital that adult supervision is provided in these settings. See Falls from Windows Cause Injuries to Children.

Child safety experts also recommend that homeowners, schools, and day care centers remove furniture away from window areas to prevent the wandering or curious child from using the furniture to gain access to the window sill area.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Monroe County (North Greece) New York, a child injury was reported at the YMCA located on Long Pond Road. Fire fighters / paramedics with Monroe County EMS responded to the YMCA and reported that a child was in a crawl tube with a neck injury. The story was posted on the site Monroe County Fire Wire which is a website owned and managed by Scott Ellman who is a firefighter with the Brighton Fire District. The website provides good public service information to residents served by hard working men and women who work as firefighters and paramedics in the area. See Child Injury Reported at New York YMCA.

When a child suffers a personal injury at a YMCA and / or a day care center, an investigation will typically be conducted by the facility and in some instances by local law enforcement, fire rescue, and / or the social welfare agency that regulates day care and child care facilities. Some incidents involving an injury to a child are unexpected and unforeseeable. Others, however, are foreseeable and more importantly preventable with better supervision and better equipment in place.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - is a good resource guide for parents seeking answers and basic information when a child suffers an injury at a school, day care center, home, or other location. The book has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. This book can be obtained by parents and other interested person for free at - Free Child Injury Book for Parents Seeking Answers to Common Questions and Issues.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Louisiana DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) is the governmental agency in charge of licensing, supervising, and disciplining licensed day care centers in the State of Louisiana. For a day care center to remain in good standing and to retain its state day care license, the facility must follow the rules and regulations set forth and enforced by the Louisiana DCFS. These regulations include those related to documentation, attendance records, and staff to child ratios. Unfortunately, many day care centers violate these policies and put children under the supervision of the day care center at risks for serious personal injuries and, in some instances death. The Louisiana DCFS recently revoked the child care license of a facility due to alleged violations of the State day care regulations and rules. See Louisiana DCFS Suspends / Revokes Day Care License of Children of the Future.

When a child suffers an injury as a result of the lack of supervision, an unsafe facility, or some other cause that is the fault of a day care center employee or administrator, a parent is often times faced with many challenges and questions. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, School Injuries, Day Care Center Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A parent or other interested family member can obtain a copy of this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By George Fusner, Jr., Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Whitehaven, Tennessee, a family and community are mourning the death of a 6 year old boy - Anthony Scott. It was reported that Anthony was hit and killed by a day care center van with Pee Wee Wisdom Child Care Center. The Tennessee Department of Human Resources is the governmental agency that licenses and regulations day care centers in the State of Tennessee. A full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and preventability of this tragic day care center transportation pedestrian accident. See State of Tennessee Department of Human Resources to Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Accident - Death of Anthony Scott.

When a child is injured as a result of the negligence or inattention of a child care provider, a school, or other entity, parents are faced with a number of questions regarding legal rights, insurance, and compensation. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, and Medical Bills / Medical Treatment. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Apple iBookstore. It is also available to parents and other interested persons at Free Book for Parents Dealing with a Child Injury.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Wisconsin and other States, school children often times attend field trips organized by the school. In most instances, the field trip is well run and organized. School officials, teachers, and volunteers are put in place to make sure that the children are properly supervised during the field trip. It is vital that children are supervised during transportation and at the field trip site location. A news story was reported about an incident that took place on a field trip in Wayne, Wisconsin. It was reported that a mother attending the field trip was found in the bathroom unconscious and surrounded by drug paraphernalia. A criminal background check was previously completed the the Kewaskum School District and did not identify any prior criminal activity by this parent. It was reported that this was an isolated incident. If a parent or volunteer has not prior criminal record, there does not appear to be any prior notice to the school about the potential problems that could be created by a parent like this supervising the children. Fortunately, no children were injured or hurt due to any issues with supervision but the potential is there anytime that a parent, volunteer, or teacher is impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol. See Parent Chaperones on Field Trips - Wayne, Wisconsin.

Continue reading "Who is Supervising or Chaperoning Kids on School Field Trips? Mother Passes Out on Wisconsin Field Trip - Drugs Found" »

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In many homes, day care centers, school, and other locations, there is a hidden danger that many parents and child care providers are not aware about. Button batteries are the size and shape of a small coin. Button batteries power many small toys and electronic devices. In the hands of a child, a button battery is seen as a toy and often times is ingested. The swallowing of a button battery can cause significant health risks and hazards to a child. There is a question and answer quiz posted online that will test your knowledge of the hazards of button batteries. Take the quiz to see how you so. How much do you know about the dangers of button batteries? What should you know about the dangers of button batteries? See Test Your Knowledge - How Much Do You Know About Button Battery Safety?

