Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

When selecting a Georgia day care center, it is important for parents to obtain and review information regarding the day care center. While prior records and surveys do not insure that a child will be kept safe, it is helpful to review these documents and information to make an informed decision as to the selection of a day care center. Once a child is enrolled in a day care center, parents should continue their due diligence of evaluation, review, and inspection of the day care center. Parents should visit frequently and at different times of the day. Parents should take the time to get to know the administrators and staff members at the day care center. When possible, it is also helpful to befriend other parents to share information and observations of the day care center.

When a child is injured at a day care center, there are often many challenges for the concerned parent. A child injury lawyer can assist a parent with these issues that may include medical bills, medical treatment, damages, compensation, legal rights, and other matters. Contact a Child Injury Lawyer for the advice and representation that your injured child deserves.

Here are some things parents can do regarding the selection and continued use of a Georgia day care center for the care and supervision of the child:

1. Day Care Center License. Ask to see the day care center license and continue to do every quarter or semi-annually to make sure that the day care center license is current and in good standing.

2. Day Care Center Policies and Procedures. Most reputable day care centers will have written policies and procedures for the facility. Ask the director or administrator of the facility for these written policies and procedures.

3. Staffing Records and Background Checks. While these records may not be made available to you, it makes sense to ask the facility what background checks are completed on staff members at the facility.

4. Survey and Inspection Records. If the day care center is one that is periodically inspected by the State of Georgia then there will be records on such inspections and surveys. While it is not necessarily a problem if the facility gets random citations, it is good to know what problems or deficiencies have been cited by the State of Georgia.

5. Parent Visits and Volunteers. To get an up close view of the day care center and find out more about its inner workings, it makes sense for a parent to spend some time at the day care center. If possible, volunteer periodically at the day care center. This will give you time to get the know the teachers and staff a little better.

In addition to the above, there is an online resource that is available for parents with children in or about the enroll in a Georgia day care center. The Department of Early Care and Learning has maintained data and scoring records for day care centers under their authority and supervision. See Georgia Day Care Center Scores.

Another resource available for parents is the book - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. This book has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Playground Injuries, and other topics. Get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Brunswick, Georgia, a serious automobile accident / school bus accident took place when a school bus hit a car. Due to the impact, the car and its driver were pinned by the larger school bus. See Glynn County School Bus Hits Car - Pins It Against a Tree Trapping Driver Inside. Police and rescue workers responded to the scene and were able to free the trapped driver from the vehicle. Thereafter, the injured driver was taken to a Savannah hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Driver safety is key for all drivers on Georgia roads. It is important for all drivers to pay close attention to speed limits, road signs, traffic conditions, and road conditions. When there is an automobile accident, there are often many issues and challenges faced by the injured driver or passenger. These include those related to medical care, medical treatment, medical bills, insurance claims, wage loss, and other compensation. It is often times helpful to have assistance and representation by a personal injury attorney to guide the injury victim through the claim. When necessary, a lawsuit can be filed to enforce the rights to compensation of the injured person.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Georgia and other States, teens engage in hunting activities. During most hunting trips or activities, there are no problems or injuries. Unfortunately, at times, an errant shot is fired and results in a serious personal injury and, in some cases, death to a hunter or bystander. A hunting accident was reported in Fulton County, Florida. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that a teen was accidentally shot when his gun discharged while he was hunting squirrels with his brother. The teenagers were hunting with .22-caliber rifles. The gun went off when the gun hit the ground and then hit the teen in the face/cheek. It appears that the teen will recover from these hunting related injuries. See Teen Shot While Hunting with Brother in Fulton County, Florida.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Georgia and other states, drag racing can turn deadly for the drivers and / or spectators. One such race caused the death of two spectators - Keshon Burdette - age 15 - and Kevin Johnson - age 27. The incident took place in Waynesboro Georgia. During the race, a car went out of control and crashed into these unfortunate spectators. Drag racing is a dangerous activity which can and does cause serious personal injuries and, sadly, in some instances the wrongful death of others. See Two Killed When Drag Racer Loses Control of Vehicle in Wayenesboro Area Drag Race.

The loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare. It is even worse when the death could have been avoided. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, Automobile Accidents, and other topics.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Georgia, a jury awarded the parents of a 2 year old child over $9 Million dollars in a lawsuit that was filed against a day care center. The case involved the drowning death of a 2 year old (Abiola Bankolemoh) who was not properly supervised by the day care center employees. As a result of the lack of supervision, the child drowned in a Georgia swimming pool. While swimming pools can be great fun for children, swimming pools also pose a significant risks to children. Because of the inherent risks associated with swimming pools, it is vital that proper supervision is in place at all times when children are in or near a swimming pool area. In particular, gates should be locked, pool fences should be secured and in place, and supervision should be consistent and constant. See Gwinnett County Georgia Jury Awards Parents a Verdict in Day Care Drowning Case. The verdict in this case was quite significant. Hopefully, the parents are able to collect upon the verdict. Many day care centers lack insurance or have minimal insurance in place to cover personal injuries and deaths that take place at a day care center.

When a child suffers personal injuries at a Georgia Day Care Center, there are often times many questions and issues involved with such an incident. 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 / Medical Treatment, and other topics. You can obtain this book for free at Free Book for Parents Searching for Answers and Help with Personal Injury Matters.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning monitors and licenses day care centers in the State of Georgia. This agency released statistics regarding incidents involving the death and / or injury of children in a Georgia day care center. Over the past give years, there have been over 500 major incidents reported involving a Georgia day care center. Of these incidents, it was noted that there were 239 injuries and 8 deaths of children while enrolled in or participating in day care center activities and field trips. These statistics included reported incidents that were on record with the Department. Of course, there were likely a number of incidents involving injuries or dangers at a Georgia day care center that were never reported to authorities. The Department can and does take action regarding dangerous incidents and violations of Georgia laws and regulations. There were 497 severe penalties issues for violations of day care regulations and / or standards. Some child safety advocates do not believe that the Department is doing enough to enforce standards or shut down day care facilities that violate regulations and put children at risk for serious personal injuries and death. It was reported that there is over 6000 licensed day care providers in the State of Georgia. You can read more about this topic at Day Care Problems Reported for Georgia Day Care Centers.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Georgia and other States, children are the unfortunate victims every year of being left alone in a day care center bus or van. In hot weather States including Georgia and Florida, this can be especially dangerous due to the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and hyperthermia. Even leaving a small child in a vehicle for a few minutes can lead to serious personal injuries, and, yes, even death. It was reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution that there were more than 50 incidents of children enrolled in Georgia day care centers who were left in vehicles during a 5 year period. Temperatures climb very rapidly in a vehicle once the vehicle / air conditioning is turned off. It is known that the temperature inside a enclosed vehicle is even hotter than the temperature outside of the vehicle.

The Department of Early Care and Learning regulates and inspects Georgia day care and child care centers. Regulations should be followed but, unfortunately, often times are violated - sometimes by mistake - and - sometimes intentionally. There is a real problem with transportation of children enrolled in Georgia day care centers. In particular, children are left in day care center vans and buses. This can and does lead to serious personal injuries and, in some instances, death. See Surprising Number of Children Left in Georgia Day Care Center Vans.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Shelia Henderson operator of Sister-N-Sister Family Home Day Care Center in Warner Robins, Georgia has been charged with felony murder, second degree cruelty to children, involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. These charges stem from an incident at her unlicensed day care center involving the death of a three year old boy. Officials with Department of Early Care and Learning report that 3 year old Andrew Calloway died after being left in a owned by the day care center.

