Youngsters have a way of finding themselves into trouble and do not always recognize dangerous situations. That’s why careful, constant supervision is needed from the staff members of a daycare center. Lack of supervision is a leading cause of accidents and injuries in daycare facilities.

Adequate training is important for jobs in any field, but is particularly important at daycare centers. These are individuals you are trusting with your children, who are not only the most precious part of you, but at a vulnerable, formative stage in their life.Childcare staff should be trained to manage the unique challenges and risks that come with caring for children, in addition to being knowledgeable on preventing and handling emergencies. Daycare and aftercare conditions become dangerous when a staff is improperly trained.

Even the most caring staff members may struggle to provide adequate supervision if their daycare center is understaffed. Insufficient staffing levels at a daycare or after-school facility not only places your child in danger, it is a violation of Florida law.

At a daycare, all equipment should be stringently maintained. Broken playground parts, malfunctioning toys, or faulty baby gear like cribs and highchairs can result in tragedy.

Any establishment that cares for young children should be “childproofed.” That means ensuring choking hazards and cleaning supplies are out of reach, floors and sharp objects are padded, electrical sockets are covered, and so on. Without strict, strategic childproofing, daycare accidents become an inevitability.

Daycares can become germ factories when they are not properly cleaned and sanitized. Conditions may also become unsanitary if staff members do not follow best practices to prevent transmission of germs and illnesses, such as washing their hands frequently and encouraging children to do the same. Unsanitary conditions at a daycare can allow colds, flus, and illnesses to circulate among the children.

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injury at any age. These types of accidents can be common in daycare centers, where many youngsters may be still learning to walk, and hazards like toys are often strewn about floors. Unsafe conditions, such as worn carpeting or cracked floors, may also cause slip and fall accidents among children at daycare centers.

Similarly, a lack of food safety awareness at a daycare center can lead to foodborne illness. Staff members have a responsibility to keep cooking areas clean, refrigerate perishable foods, and ensure the right food goes to the correct child. In addition, food should be cut into bite-size pieces to prevent choking accidents.