Daycare providers and workers have legal and moral responsibilities to provide safe environments for children. They can be held liable for child abuse when they fail to do so.
A daycare injury lawyer can help you identify signs of abuse and seek compensation if a caretaker has harmed your child. This can help you stop the cycle of abuse before it has a chance to start.
Chronic Diaper Rash
Chronic diaper rash is the most apparent sign of daycare abuse. A child who suffers from chronic diaper rash at home but has one or more severe cases at daycare is a likely indication that their caretakers do not change their diapers frequently enough and do not provide them with good ointment to keep their skin protected.
Most cases of diaper rash respond to simple at-home treatments, such as air drying and more frequent diaper changes. But, if the condition does not improve after a few days of treatment, you should visit your baby’s doctor for advice.
There are many causes of diaper rash, but it is most often linked to chafing or irritation. This can be caused by several factors, including tight-fitting diapers that rub against the skin, frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, and rubbing of urine or poop against the skin.
If your child has a history of rashes, consider using a thicker ointment or barrier creams to protect the skin from irritants and moisture. Some products, such as A+D and Balmex, are specifically designed for this purpose, while others can be purchased without a prescription.
Some rashes are caused by yeast, a fungus that can develop in a warm and moist environment, such as the diaper area. These bright red rashes can appear raw and weepy, or they may form tiny pimples just beyond the borders.
Diaper rash is usually treated with an antifungal or antibacterial cream, like Lotrimin, which can be applied thrice daily for up to 3 days. Your child’s pediatrician can recommend the appropriate cream for your child and other options for preventing and treating diaper rashes.
Unusual Behavioral Extremes
If your child suddenly displays behavioral extremes that don’t seem normal for their age group, it could be a sign that they are experiencing daycare abuse. They may be withdrawn or become aggressive. Spanking, hitting, pushing, or holding a child down is physical abuse. If your child exhibits kicking, biting, scratching, or other aggressive behavior, it is a sign that they are dealing with trauma from abuse.
Similarly, if your child starts showing unusual interest in sexual topics or demonstrates knowledge beyond their developmental level, they are likely being exposed to this information by someone else. This can happen through a caregiver or someone else in the daycare who is unrelated to the child’s parents.
Another sign that your child is being abused is if they have unexplained injuries. These may be bruising or scratches on their wrists, arms, buttocks, neck, shoulders, or legs.
Some children may also show changes in their behavior, such as becoming very quiet and sad or angry. They may also become frightened around their caregiver or other adults in the daycare.
These behaviors are often a result of being sexually abused by an outside source. This can occur through bus drivers, janitors, or other people unrelated to the child’s parents.
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should be brought to your attention immediately so you can act. The earlier you address these issues, the easier it will be to avoid further trauma and long-lasting damage. By recognizing the signs of daycare abuse and taking appropriate steps to protect your child, you can ensure they receive the care they deserve.
Fights with Caregivers
A child fighting with a caregiver is an unusual behavior, but it could be a sign of abuse. This type of fight may involve a child chasing the caretaker around, trying to yank something from their hands, and forcing an awkward game of tug-of-war.
Often, these types of fights happen between siblings, but they can also occur between children at the daycare. Whether it is one child who has been hurt or the entire group, the daycare should take precautions to ensure that no children are harmed.
This includes not allowing children to fight with other children or caregivers at the daycare. They should also not allow children to engage in activities that put other children at risk for harm, such as playing with choking hazards.
If a caregiver is found to be engaging in these types of behaviors, they should be fired. They may be violating state or federal laws and putting the lives of children at risk.
Other warning signs of daycare abuse include unexplained bruises, welts, and cuts inconsistent with the child’s normal activity levels. These injuries should be checked out by a medical professional.
Unexplained diaper rashes, caused by prolonged exposure to chemicals in urine and stool, also indicate a problem. They are usually not life-threatening, but they can cause discomfort and pain for a child not getting enough sleep at night.
The best way to identify the signs of daycare abuse is to pay attention to your child’s behavior and talk with them regularly about their concerns. Ask them what makes them uncomfortable and whether they have ever been frightened at daycare. It’s also a good idea to ask them about any strange behavior they have seen at the daycare.
Fear of Going to Daycare
It’s common for parents to worry about leaving their child at a daycare for any amount of time. They worry that their child is being abused, especially in light of recent media reports about the deaths of children at daycares across the country.
But these incidents are sporadic. Fortunately, the majority of abuse cases do not involve childcare providers. They are committed by other people who can access the child, such as bus drivers or janitors.
These types of abuse can be challenging to determine, so paying close attention to your child and their behavior is essential. If they suddenly become clingy or fear the dark, they may be suffering from trauma. They might even become afraid to speak with you or cry when you try to pick them up.
If they display any of these signs, it might be a sign that your child is being abused at daycare. These symptoms can be hard to recognize, but spotting them can help you determine if your child is being harmed at the daycare.
An excellent way to detect neglect is to watch your child for unexplained marks or bruises inconsistent with play. These can include scrapes on the knees and shins but could also indicate an injury or infection.
If your child starts showing any of these signs, getting them the help they need as soon as possible is essential. They might need medical or psychological treatment to recover from the trauma at daycare. Taking action immediately can save your child from long-term consequences.
Fear of the Dark
When a child suffers an injury while in daycare, parents often feel angry that the careless actions of their caregiver hurt their child. Fortunately, children are entitled to restitution when daycare workers are negligent or abusive.
There are many ways to prove daycare abuse and that the caretaker was responsible for your child’s injuries. Your attorney can use photos of the child’s injuries, police reports, medical records, and other evidence to build a case.
It’s also a good idea to ask your child about any fears, especially if you suspect the fears are linked to something that happened in daycare. If they have a fear of the dark, it could be a sign that someone was careless and caused them to get hurt.
Fear of the dark is a common phobia called nyctophobia, a type of specific phobia. People with nyctophobia have a deep, unfounded fear of the dark that interferes with their daily lives and disrupts their sleep.
Nyctophobia can develop at any age but is much more common in children than adults. It’s often caused by trauma or a troubling experience in the dark. It’s also possible that a child’s perception of the dark is influenced by their culture or the stories they hear or read.
If you have a nyctophobia, talk to your doctor about it and see what steps you can take to treat it. Your doctor may prescribe medication and teach you techniques for your nyctophobia. These may include meditation, breathing exercises, and light therapy. These can all help you to overcome your nyctophobia and get more rest.