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. Parents should verify that their child's day car center is licensed and insured. Every state has there own state laws and requirements for day care licensing. Ask your day care supervisor for proof of licensing. In most states, the Department of Family and Protective Services or the Department of Social Services is the agency that regulates day care licensing. This may vary from state to state. You can read more about this story at Warner Robbins Day Care Center Where Three Year Old Died in Vehicle Was Unlicensed

Read more at How to Find Out if a Day Care is Licensed.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 17 year old Georgia high school football player from Acworth, Georgia in Cobb County was charged with battery after he allegedly attacked an opposing team member. The alleged attack occurred during a football game between Loganville Christian Academy and Northside Christian Academy. Adam Chumley, a lineman from Northside Christian Acadamy pulled off the helmet of Jarrett Briscoe age 14. Chumley began beating Brsicoe in the in the head causing a possible concussion, headaches, vomiting and nausea. The incident happened during the game in which Loganville Christian Academy was leading, 33-0.

Unlike assault, battery involves actual contact. Participating in a football game or other organized does not give players free reign to assault and batter opposing players. This is true for high school sports. Coaches, referees, and parents should encourage and support sportsmanship and fair play. Otherwise the player can suffer serious personal injuries that result from excessive violence rather than the play of the game. For more information on Georgia High School Football Player May Face Criminal Charges For "Battery" Committed During Football.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Roberto Emilio Basilio and Ayinde Kadeen Woodley, both 18, and Anthony Jason Riddle and Jose Luis Sotero, both 17, were charged with battery, theft and robbery after they allegedly beat and robbed a thirteen-year-old boy at The Avenue Forsyth in Forsyth County, North Carolina. The boy was repeatedly punched and then was robbed of his Gucci backpack. The thirteen-year-old sustained cuts and abrasions in the assault, which required medical attention.

Captain Tim House with the sheriff's office said, “It sounds like a bunch of kids got together and for whatever reason, decided to make mayhem at the Avenue.”

Criminal defendants in Georgia are entitled to representation by a Georgia criminal defense attorney or the services of a public defender's office. Through a criminal investigation, evidence and statements are gathered and the case is pursued through trial and / or a plea agreement. In some cases, the charges are ultimately dismissed if the evidence is deemed insufficient to pursue the case further.

It is important for parents to be aware of the location and activities of their children. While this is difficult when dealing with teenagers, parents should repeatedly insist that their children call to let them know they are safe, regardless of the time.

Police should also increase their drive-by routine checks on certain areas at night. They should circle dangerous and suspicious areas more frequently than other areas. Increased patrolling may help lower the crime rate and keep kids safe.

For more information, see 4 accused of beating teen outside theater.

By Sctott Zahler & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Angeles Westmorland, a teacher at a day care teacher in Paulding County, Georgia, was charged with battery after she allegedly bruised and scratched a 5-year-old boy all over his body.

Westmorland was released on a $1,000 bond, and no longer works at the Georgia day care center. Investigators are now looking for more victims. According to Sgt. Brandon Gurley from the Paulding County Sheriff's Department, the Crimes Against Children Unit has been contacted for similar cases. Bright from the Start, which gives day care centers in Georgia a license to operate, is now investigating as well.

The boy’s mother, April Nations, said that this was only her son’s third day at the center. She is convinced there must be other victims considering this happened so soon to his arrival. Nations, the boy’s mother, said that Westmorland told her child not to tell anyone what she did to him.

The question now is: how many other children were told not to tell? It is too often that day care centers abuse or neglect the children that they have a duty to supervise and protect. It is also important for day care centers to evaluate their staff on a daily basis. Staff members should be monitored on a consistent basis. Parents should also educate their children on the importance of telling someone if someone is hurting them.

For more information on this subject, see 5-year-old child abused in day care center in Paulding County, GA.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

After two Georgia high school football players died during practices of 90-plus degree heat, authorities began to explore whether the hot weather contributed to the death of these athletes. The nation’s largest pediatrician group says that healthy children and teen athletes can play sports in hot, steamy weather, but only if precautions are taken.