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Bedford County, Virginia and other cities / towns, children reply on school bus and public transportation. Many special needs children rely on school bus transportation to travel to and from school. Most bus drivers and aides are quite attentive to the children. Unfortunately, some drivers and aides are not prepared to work with children. Some school / transportation employees lack the training, patience, and / or common sense to work with children especially special needs children. In Bedford County Virginia, a lawsuit was filed seeking damages associated with the battery of a 12 year old autistic study by Bedford County School employees. The incident was captured on videotape. See Bedford County Bus Beating Caught on Video Camera - Lawsuit Filed Against County.

Unfortunately, thousands of children are injured on school buses every year. In some instances, the bus driver or the attendant assault the children on the bus. In other instances, another student is the aggressor and attacks or bullies a student on the bus. Getting to and from school in a safe manner is an important beginning or end to the school day. If a child goes to or leaves from school in fear or with personal injuries, that is a problem - a big problem - that should be addressed by the school, administration, and the bus company.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. It is important for parents to know the legal rights of an injured child when there is an injury sustained on a school bus, at a school, at a day care center, or other location.

By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Massachusetts and other States, there is a problem and danger to children enrolled in day care centers. The problem lies with the simple but potentially deadly mistake of leaving a child in a hot vehicle. When a child is left unattended in a vehicle without air conditioning or other proper ventilation, the temperature in the vehicle can reach heights that affect the health and well being of a child. Even the passage of a few minutes can result in serious personal injuries and, in some instances, the death of a child. Often times, action is only taken after the tragic death of a child left unattended in a school or day care center vehicle to change or strengthen laws and regulations. A simple checklist and due diligence by the staff of a school or day care center can and does prevent tragic personal injuries and deaths from taking place. See Massachusetts Panel Considering Measures to Prevent Day Care Center Tragedies from Taking Place in the Future.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills and Medical Treatment, and other topics. You can get this book for free at Free Child Injury Resource Book for Parents.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Hazing is an unfortunate act that still continues to take place in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and yes, even colleges and universities. In Quincy, Illinois, a hazing incident reportedly took place at Flinn Stadium by some Junior High / Middle School Students. The Quincy Report reported that the hazing incident involved student athletes who were the same gender and same age. Often times, students believe that an act is acceptable if it is a rite of passage. Hazing in any form should not be tolerated by school systems or law enforcement. Just because something has taken place in the past does not in any way give it legitimacy. Hazing is a crime - plain and simple. Of course, with any criminal prosecution, the case must be proven by prosecutors beyond a reasonable doubt and the intent of the criminal Defendant does play a role in the prosecution and defense of the case. The criminal Defendants are entitled to the services of a criminal defense attorney or the services of the local Public Defender's office. See Quincy Junior High Students Charged with Hazing in Illinois.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The school year brings with it a need for parents, children, and drivers to exercise good caution and driving for the safety and well being of school aged children. The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and other child safety advocates urge parents and drivers to keep kids safe when they walk to school or are at bus stops. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 25,000 children are injured every year as pedestrians. The injuries range from minor personal injuries to traumatic brain injuries to death. Here are some safety tips for children, parents, day care center providers, schools, and others:

1. Prior to traveling the route as a pedestrian or bicyclists, parents should first make sure that the child is familiar with the route;

2. Parents should walk or ride the route themselves to make sure that it is safe and that the parents are familiar with any potential hazards along the way;

3. Parents should take the time to talk to the child about safety while walking or riding a bicycle to school;

4. When possible, routes should be selected based on safety, traffic, and the presence of crossing guards, crosswalks, and traffic signals; and

5. Whenever available, sidewalks should be utilized.

For drivers, it is important for all drivers to slow down in school zones, playground zones, residential areas, and any other place or location where children walk or ride their bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Drivers should do their best to eliminate or reduce driver distraction and keep their mind and eyes on the task at hand - driving safely on roadways, near schools, and near bus stops.

For more information on this topic, see Parents and Drivers Must Do Their Part to Make Safety a Priority for Children Walking or Riding Bicycles to School.

By Will Brown, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An Akron, Ohio day care worker left a 13 month old child in a vehicle outside a local day care center. The vehicle apparently was carrying 5 children. The day care worker brought four of the five children into the center, leaving the fifth child in the vehicle for several hours. According to reports, it was 90 degrees outside. The 13 month old that was left in the vehicle died.

There have been several deaths related to children left in vehicles. On a hot day temperature can reach 180 degrees in a vehicle with dark interiors. It is important not to be distracted when getting out of your vehicle. Day care centers and schools have the responsibility to keep your children safe from harm. Make sure your day care facility has a plan for loading and unloading vehicles and the overall supervision of children. For more information on this subject, see Baby Dies from Heat Resulting of Being Left in Hot Car.

