Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. You are trusting others with the care, well-being, and safety of your child, often for hours each day. That trust should never be taken lightly. At Bivona Law, we know how vital it is to find a daycare that is safe, well-managed, and properly staffed. We’re not just here for families after something goes wrong. We also want to help you make informed decisions to prevent harm from happening in the first place.
Whether you are a new parent looking for full-time childcare or seeking a part-time option for your toddler, understanding what to look for in a daycare facility is critical. And while accidents can happen anywhere, some incidents are the result of negligence or misconduct. In those situations, you have the right to take legal action. At Bivona Law, we are deeply committed to protecting children. If your child has been hurt due to unsafe conditions or caregiver negligence, we are here to help. But most importantly, we want to give you the tools to choose the safest daycare in Madisonville from the very beginning.
Daycare facilities should be more than just convenient. They should be safe, nurturing environments where your child can grow, learn, and thrive. The first step in finding the right daycare is to make sure the center is licensed and regularly inspected by the state of Texas.
Licensing means that the facility meets basic safety, staffing, and training standards required by law. It also indicates that the daycare is subject to oversight and regulation, which helps protect children from unsafe practices or unqualified staff. Unfortunately, some parents are unaware of how to verify a daycare’s licensing status, or they assume that all childcare providers operate legally. That’s not always the case. Operating without a license is a red flag, and it often goes hand in hand with other safety risks, like inadequate supervision, poor hygiene, or improper discipline practices.
At Bivona Law, we encourage all parents to do their homework before enrolling their child in a daycare center. It’s one of the most powerful ways to prevent injuries and avoid legal trouble later on.
If you’re searching for a daycare provider in Madisonville, here are some essential steps you can take to ensure the facility meets safety standards and provides a healthy environment for your child:
1. Verify Licensing and Accreditation
Start by checking if the daycare is licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can access inspection reports, complaint history, and safety records online. This transparency is crucial and helps you see how a facility has handled past issues.
Some daycares may also seek voluntary accreditation through national organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or the National Accreditation Commission (NAC). These certifications go beyond minimum requirements and reflect a higher standard of care.
2. Ask About Staff Qualifications and Training
Caregivers should have experience working with children, and ideally, early childhood education credentials. At a minimum, staff members should be trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols. Ask how often employees receive training and whether background checks are conducted for all staff.
Low staff turnover is another positive sign. If employees stay with the daycare for years, it usually means they are treated well and the environment is stable, both of which are good for your child.
3. Observe Cleanliness and Safety Measures
Visit the daycare in person and observe the environment. Are the toys clean and in good repair? Are electrical outlets covered? Are cleaning supplies locked away and out of reach of children?
Look for secure entry and exit procedures, such as sign-in sheets, locked doors, and ID checks. These steps protect against unauthorized individuals entering the building.
4. Understand the Staff-to-Child Ratio
Proper supervision is key to preventing accidents and ensuring children are engaged in developmentally appropriate activities. Texas law outlines specific staff-to-child ratios based on the age group. For example, infants require more one-on-one attention than older preschoolers. Ask the daycare how many children each caregiver is responsible for, and whether that number stays consistent throughout the day.
5. Talk to Other Parents
Sometimes, the best insights come from other families. Ask current or former parents about their experiences. Have there been any concerns? How did the daycare respond to problems? Word-of-mouth can be a valuable tool in determining whether a daycare is truly safe and trustworthy.
6. Ask About Emergency and Incident Procedures
You should feel confident that the daycare knows how to handle emergencies, whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or a behavioral issue. Ask how the staff communicates with their parents when something goes wrong. Clear, timely communication is a must.
Even in the safest environment, accidents can happen. However, there is a legal difference between a simple mishap and an injury caused by negligence. If your child is injured at daycare and you suspect that the incident was more than "just an accident," it is important to speak with an experienced child injury attorney right away. At Bivona Law, we investigate the circumstances to determine whether:
Children cannot advocate for themselves, and daycare facilities may downplay what happened to avoid legal consequences. That’s why it’s important to document everything, take photographs, request incident reports, and seek medical attention promptly.
If negligence is involved, Texas law allows parents or legal guardians to file a claim on behalf of their child. Compensation may include medical expenses, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and more. Beyond the financial aspect, taking legal action helps prevent future harm to other children by holding responsible parties accountable.
At Bivona Law, we are not just trial attorneys. We are advocates for children and their families. While we are proud to stand up for victims after daycare injuries occur, we are just as passionate about helping parents make smart, informed decisions before entrusting a caregiver with their child’s safety.
If you are currently searching for a daycare provider in Madisonville, we encourage you to use the tools above to guide your decision-making process. And if your child has been hurt and you suspect negligence, we are here to listen and help.
We offer free consultations to discuss your concerns and help determine whether a legal claim exists. Our goal is always the same: to protect children, support families, and fight for justice when it’s needed most.
No parent wants to think about their child being harmed, but it’s important to be prepared. Choosing a safe daycare is the first line of defense. If something goes wrong, Bivona Law will be there to help your family through the aftermath.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a compassionate, experienced legal team that puts your child’s well-being first. We proudly serve families in Madisonville and throughout Texas and will not rest until your child receives the justice they deserve.