In fact, new research shows that with adequate training, water intake, time-outs and emergency treatment available on the sidelines, healthy young athletes can play even in high heat and humidity — within reason. However, government data showed that 3,000 young teens were treated in the emergency room for non-fatal heat illnesses from sports or exercise from 2001 to 2009. In addition, throughout the last 13 years, 29 high school football players died from heat stroke, according to the American Football Coaches Association.

Dr. Michael Bergeron, a University of South Dakota sports medicine specialist, says that any child, if overworked in even 80 degree weather, can suffer sever injuries, if not death. He recommends that people be evaluated individually to see if they can play in hot weather.

When dealing with sports and hot temperatures, teams should have emergency plans with trained personnel and treatment available and policies for avoiding heat illness. Coaches should give kids about two weeks to adapt to preseason sessions, gradually increasing intensity and duration. They should also closely monitor more vulnerable kids, including those who are overweight or have diabetes. Coaches should make sure athletes are well-hydrated before practice or games. Specifically, kids aged 9-12, should drink about half a cup to a cup of water every 20 minutes during activities. Teens should drink 5 or 6 cups an hour during activity. Furthermore, sports drinks containing electrolytes and sodium should be offered during extra strenuous activity. Finally, teams and coaches should educate players and parents about signs of heat stress, including dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea; and kids with symptoms should be sidelined and treated immediately. Athletes should also be encouraged to report if teammates seem to be struggling.

For more information about heat stroke, athletes, symptoms, and preventions, see Sports in Heat—Ok With Precautions.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 25-year-old man has been charged in a crash involving a Georgia day care school bus. The crash occurred on Chapel Hill Road in Douglasville, Georgia. The man charged was driving a Jeep Cherokee. According to Douglasville police Sg.t Brad Loudermilk, the 25-year-old male told police he was driving to the doctor when the crash occurred. Loudermilk also stated the Jeep crossed the center line on Chapel Hill and struck an Anneewakee Academy bus, a Georgia day care center. The bus was transporting 10 child passengers, most of which were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The bus driver was also hospitalized for leg injuries. The driver of the Jeep was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication. Loudermilk stated the young male should not have been behind the wheel. A student, Lauren Estelle, described the accident as "very scary." For more please read Man charged in collision with Georgia day care bus. In Georgia traffic and criminal matters, a driver charged with a violation or crime is entitled to retain the services of a Georgia criminal defense attorney to defend against the charges.

Driving under the influence is not limited to alcoholic beverages, prescription pills and illegal substances are also included. Prescription pills are potent drugs and should only be used in accordance with the prescribing doctor's instructions. Also, warning labels to not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking a certain medication should be taken seriously. Prescription drugs have the ability to slow an individual's reaction time, vision, judgment, etc., making the driver more prone to being involved in an accident. Do not drive if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.12 - Equipment and Toys- of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, all indoor and outdoor furniture, activity materials and equipment shall be used with the following limitation: a). in a safe and appropriate manner by each employee and child in attendant; and b). in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions, recommendations and intended use.

Equipment. The following apply to the equipment and furniture used by a center shall only be used:
- By the age-appropriate group of children;
- Be free from hazardous conditions (i.e., sharp rough edges or toxic paint, kept clean, placed so as to permit the children's freedom or movement and minimize danger and secured).

Toys. Centers shall provide a variety of age-appropriate toys and play materials shall be available.
- Toys shall be stored on low, open shelves accessible to children in each room or assigned area. (Toys that launch projectiles, i.e., dart guns, slingshots, etc., are not permitted within centers and balloons shall not given be accessible to school-age children.

Toys for children under 3-years-old. The toys shall be
- Age appropriate;
- Non-toxic and lead-free;
- Large enough in size so not to be swallowed and incapable of causing asphyxiation or strangulation;
- Free of sharp pieces, edges or points of small parts which may be taken off by a child and rust.
- Easily cleaned with disinfectant daily.

