2020 brought more than its fair share of problems. One of the effects was that daycare availability significantly diminished. While that was less of an issue when working from home was par for the course, that’s become a major pain point in getting people to return to the office–you can’t just leave your kids alone. That means there’s ample opportunity for those who want to open a daycare. Of course, doing so means finding ways to limit your legal liability.
Follow Laws and Regulations
Children are among the most vulnerable individuals in society. As such, there are many laws and regulations that govern how daycares operate. You have to get a license, ensure that your employees are licensed, abide by safety standards, and follow employment laws.
By following the appropriate law and regulations, which are usually dictated by the state, you avoid the risk of being fined or even shut down.
Run Background Checks on Employees
You can’t monitor every employee and their interactions with the children in your daycare center every minute of the day. Do your part to make sure your employees are trustworthy and safe for children by running background checks on them before hiring them.
About 20% of children experience abuse before they turn 18. While the portion of that time spent in daycare is minimal, it’s also during a more vulnerable time in the child’s life. Children in daycare may not communicate as clearly as older children, which could prolong abuse. Only hire employees with clean records. You can’t afford not to, given the responsibility you have for the safety of the children at your center.
Maintain a Kid-Safe Environment
It’s totally normal for kids to end up with some bumps and bruises from time to time. It would be weird if they didn’t. Still, you should do as much as you can to keep your daycare as safe as possible. Remember, you’re legally liable for injuries that happen as a result of negligence or a breach of your duty to protect the children from harm. Keep chemicals away from where children can access them. Have barriers in place to keep them out of whatever kitchen area you have, especially if you have sharp or hot kitchen tools and appliances. Keep your daycare clean as well. Daycares tend to be germy places, but they should still get cleaned regularly and thoroughly.
There aren’t many things in life that people take more seriously than the health, safety, and well-being of their children. Daycares are directly responsible for those things for the children in their charge. Take steps to protect the children in your care, as well as your business, by limiting your legal liability as much as possible.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: Why Kids Need Plenty of Support to Succeed
