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Daycare Abuse

Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Forth Smith, Arkansas

High-profile stories in the media of daycare child abuse can cause parents to fear the worst for their children in daycare settings. Thankfully, abuse cases occur infrequently. However, common sense still dictates that parents be vigilant. Monitoring children’s behavior and communicating with children can go a long way to ensure safety in the daycare environment.

At Carr & Carr, Attorneys at Law, we are advocates for children and families. Opening our doors in 1973, we were initially a father-and-son law firm. Today, twelve attorneys and a support staff of thirty-two help us do our important work. Our offices are located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Fort Smith and northwest Arkansas.

Tell-Tale Signs

Some signs children exhibit that something may be amiss in the daycare setting include the following:

• Sleep disturbances or sudden bedwetting incidences
• Increased aggression or rebellious behavior
• Reverting to infantile behaviors
• Inappropriate interest in sexual matters
• Intense fear of going to daycare

Choosing the Right Daycare Facility

One way to significantly reduce the chances that you might experience abuse problems is to choose a licensed daycare provider. Licensed facilities must perform background checks on all employees to detect a history of criminal activities. Often, in-home daycare options are unlicensed. Background checks aren’t performed, and a variety of family members may come and go throughout the day. Children naturally become more vulnerable to abuse in these environments.

If your work situation allows, one way to gain an understanding of what is occurring in the daycare environment is to actually be present for a day or so. You’ll become attuned to the temperaments of staff members and the quality of their interactions with the children. Perhaps the most important step is to communicate with your child as early as possible. This involves creating a non-judgmental space in which your child feels comfortable describing the events of the day. Early on, it might involve “playing school” with your child. In this context, your child can act out the events of a typical day and you can gauge his/her comfort factor with the surroundings.

The All-Important Talk with Your Child

Also, make sure you have “the talk” with your child. By age three, children should be capable of understanding that they have personal boundaries that others should not violate. Be clear with them about their right to say a firm “no,” and to call for help from others if these boundaries are disrespected. Let them know they should not be bribed into silence by candy or other treats.

If you suspect that your child is involved in an abusive daycare environment, remove your child from the environment, and make sure you immediately contact the police. Do not deal directly with the daycare facility. Carr & Carr can assist you as you work through the details of the apparent abuse. Please contact our office today to schedule your confidential consultation.

 

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