The avoidable death of a child is a tragedy that impacts the family, neighborhood, and the community. Children should always be given priority when it comes to day care supervision, and, yes, transportation. Even a moment of inattention can lead to serious personal injuries and even the death of a child while under the supposed supervision of an Ohio day care center.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Treatment, Child Abuse & Neglect, and other topics. The book is provided to parents, families, and others for free at Free Child Injury Book - Guide to Parents - What Every Parent Should Know About Child Injuries - Legal Rights and Compensation.

See also Leaving Children and Pets in Hot Cars Is Dangerous and Can Be Deadly.

By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Linda Favazza, a day care center owner in Methuen, Massachusetts faced criminal charges due to the death of a child and having an unlicensed facility.

She was sentenced to 30 days in jail after being charged with reckless endangerment in the death of two-month-old Tyler Grealish at her day care center. While the cause of death is still unknown, Favazza laid the child in a crib with an adult pillow and on his side.

Favazza was also sentenced to three years probation because she had an unlicensed day care center for eight children. Furthermore, she violated a cease and desist order issued following Grealish’s death in 2008.

Parents must be careful when signing their children up for enrollment in a Massachusetts day care center. Parents should make sure the centers are licensed, as well as have proof that all staff members are trained properly in caring for children. Simply going inside and examining the day care center can give parents many of the answers they need when trying to chose an appropriate Massachusetts Day Care Center. Asking owners the right questions like, “Are your employees properly trained in taking care of children?” can also give parents some of the answers they are looking for.

For more information on this subject, see Methuen, Massachusetts Day Care Center Provider Sentenced to Jail Term - Investigation into Death of Child.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Assistant Principal, Anthony Alvarez, 40, of Arvada High School, located in Arvada, Colorado, faces charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. It was reported that his wife caught Alvarez having an affair with a student and forced him to turn himself in.

Alvarez allegedly met the young girl when she was in 7th grade, and he was a teacher at Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge. Alverez said the young girl came onto him.
He claims this was a first time encounter and has never had sex with anyone under the age of 18 before.

When interviewed, the young girl said she and Alverez had been seeing each other for the past six to eight months. The young girl said he was inappropriate numerous times at school—grabbing her chest, butt, and showing off his erection. According to the girl, Alverez gave her a ride home one day, drove into the Landmark movie theatre parking lot, and made her rub his nipples, touch herself, and rub and lick his private area. The young girl claims she was scared, left when it was over, and called her parents.

Alvarez has been an assistant principal at Arvada High School since 2008. He has been with the Jeffco Public Schools District since 2000. The school district has placed him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The school district sent a letter to all parents explaining Alverez’s charges as required by the Colorado Department of Education.

Mr. Alvarez will be entitled to representation from a Colorado criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office as to these criminal charges. The criminal case will be resolved either by trial, a plea agreement, or a dismissal depending on facts of the case and the strength of the evidence on the case.

Police have seized Alvarez's computer and cell phone as part of the investigation.
At his hearing, bond was set at $5,000. If he makes bond, Alvarez will not be allowed to use the Internet or a computer, will not be allowed to contact the victim, and will not be allowed to contact anyone under the age of 18.

Unfortunately, teacher-student sexual relations occur far too frequently. Parents should keep a close eye on their children by continuously asking questions and being involved in their lives. Hopefully, by simply being aware, a parent’s intuition can reveal a secret relationship. Parents should also try to educate their children on the importance of telling a parent or other authority figure if a teacher or adult is inappropriate.

School members and employees should observe the actions of all teachers very closely. Teachers and faculty members should keep in mind that this is an everyday occurrence, and they should look for any signs alluding to a student-teacher relationship.

For more information, see Wife Discovers Asst. Principal's Affair With Student

By Steven Smith, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Every year, more than 5,100 American children are taken to the hospital after falling out of windows. More than a quarter of these children are admitted with serious injuries.

Between 1990 and 2008, nearly 98,415 children under the age of 18 were treated at hospitals for injuries sustained after falling out of a window. Tragically, two of the window failing incidents resulted in the death of a child. Toddlers led the injury statistics, however, accounting for two-thirds of all cases because they are curious, don't understand the danger, and have a high center of gravity.

Although the number has slightly decreased over the last 19 years, the number is still too high. While many people know how to prevent this problem, there are still those who do not.

Parents, baby sitters, schools, and day care centers need to make an extra effort to keep their children safe around windows. Window screens will not be enough. However, child care providers can ensure that kids do not have access to a window. For example, furniture can be moved away near windows so that children cannot climb atop, by therefore putting themselves more at risk to falling.

Parents can also install window guards or stops. Some cities, in fact, may have mandated this already. In New York, for instance, the Health Code requires apartment buildings to install guards on all windows in households with kids under 11.

