| Modern dual-income families may find themselves | | | | - Ask if the center is licensed. If so, with what |
| having to place their child in a day care facility | | | | agency? |
| while both parents work full-time jobs to support | | | | - Inquire as to the employee turnover rate and |
| the household. With so many options available in | | | | the teacher/child ratio. A high turnover rate or |
| large and mid-sized cities, it may feel like a | | | | grossly unequal ratio may indicate problems. |
| daunting task to choose the right place for your | | | | - Request curriculum materials and review the |
| precious child. It is important to understand that | | | | educational information your child will receive. |
| though a day care may seem credible on the | | | | - Ask to observe the center in action before |
| surface, issues of neglect and/or abuse may still | | | | enrolling your child. |
| be present. Parents must evaluate each center | | | | - Observe the other children. Do they seem |
| with a vigilant eye and make sure to gather as | | | | happy and engaged? |
| much information as possible before enrolling their | | | | - Observe the staff members. Do they seem to |
| child in a certain program. | | | | treat the children with respect? |
| Abuse and neglect are unfortunate realities in the | | | | Parents should never enroll their child in a program |
| day care industry. Because children are so young | | | | that seems unprofessional or unseemly in any |
| and vulnerable, adults may take advantage of | | | | way. The best defense for parents is using their |
| their helplessness and punish too harshly or simply | | | | own instincts to determine if a facility is right for |
| ignore the child and not provide him or her with a | | | | their child. If you are feeling anxious or uncertain |
| reasonable standard of care. If you believe that | | | | about a place, keep looking. |
| your child has been abused in his or her day care | | | | Unfortunately, even with the best preparation, |
| facility, it is imperative to speak with an attorney | | | | abuse or neglect may still occur in a day care |
| right away to potentially pursue legal action | | | | facility. When this happens, parents have a right |
| against the organization. | | | | to bring the center to court for potential financial |
| When making a day care decision, the following | | | | compensation to help pay for any injuries or |
| steps should be taken by parents: | | | | damages your child might have sustained as a |
| - Ask for references or the contact information | | | | result of the day care staff's dangerous behavior. |
| of other parents who have enrolled their children. | | | | |