"Who is watching the people who are watching your kids?" asked a recent report on a Memphis TV station after a 20-month-old died after riding in a day care van. Troublingly, just days earlier, a 2-year-old had died after an accident at different day care.
Safety is always a big concern for day care facilities. Since the children range from infants and toddlers to elementary age, supervision of the children and their safety is paramount. They cannot look after themselves, and children's injuries can do lasting harm.
In Tennessee, day care facilities with more than five children are regulated by the Department of Human Services. To remain licensed, day care facilities are subject to five inspections per year and must have a qualified director and teachers and everyone is subject to a background check.
Tennessee's Star Quality Program
DHS prepares a report card for each facility that lists seven major areas of evaluation for childcare centers. Factors evaluated include: Director's qualifications, professional development, compliance history, adult:child ratios, parent/family involvement, staff compensation, program assessment and business management.
The star quality program is a voluntary program for providers who exceed the state's basic requirements for childcare. When a provider goes above the minimum licensing regulations, the provider may be eligible to receive one, two or three stars and join the Star Quality Program.
These blue and yellow star quality report cards will have stars at the top of each area rated. Each "star" indicates the facility has gone above the minimum state requirements. Day care facilities can earn one to three stars in each of the seven areas and with their overall rating.
Complaints Are Taken Seriously
A Department of Human Services spokesperson explained the department's policy on conducting investigations. "Every time we receive a complaint on an agency, DHS licensing staff heads out and visits the agency," she said, noting that two complaints were lodged against Advanced Learning Academy, the center associated with the 20-month-old child who died a short time after riding a daycare van. "We've had two complaints in the past year, and both of those complaints were not valid."
But parents know that you can never be too careful. Investigate any day care you are considering, speak with other parents, and be aware. Visit your day care and observe how things are done. If you have any concerns, contact the Department of Human Services. If your child or children have been injured in a day care, speak to an experienced attorney who can help you evaluate the situation and provide knowledgeable legal advice.