If parents perform these simple safety tasks, they can decrease their child’s risk to falling out of a window.

For more information, see Thousands of kids in hospital for window fall.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

“Parents can never be too careful when it comes to leaving their child in the hands of any child care provider, whether it is a day care provider or a home care provider,” CPS spokeswoman Shari Pulliam said.

The Child Care Licensing Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which sets and enforces minimum standards and rules to ensure the health and safety of the children, regulates both day care providers and home care providers.

Pulliam said that while unregulated child-care might be convenient and cheap, it is not the way to go. Unregulated day cares mean no inspections, no training, no enforcement of basic health and safety standards, and no records.

Furthermore, the director of Lufkin’s Comfort and Joy Preschool, Libby Wojasinski, said parents should know the difference between “listed, registered, and licensed child care providers” before choosing a day care center fit for their child.

Listed home and childcare centers for one to three unrelated children must submit an application and pass background checks. They are not inspected unless a report is filed claiming abuse or neglect.

Registered home and childcare providers for 12 children or more must meet training requirements and pass background checks. They are inspected every one to three years.

Larger licensed home and childcare centers must conduct orientation, regular training, and publish standards and inspections every five to 12 months.

The CPS website lists all Texas home and childcare provider information. Anyone can insert their zip code and research the day care center of their choice. When researching a day care center be sure to separate minor infractions from serious infractions. For instance, not having tweezers in a first aid kit might not be that much of a problem.

Wojasinski also recommends talking to other parents for information about childcare services. In addition, she says parents should walk in the actual day care centers, look around, and observe the atmosphere of the place. “Is it clean, organized, happy?” Are kids playing, interacting, and learning?

Last year, 1,800 reports of abuse or neglect were reported in the state of Texas alone. Out of these 1,800 reports, adverse action was taken in 524 cases. With so many childcare centers being reported for abuse or neglect, it is important for parents to research the childcare centers prior to sending their children there.

For more information, see CPS reminding parents to do their child care homework.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Shreveport Child Care Center, located in Louisiana, was warned for several safety violations, and as a result, received a license revocation notice from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

Similarly, God’s Gift Child Care and Learning Center, located in Louisiana, was issued a notice citing violations which included failing to conduct criminal-record checks of non-paid staff prior to employment. State officials say that the center was cited four times in the last ten months for not completing background checks on two to six staff members each time.

God’s Gift Child Care and Learning Center was also cited for failure to maintain appropriate children-to-staff ratios, failure to conduct proper visual checks of vehicles used to transport children and failure to maintain proper transportation logs within the last six months.

"In each of these cases the violations are considered serious, repeated or numerous (and) put the safety of children at great risk," said DCFS Secretary Ruth Johnson.

Other day care centers were cited as well in Louisiana. For instance, Tiny Tots Day Care Pre-School in Natchitoches also was cited for failing to protect the rights of children and failing to keep children safe from harm or abuse.

And finally, Highland Child Development Center lost their license for failure to meet state licensing requirements. They will be closing their doors by the end of the month.

When a day care center is cited with a violation, the Louisiana Day Care Center can challenge or appeal the decision or citation. The day care center is entitled to defend itself when cited for a child care, child supervision, or facility violation.

It is important for day care centers to continuously maintain the facility and provide child care and supervision in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and code provisions applicable to Louisiana day care centers. Without performing proper background checks on employees, day care centers are putting the children they look after in danger. Parents should research centers in the area in order to ascertain safety and licensing information about the centers they are interested in before making a definite decision.

For more information, see Local child care center's license revoked.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

There are many factors that parents should consider when sending their children to a day care center. A website is located at www.txchildcaresearch.org. The website provides parents with valuable information regarding Texas day care centers and child care centers. It has information on day care centers located in cities and towns in the State of Texas. By typing in a city’s zip code or the center’s name, anyone can find the information they need about the particular day care center they are researching. Once on the site, a person can research inspections performed at any center and if the center was given any citations. Reports done by the inspectors are also available.
In addition to researching the center, Texas Chid Protective Services recommends touring the facility before choosing which day care to send your child. CPS also says that babysitters may have to be licensed depending on how many children are being cared for and if the child is related to the sitter or not.

Because of the economy and the family dynamic, many parents have no other choice but to engage the services of a day care center or child care center. While government regulations and inspections can help weed out dangerous or non-compliant day care centers, parents should always be diligent in pre-screening the day care center on their own and then continue their due diligence on a frequent basis while the child is enrolled in the day care center. A parent should try to visit the day care center at different times of the day and get to know each person providing care to the child in the Texas day care center.

For more information, see “CPS: Don’t Be In the Dark.”