How can I
help prevent problems?
Most child care providers are loving,
trustworthy people. There are a few, however, who are unfit
to care for children. To help prevent problems and make sure
that children are safe:
- Find out who will be watching your
child if the caregiver must be away.
- Make unannounced visits.
- Get to know other parents who have
children enrolled.
- Make sure that the facility is
licensed by the department of social services, human
services, or health. (This does not guarantee a safe
environment.)
- Check whether the home or center has
had complaints.
- Always check your caregiver's
references.
If you suspect a problem, report your suspicions to your
local department of social or human services (protective
services division or child protection team). You may remain
anonymous or ask that your name not be mentioned.
What are the
warning signs?
You may not always be able to detect
potential problems before enrolling your child. Do not jump
to conclusions, but do pay attention to your child and look
into possible reasons for your child's troubling behavior.
Watch for:
- Sudden dislike of or not wanting to go
to caregiver.
- Being unusually interested in things
of a sexual nature, acting sexual, or drawing sexual
themes.
- Suddenly not wanting to show or
receive affection.
- Sudden sleep problems (nightmares,
fear of dark or being alone).
- Acting much younger than their age
(bedwetting, thumbsucking, clinginess).
- Unusually nervous or aggressive
behavior.
- Caregiver or center does not welcome
your unannounced visits.
- Caregiver or center does not willingly
provide the names and numbers of other parents who have
children enrolled.
- Bruises, swollen areas, cuts, or other
marks.
- Injuries that the child or caregiver
cannot explain.
- Anything your child says about
physically or sexually abusive or inappropriate
behavior.
