A recent string of day care-related deaths has raised questions about safety in child care programs.
Earlier this month, two unattended toddlers drowned at a day care in California. Last month, a Georgia woman pleaded guilty to abusing and endangering children at her day care. In September, a Bronx day care center made headlines when one toddler died and three children were hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl at the center.
Child care is essential for millions of families across the country. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the majority of children in the United States have “at least one weekly nonparental care arrangement,” and most of those children attend a day care or preschool for said care.
The child care industry was hit hard by the pandemic and is just beginning to recover, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In a brief published in January 2023, the department reported that the number of child care programs has increased from pre-pandemic levels, but the number of employees in those programs has decreased.
Additionally, the cost of child care has risen exponentially over the years. CNN reports that it has become harder for child care centers to stay open and for parents to afford child care.
A COVID-19 relief package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 provided funding to families and child care providers, but that will soon end, per CNN. However, most states, including Utah, still offer child care assistance programs for families who require child care but are unable to cover the costs.
Choosing a safe child care program is of the utmost importance. Here are some things to look out for when you’re exploring options for your family.
How do I choose the right day care?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published a guide to choosing child care. These are some main takeaways to think about when finding child care.
1. Is the day care licensed?
Research your state’s requirements and make sure the day care you choose is properly licensed. Child care licensing requirements vary between states, but they generally establish and monitor safety and health standards.
Additionally, confirm that the day care is not over capacity. Child care facilities are only licensed to provide care for a certain number of children at a time, depending on the size of the facility and number of employees. Providers are better able to care for and constantly supervise children when a smaller number is in their care.
2. Are they prepared for emergencies?
If an accident happens, it’s important that child care providers know what to do. Before sending your child to a day care center, ensure they have plans in case of a disaster like a fire or earthquake.
All child care providers should also be CPR certified and know how to administer first aid.
3. Are the care providers qualified?
If you’re paying someone to care for your child, they should be qualified to do so. Make sure they have experience in child care — and perhaps even a degree in a related field — and understand what children need to develop and learn at every age. The caregivers should have also undergone a background check.
4. How well do they prevent illness?
Children are great at getting each other sick, but there are ways to combat that. The day care should make sure children and caregivers wash their hands regularly, are up-to-date on immunizations and keep the area sanitized. Diapers should be changed properly in a separate, clean area.
5. Is it a safe environment?
Toxic substances like cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach of children. If there is a playground, it should be fenced in and checked for safety often.
To protect from child abuse, caregivers should be seen by others at all times and a child should never be left alone with one caregiver.