Tables. Space shall be provided for each while who is able to sit at a table unassisted. The center must provide an appropriately sized chair or bench shall be provided for each child who is not an infant and who is able to use a chair or bench.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.13 - Field Trips - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, parents shall be notified in advance by the center of a child's participation in ANY field trip, which must be signed and dated by a parent of the child. The advanced notice shall include: a). the name and address of the field trip's destination; b). the date of the trip; c). time of departure; and d). estimated arrival time back at the center.

Additional Supervision Requirements:
- Regular staff:child ratios must be maintained on field trips and an additional employee, chaperon or student in training who is least 16-years-old shall be available to assist in the supervision of each group of 25 children (If the field trip requires transportation of the children, the center must comply with the staffing requirements relating to the transportation of children.). A list of children and participating adults must be left at the center, as well as taken on the field trip and kept in the possession of the adult in charge of the field trip.

Centers are also required to keep emergency medical information for the children under the center's care. The emergency medical information of each child shall include allergies, special medical needs and conditions, current prescribed medications that the child is required to take on a daily basis, the name and phone number of the child's doctor, the local medical facility that the center uses in the area where the center is located, and the telephone numbers where the parents of the children can be reached shall be left at the center, as well as taken on the field trip and kept in the possession of the adult in charge of the trip.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.35 - Swimming Pools and Water-Related Activities - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, if a permanent swimming or wading pool is located on the center's premises, the center must meet certain local regulations concerning the design, construction, operation and maintenance must be met. The swimming and wading pools must be inaccessible to children at the center except during supervised activities only.

The following are requirements for the supervision of children in water over two-feet deep.
- Provide continuous supervision during supervised activities. (If you would like to read the specific age requirements please read Rule 591-1-1.35 - Swimming Pools and Water-Related Activities - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers). For more inadequate staff:child ratios during any water-relatd activity (i.e., swimming, fishing, boating or wading), at least one (1) additional staff member (in addition to the other requirements) is shall be available to rotate among the age groups as needed. As for wading pools, those shall be cleaned and filled with clean water for each day's usage and emptied when not in use.

Also, no child shall participate in a swimming activity without the parents' written permission.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1-.26 - Playgrounds - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, child care centers must meet certain criteria and requirements. First and foremost, the outdoor area must larger the center's licensed capacity for children, specifically the area shall be equal to 100 square feet times 1/3 the center's capacity. Each center is required to provide 100 square feet for each child occupying the outside play area at any one time, groups of children may be rotated if necessary. The play area shall be adjacent to the child care center, or in an area that is accessible by a safe route or other approved method. However, school-age centers shall have shaded areas. The play areas shall also be protected by a fence or other secure barrier, which is 4 feet or higher. Child care centers must keep the play areas clean, so as to be free from litter and hazards ("free from hazards" can mean but is not limited to non-resilient surfaces under the fall-zaon of play equipment, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete or equipment. The equipment shall be age appropriate and provide the children at the center with various opportunities and engage in a variety of experiences. The outdoor equipment must be free from lead-based paint, sharp corners and be checked regularly to maintain safety.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1-.29 - Required Reporting - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, the director or other designated person-in-charge in the director's absence, is required to report or cause to be reported the following:

1. Suspected incidents of child abuse, neglect or deprivation to the local County Department of Family and Children Services.
2. Any cases or suspected cases of notifiable communicable diseases to the local County Health Department.

The following incidents must be reported to the Department within 24 hours or the next work day:

1. Any death of a child while in the care of the center;
2. Any serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical attention other than first aid of a child under the care of the center;
3. Any situation when a child in care of the center becomes missing. This includes but is not limited to the following situations: a). A child who is left in a vehicle; b). A child who leaves the center's building, playground, or property; or c). a child who left behind on any trip.
4. Any fire
5. Any structural disaster
6. Any emergency situations that required (requires) relocation of the children.

These must also be reported pursuant to Rule 591-1-1-.29 - Required Reporting - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers:
1. The name of any employee who acquires a criminal record if the directors knows, or reasonably should knows, of the employee's criminal record.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.31 Staff - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, a child care center is required to have a director who is responsible for the supervision, operation and maintenance of the center. The director must be on the center's premises. When he or she is not on the center's premises, a person must be designated to assume responsibility for the operation of the center.

