When a parent entrusts a child to someone else, they don’t expect that child to be exposed to injuries as the result of daycare abuse. Unfortunately, this very thing happens all too often in spite of any precautions the parents might take to ensure their child’s safety.
Part 407 of the Illinois Administrative Code regulates daycare centers in the state of Illinois, while DCFS has the responsibility to inspect and license those facilities. Unfortunately, these stringent regulations do not prevent children from being regularly injured and mistreated in daycare facilities.
Under Illinois law, daycare centers must be in compliance with specific health and safety guidelines, such as the following:
- Making sure the children in their care have adequate supervision at all times
- Conducting emergency drills
- Maintaining a fully-stocked first aid kit
- Providing an environment that is sanitary and free of hazards
- Making sure all hazardous substances are not within reach of children
- Ensuring the safety of food and snacks
Illinois law also requires the director and all caregivers to submit to a medical report and a background check.
Errors by Daycare Staff Can be Hazardous for a Child
In many cases, day care injuries occur because of inadequate supervision by daycare staff. This is especially problematic for infants and toddlers who can’t always understanding apparent dangers. It is essential to supervise young children at all time—even a momentary distraction can lead to disaster. A lapse in supervision is often the cause of serious daycare injuries, such as the following:
- Children falling off changing tables
- Arms and legs becoming entangled
- Children falling from playground equipment
- Children ingesting poison
- Allergic reactions
Look for the Signs
If your child attends daycare, you should always keep a close watch for signs of abuse and mistreatment. This doesn’t mean you should lack trust in the caregivers, but you do need to be cognizant of any circumstances that just don’t seem to add up. You may not always see the obvious signs such as bumps and bruises or the child’s fear of going to daycare, so it’s important to maintain an open mind, and open line of communication, and never let down your guard.
In addition to potential criminal charges against those responsible, Illinois law allows parents whose children have been injured in daycare to file a civil lawsuit in order to seek financial reimbursement for related losses (alternative child care costs, therapy, medical bills, pain and suffering, etc).
It is essential to make sure you have all the facts and consult with an experienced daycare abuse lawyer in Illinois as soon as possible. The more time that passes, the more-difficult it will be to obtain evidence and prove your case. For a free consultation with the daycare attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm, call 1-877-403-9378 or email us using the contact form on this page.