Concerns about Your Child's Care
 

Warning Signs of Poor Care   

If concerns about your child care arise, contact your provider immediately. If the concern is of a serious nature, such as your child's well-being in the program, you should remove the child as soon as possible. Most providers allow you to visit your child any time during their care. As a parent, do not be afraid to take advantage of this. 

The most important thing that you can do is to listen to your child. If your child reports anything that you find inappropriate, contact the provider. If you still have uneasy feelings after speaking with your provider, feel free to choose a new provider .

If you suspect any type of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, remove your child from care until the situation is investigated or resolved to your complete satisfaction. Remember to trust your instincts, and ask a lot of questions if you have strong concerns.

Here are some of the warning signs of poor care:

• Children left unattended
• Staff or providers are angry, rough, or moody with children or parents
• Too many children crowded into a small space
• Too few staff for the number for children present
• Infants restricted to cribs, playpens, walkers, or high chairs
• Noticeably dirty environment or children
• Poor sanitation practices, especially related to diapering and feeding
• Medications, poisons, or cleaning supplies stored improperly
• Broken toys or unsafe equipment
• High staff turnover
• Your child cries repeatedly and resists staying at child care after adjustment period is over
• Your child shows signs of emotional or physical stress
• Your child talks about anger, violence, fears, or secrets that are not age-appropriate
• Your child appears to be unusually afraid of one teacher or provider
• Your child shows a sudden intense preoccupation with sexual matters, and may “act out” with dolls or other children
• Your child appears to be very hungry or thirsty without cause

How to Register Complaints                                                                                                                                                              Find out about the program’s procedures for handling parent complaints. There should be a clear set of guidelines that explain complaint procedures and advise parents that unresolved complaints be sent to the appropriate child care licensing agency. If you have concerns about abuse or neglect, or your child care program’s state licensing compliance, contact your state’s licensing office and/or Department of Social Services. They will listen to your concerns and investigate the situation. Contact Connect Child Care Resource & Referral to register complaints concerning a child care provider.