Below is a list of qualifications a person must have in order to become a director of a child care center in the state of Georgia:
- Be at least 21-years-old;
- Possess one of the minimum academic requirements, in addition to qualifying child care experience at time of employment: a). high school diploma or G.E.D. and b). 1 year of qualifying child care experience. (For more elaboration on was constitutes "qualifying child care experience" it would be helpful to read that plan language of Rule 591-1-1.31 Staff - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers).
- Have proof of successful completion of a biennial CPR program and a triennial training program in first aid.
- Not suffer from any physical handicap or mental health disorder that would interfere in the applicant's ability to perform the job duties of providing care and supervision.
- Never been shown by credible evidence, e.g., a court or jury, to have abused neglected or deprived a child or to have subjected any person to serious injury as a result of intentional or grossly negligent misconduct.
- Not have a criminal record;
- Not have made any false statements concerning qualification requirements.

Also, pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.31 Staff - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, every center must have a teacher for each group of children.

Below is a list of minimum qualifications for a person to be a prospective applicant for a teacher/lead caregiver position within the state of Georgia:
- Be at least 18-years-old
- Have high school diploma or G.E.D. (For more elaboration on this requirement it would be helpful to read that plan language of Rule 591-1-1.31 Staff - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers).
- Have evidence showing proof of successful completion of a biennial training program in CPR and a triennial training program in first aid.
- Never been shown by credible evidence, e.g., a court or jury, to have abused neglected or deprived a child or to have subjected any person to serious injury as a result of intentional or grossly negligent misconduct.
- Not have a criminal record;
- Not have made any false statements concerning qualification requirements.

Finally, pursuant to Rule 591-1-1.31 Staff - of the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers, a center has the option to employ caregivers/aides to assist the teacher/lead caregiver in the care of children in any group of children at the center. It is strictly prohibited for a caregiver/aide who is 16-years-old or 17-years-old to be solely responsible for the children.

Below is a list of qualifications for caregivers/aides in the state of Georgia:
- Be at least 16-years-old.
- Have evidence showing proof of successful completion of a biennial training program in CPR and a triennial training program in first aid.
- Never been shown by credible evidence, e.g., a court or jury, to have abused neglected or deprived a child or to have subjected any person to serious injury as a result of intentional or grossly negligent misconduct.
- Not have a criminal record;
- Not have made any false statements concerning qualification requirements.

When a child is abused or injured in a Georgia Day Care Center, it can be quite challenging for a parent to deal with the aftermath, stress, and trauma of such injuries to the child. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - contains chapters on Child Abuse, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free book on Child Injury Questions and Issues. The book is also available on the following websites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

After the tragic death of two-year-old Jazmin Green, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has drafted an emergency rule change. Green died after day care workers left her in a hot van for an extended amount of time after a field trip. It was alleged that the center’s owner, Marlo Fallings, her daughter Quantabia Hopkins and an assistant falsified transportation records in connection with the incident. The state closed down Marlos Magnificent Early Learning Center in Jonesboro and assigned monitors to make sure it remains closed.

A Department of Early Care and Learning spokeswoman that the Department is in the process of drafting an emergency rule to strengthen oversight of transporting children in Georgia day care centers. However, the spokeswoman did not specify what that “emergency change” might be. Aaron Diamant, an Investigative Reporter asked the Georgia Child Care Association Director for some insight. ‘I think that they’re just going to go back and really do due diligence and look at that process to see if there’s really anything in place that they can do to sure-guard about children’s safety and transportation to make sure that they are keeping children as safe as possible,’ said the Director, Carolyn Salvador. However, she noted that there are already several transportation procedures and safeguards in place for day care employees. Salvador said that it is crucial for day care providers to follow all transportation procedures to ensure child safety. For more information on this topic, see Agency May 'Strengthen Oversight' After Day Care Death.