By Rob Shainess, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Minnesota, it is estimated that there are 150,000 unlicensed day care centers throughout the State. Yes, that is correct one hundred fifty thousand unlicensed day care centers. Most of these “day care centers” care for a friend, neighbor or relative in their own home or the child’s home. If the day care center is registered, then the day care center can qualify for funds through the state’s child care assistance program. The laws and regulations pertaining to these Minnesota day care centers have changed recently to require first aid training and CPR training in addition to background checks. Some basic training of child care providers can help save a life or prevent serious personal injuries from taking place in a day care center. See Day Care Center Regulations for “Unlicensed Minnesota Day Care Centers”.
In Missouri and other States, children are at risk in day care centers during sleep time or nap time. Many day care administrators and care givers do not get the proper training or lack the proper knowledge as to the risk to infants and young children during nap time. It has been reported that from the years 2007 – 2010, at least forty five children died in child care from causes other than existing illness or medical problem. Of these deaths, thirty five occurred while the baby / infant was napping or sleeping at the day care center. Medical experts and pediatricians point out the risks to children who are placed on their abdomen / stomach to sleep. There is also dangers of suffocation from bedding and pillows. Furthermore, some cribs are unsafe for babies and toddlers. All the proper safety techniques in the world cannot replace the role of the day care provider to properly supervise and monitor children during nap time or sleep time.
An Oswego County, New York high school student died from injuries suffered in a high school football game. Ridge M. Barden, a 16 year old student at Birdlebough High school, suffered severe head trauma when he made helmet- to – helmet contact with another football player. Braden complained of a severe headache and collapsed on the field shortly after the collision. School officials and paramedics were on the scene and transported the teen to a local Syracuse, New York hospital about 30 minutes away. Braden’s condition worsened during transport. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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 
In McMinnville, Oregon, a tragic and unfortunate incident was reported. A 16 month old boy died as a result of a traumatic head injury that he suffered while under the care and supervision of a 12 year old babysitter. It was even reported that the baby-sitter caused the injuries. The child was taken to McMinnville Immediate Care Clinic and then Willamette Valley Medical Center. The child was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. See 
In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a two year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was bit by a Pit Bull breed dog owned by a relative. It was reported that the Pit Bull breed dog grabbed the child and shook the child vigorously. The personal injuries suffered by the Wisconsin child included a laceration to the head, an injury to the eye, and an injury to the jaw. The boy had been playing with the dog and then patted the dog on the dog’s head. At that moment, the dog then grabbed the child by his head and would not release the child. The boy was later rushed to Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. The injuries were so severe that the child was airlifted to Childen’s Hospital near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about this story at