A Texas mother alleges a daycare was negligent when staff members allowed her toddler son to wander off the premises and onto a nearby street. Fortunately, a passerby stopped and contacted the authorities.
When police questioned staff at the daycare, no one noticed the child was missing until the officers demanded the workers do a headcount of the children.
The mother alleges the daycare was cited for numerous safety violations between September 2019 to November 2023. Krista Summerville, "Mother suing Allen daycare after she says her two-year-old son was rescued by a Good Samaritan after wandering away" www.wfaa.com (Dec. 09, 2024).
Commentary and Checklist
In the above matter, the toddler was able to exit the facility and the property without employees noticing. This suggests the physical premises were not secure as to doors, fencing, and supervision.
What are some steps childcare providers can take to help secure their physical facilities and protect children in their care?
- Reach out to access professionals who can evaluate the physical facilities (i.e., doors, windows, play areas, classrooms, restrooms) for appropriate safety measures, including security and fire safety plans.
- Have written safety and security policies and procedures for staff.
- Make sure staff is orientated and trained on child safety and security policies.
- Develop a standard procedure to record the arrival and departure of every child.
- Develop a standard procedure to determine the location of every child in care.
- Consider cameras of common areas including areas outside the physical structure
- Secure the perimeter of your physical plant from children leaving unannounced and prevent uninvited persons from entering the premise including door, window, and fencing security.
