Choosing a daycare in Fort Worth, Texas, is a big decision for any parent. Your child's health and safety should always be your top priority. Take the time to tour and carefully evaluate potential daycare centers, as you want to make sure you can trust those who will be watching your children. A walkthrough visit can help confirm that they're meeting the top safety standards. At Bivona Law, we understand the importance of your child's well-being, and we're here to support families every step of the way. Our daycare injury attorneys have compiled this essential safety checklist to help parents evaluate daycare facilities during a tour. If your child has been injured due to daycare negligence, we're here to help you seek justice.
Daycare centers in Texas are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which sets strict safety and operational standards. However, not all facilities comply fully, and safety lapses can lead to preventable injuries. By using a checklist during your tour, you can assess whether a daycare prioritizes your child's safety and meets the Texas Minimum Standards for Childcare Centers. This proactive approach can help you avoid facilities with potential risks.
Use this checklist to evaluate a daycare during your tour in Fort Worth, Texas. Pay close attention to the following areas to ensure a safe environment for your child:
Verify that the daycare is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Ask to see their current license and check for any violations or complaints on the Texas Child Care Licensing website. Accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a bonus.
Ask about the qualifications, training, and background checks for all staff members. Texas requires caregivers to undergo criminal background checks and have appropriate training in child development and safety. You will need to make sure that the daycare follows these guidelines and maintains the correct staff-to-child ratios for your child's age.
Check for any possible safety hazards on the daycare's property. For example, ensure that the playground equipment meets safety regulations, that there are childproofed outlets, secure storage of hazardous materials, and that the surroundings are sanitary and clean. Likewise, make sure that baby sleeping spaces adhere to safe sleep practices, such as keeping toys and loose bedding out of the crib.
Inquire about the daycare's emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, fire drills, and protocols for handling medical emergencies or injuries. Inquire about whether the daycare has a defined method for informing parents of incidents and whether staff members have received CPR and first aid training.
Pay attention to how the staff engages with the children during your tour. Notice if other children are being actively supervised while they play. It's a great opportunity to inquire about the daycare's procedures to ensure they meet Texas child-to-staff ratio requirements. Your child's safety matters!
Take a moment to review the daycare's cleanliness and hygiene practices to ensure they meet all guidelines. Look for handwashing stations, proper diaper-changing procedures, and consistent sanitization of toys and surfaces. It's also a great idea to ask about their illness policy so you can understand how they care for sick children and prevent the spread of illness.
Verify that there are secure entry and exit points, such as keypad access or locked doors, to keep unwanted people out. Ask about the policies for guests and whether the childcare has security cameras in public spaces to keep an eye on things.
Ask how the daycare handles and reports injuries or incidents. Texas law requires facilities to notify parents immediately of serious injuries and complete incident reports. Confirm that the daycare has a transparent process for communicating with parents about any concerns.
Even with careful evaluation, accidents can happen due to daycare negligence. If your child is injured at a Fort Worth daycare, take these steps:
In Texas, parents can file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of their child within two years of the date of the injury, although exceptions may apply. Compensation may cover medical costs, emotional distress, and future care expenses. At Bivona Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent daycare facilities accountable.
At Bivona Law, we are committed to protecting Fort Worth families with compassionate, transparent, and effective legal representation. Serving clients in Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, we live by our motto: No runaround. No dodging calls. No legal mumbo jumbo. Just hard work to secure the justice your family deserves. If you were injured at a daycare, we're here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 713-999-3336 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Selecting a safe daycare starts with a thorough tour and a comprehensive checklist for children. You can ensure your child's safety by making an informed decision if you know what to look for. Bivona Law will assist you in pursuing justice if your child is injured due to the carelessness of a daycare provider. Please schedule your free consultation today and let us defend the rights of your family.