Daycare neglect is one of the most easily-hidden types of child abuse. Because a great deal of the abuse is passive, there isn’t the bruising or psychological damage that oftentimes characterizes physical abuse. Have no doubts, neglect can be just as dangerous to a child.
Good daycare facilities oftentimes use a low caregiver-to-child ratio as a selling point. In fact, it is a great selling point because low ratios mean that the children get a lot of attention from the caregivers on an individual basis. Good caregivers are friends and authority figures to children and can make the child’s time at daycare enriching and fun. When they neglect the children, however, the results can be disastrous.
In some case, the neglect may be toward the facility itself. Children need extra protection against unsanitary conditions and illnesses. When the facilities aren’t cleaned and maintained according to standards, you may find that your child gets sick a lot. If this is happening to you, take a look around the daycare center the next time you’re there. The standards for cleanliness should be very high and, in the best cases, the facility will work hard to go far above and beyond state standards.
Some daycare facilities neglect the children outright. Children need socialization, attention, praise and encouragement, as well as discipline. Providing these things is a complex task and good providers do it very well. Poor providers, however, may end up running what amounts to a warehouse for children where they spend their days doing little if anything at all.
One sign to watch out for in your child is apathy. Inspiration drives children to learn and to succeed. When they’re ignored and become bored, it tends to diminish their natural spark of enthusiasm.
If your child seems dirty when they come home, it’s another sign that the daycare may be neglecting its responsibilities. There will be times, of course, when you’ll pick up your child directly after they’ve discovered the joys of mud puddles or other messy curiosities, but this should not be the norm.
Neglecting children is a form of daycare abuse. Simply put, when the daycare takes you on as a client, they’re agreeing to watch out for your child. If they’ve failed in this, and your child is injured, you should consult with an attorney.
Visit this link to get your free copy of Jeff’s book on daycare abuse and neglect, Preventing, Discovering & Acting on Claims of Daycare & Childcare Abuse.