Most parents in Pennsylvania will do whatever they can to ensure a comfortable life for their families. In most cases, both parents have to work to make that possible. This brings us to one of the hardest things for mothers and fathers of toddlers — having to leave them in the care of people of whom they know nothing. Media reports about abused children at day care facilities cause even more anxiety.
Based on the advice of authorities, your child needs a balanced supply of emotional, mental and physical stimulation for healthy development. Knowing what to look out for in your research for the perfect day care provider might ease your concerns. However, making sure your child receives supportive care, proper nutrition and a healthy environment for development is an ongoing process.
Level of training
It is not enough for a facility’s staff to be capable; they must be adequately certified and licensed according to Pennsylvania standards. Make sure you check the training level of all, from supervisors to part-time assistants, and also newly appointed personnel over time. For a day care facility to be suitable, you would want to see the following:
- Proper, up-to-date certifications and licensing that indicate capability to provide the necessary care
- Opportunities for professional development of staff members
- Ongoing training to equip staff with additional skills
- Someone present at all times with experience and certified training in first-aid and CPR
Handling of dangerous materials
You would want to be sure that your child would be safe from hazardous objects or toxic substances. Making a surprise visit at a time when staff does not expect parents might allow you to see how they handle the following:
- Storage of chemicals, cleaning substances and medication
- Small pieces of toys that children could put in their mouths
- If age appropriate toys are in separate areas
Health-related issues
Although you can expect transmissions of illnesses, such as runny noses, in a day care facility, you would want to know how they handle more severe conditions. For better insight, you might look at the following:
- If there are signs at sinks to encourage children and workers to wash their hands
- What procedures they use to clean and sanitize toys
- What rules they have about keeping children with diarrhea, vomiting and fever at home
- What other illnesses fall into the keep-at-home category
There is not much more you can do, except to be alert for any signs of misconduct or the failure to provide reasonable care for your child. If your child should suffer any harm or injury at a day care center, you might have grounds to take legal action against the facility, its owners and staff members. This challenging process will likely need the skills of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney when navigating the pursuit of economic and noneconomic damage recovery.