How to Report a Dangerous Daycare in Baytown, Texas

When you leave your child in someone else’s care, you expect them to be safe and well cared for. Unfortunately, not all daycare centers live up to these expectations. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions at a daycare facility in Baytown, Texas, it’s crucial to report your concerns right away.   

We understand that reporting a daycare or filing a legal claim can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when you’re already worried about your child’s safety. If your child was injured or your concerns were dismissed, our team at Bivona Law is here to help you get the justice your family deserves. You shouldn’t be ignored. Your child shouldn’t be overlooked. We are here to be your voice.  

Bivona Law Firm, founded by Drew Bivona, who is known as The Voice for Kids, is dedicated to representing injured children and families across Texas. Our firm brings both legal experience and a personal commitment to child advocacy.    

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to report a dangerous daycare and help protect children in your community.  

Recognize What Qualifies as “Dangerous”  

Before you take any action, you need to ask yourself if what you are seeing is dangerous. Signs of danger in a daycare might include:  

•  Serious physical injuries (bruises, cuts, choking, visible trauma)  

• Unsafe restraint methods or refusal to document incidents  

• Emotional abuse or neglect (fear, withdrawal, persistent crying)  

• Failure to follow state minimum standards: improper staff‐child ratios, unsafe sleep protocols, unsanitary conditions, lack of background checks  

If your concerns involve any of the above, it's critical to report the Baytown daycare promptly. By doing so, you could be saving your child and others from further injury and harm's way.  

Step 1: Document Everything  

Before you file a report, collect as much evidence as you can. This may include:  

• Time-stamped photos of injuries or unsafe conditions  

• Written notes detailing what you observed (include dates, times, names)  

• Copies of incident reports (daycares are required to keep these)  

• Medical records or doctor’s notes, if applicable  

• Screenshots or saved messages from daycare staff  

• Solid documentation will strengthen your report and help investigators act quickly.  

Step 2: Report to the Texas Abuse Hotline (DFPS)  

For Urgent or Emergency Situations   

Call 1-800-252-5400 (available 24/7). Use this number if a child is:  

• Seriously injured  

• In immediate danger  

• A victim of suspected sexual abuse or severe neglect  

These cases are prioritized for same-day response by Child Protective Services.  

For Non-Urgent Concerns  

Submit a report online at TXAbuseHotline.org. This option is best for reporting ongoing concerns that do not require emergency response. Online reports are usually reviewed within 24–48 hours.  

Step 3: Contact Bivona Law Firm and Local Law Enforcement  

If the daycare incident involves suspected criminal behavior such as physical assault, sexual misconduct, or intentional harm, you should also contact the Baytown Police Department or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. They can investigate whether criminal charges are appropriate.  

If you're unsure whether your situation constitutes a crime or need help communicating with investigators, contact Bivona Law. Our team can help you understand your rights, protect your child’s interests, and take the appropriate legal steps forward.  

Step 4: Notify Child Care Regulation (CCR)  

Texas Child Care Regulation (CCR), a division of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), oversees daycare licensing and compliance.  

  Who to Call:  

• Houston-area CCR office (serving Baytown): 713-287-3238  

• General complaints (HHSC): 1-800-458-9858  

  CCR investigators can conduct surprise inspections, cite facilities for violations, and even revoke licenses when necessary.  

Step 5: Review the Daycare’s History  

To check if the daycare has had prior violations or complaints, visit the Texas Child Care Search website. You can search by name, city, or zip code to see inspection reports and deficiencies. This tool is helpful for both reporting concerns and researching better alternatives.  

Step 6: Know Your Rights and Protections  

Under Texas law:  

• Anyone can report abuse or neglect, and you can do so anonymously.  

• Mandated reporters (e.g., teachers, daycare workers, doctors) must report within 48 hours of suspicion.  

• If you report in good faith, you are legally protected from liability or retaliation.  

If you face consequences, such as being removed from the daycare or harassed for filing a report, call our team to discuss the next steps and your rights.  

Step 7: Protect Your Child and Follow Up  

After reporting:  

• DFPS or CCR may contact you for more information.  

• Consider removing your child from the facility, especially if safety remains an issue.  

• Seek medical or emotional support for your child if needed.  

• Stay in touch with investigators and provide any updates or further evidence.  

Protecting Children Starts with Speaking Out   

Reporting a dangerous daycare can feel overwhelming, but your actions may prevent harm to other children and help hold negligent providers accountable. The state of Texas takes these complaints seriously, especially when supported by strong documentation and timely reporting. By speaking up, you’re helping to create safer, more responsible care environments for children in Baytown and beyond.  

If your child has been injured in daycare or your concerns have been ignored, Bivona Law is here to help. We understand the emotional toll these situations can take, and we’re ready to fight for the justice your child deserves. Let us be the voice for your child, because no parent should be silenced, and no child should be overlooked.    

Call us today to schedule your free consultation and start the journey into making Baytown daycare safer.