Children in Day Care Should Always Be Supervised On Playgrounds
In today’s society of two-parent incomes, it seems like day cares are a necessity for parents across the nation. Indeed, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that an estimated 13 million children are enrolled in day care in America. Almost 100 percent of day care requests by parents are for full-time care. When a parent leaves a child at a daycare facility they expect their child will be kept safe. Because of their young age, many children in daycare require constant and individual attention on a regular basis. Studies have found that thousands of young children suffer from a daycare injury each year in the United States.
Most parents would do anything for their children. Their child’s safety is the most important thing to them and they will take every possible measure to keep their children out of harms way. However, parents can not spend every moment of everyday with their children. Often times parents have to entrust the safety of their children to a caregiver.
Child Care Playground Safety Laws
Daycares must maintain, or have access to, an outdoor play area of at least 75 square feet per child who is outside at any one time. The use zones under and around swings, slides, and climbing structures must be covered with an adequate depth of an impact absorbing material, in accordance with EEC policy. Pea gravel and wood chip nuggets must not be used in areas used by infants and toddlers.
- The outdoor play area must provide for both direct sunlight and shade so as to prevent sunburns and overheating.
- The outdoor play area must be free from hazards including but not limited to: a busy street, a parking lot, poisonous plants, water hazards, debris, broken glass, chipping, peeling or flaking paint, dangerous machinery or tools, and weather-related and environmental hazards or small objects that could present a choking hazard to young children. Any such hazard must be removed or fenced by a sturdy, permanently installed barrier which is at least four feet high or otherwise protected or removed, as appropriate.
- If the outdoor play space is located on a roof, it must be protected by a barrier at least seven feet high, which cannot be climbed by children.
- The outdoor play space must not be covered with a dangerously harsh, abrasive, or toxic material.
- Suitable barriers, including but not limited to bulkhead doors, must be installed to prevent falls into outdoor stair or window wells.
- The outdoor play space must be appropriate for each age group served.
Was Your Child Injured in a Playground Accident at a Day Care Center?
Experienced Boston Area Child Daycare Accident Victim Personal Injury Attorneys – Initial Consultations Are Always Free – No Fee Unless We Recover For You
If your child suffered an injury in a playground accident at a daycare center we can help. Our lawyers have have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience in helping accident victims pursue civil claims and we are ready to take on your case today.
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