Choosing a daycare provider is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. While many childcare centers in Ohio provide safe and nurturing environments, some fail to meet basic safety and supervision standards. When a daycare fails in its duty of care, children can suffer serious injuries due to neglect or abuse.
At Paulozzi LPA, we understand how devastating it can be when a child is harmed due to childcare negligence. If you suspect a daycare facility has acted negligently, it is crucial to understand Ohio’s daycare laws, the duty of care required in childcare settings, and how to recognize and prove negligence.
Ohio Daycare Laws and Regulations
Ohio has strict childcare licensing regulations to ensure daycare providers meet safety and supervision standards. These laws are enforced by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
1. Licensing Requirements
- All daycare centers and in-home childcare providers caring for more than six children must be licensed
- Staff must pass background checks and meet minimum training requirements
- Facilities must comply with Ohio building codes, including fire safety measures
2. Child-to-Staff Ratios
Ohio mandates specific caregiver-to-child ratios to ensure proper supervision:
- Infants (under 12 months): 1 caregiver per 5 children
- Toddlers (12–30 months): 1 caregiver per 7 children
- Preschoolers (3 years): 1 caregiver per 12 children
- School-age children (6+ years): 1 caregiver per 18 children
Failure to comply with these ratios can lead to accidents and injuries.
3. Supervision and Safety Requirements
- Children must be supervised at all times
- Playgrounds must have safe equipment and soft surfaces to prevent falls
- Emergency preparedness plans must be in place, including CPR-trained staff
4. Health and Hygiene Regulations
- Daycares must have sanitary food preparation and handwashing policies
- Sick children must be isolated to prevent the spread of illness
- Medications must be properly stored and administered only with parental consent
Duty of Care in Childcare Negligence Ohio Cases
Duty of care refers to the legal obligation of daycare providers to protect children from foreseeable harm. If a childcare provider fails to uphold their duty of care, they may be held legally responsible for a child’s injuries.
What Constitutes a Breach of Duty of Care?
A daycare facility can be found negligent if it:
- Fails to provide adequate supervision
- Allows hazardous conditions (e.g., unsecured furniture, unsafe toys)
- Does not follow hygiene or illness protocols, leading to preventable infections
- Hires unqualified staff or fails to perform background checks
- Ignores food allergies or dietary restrictions, leading to allergic reactions
- Fails to take action against bullying or abuse by caregivers or other children
Recognizing Childcare Negligence: Signs Your Child May Be in Danger
It’s crucial for parents to recognize warning signs of neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions in a daycare setting.
Physical Signs of Negligence or Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Frequent illnesses or infections
- Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
- Poor hygiene (e.g., dirty clothes, unchanged diapers)
Behavioral Changes in Your Child
- Sudden fear of going to daycare
- Increased anxiety or withdrawal
- Aggressive or violent behavior toward others
- Regression in developmental milestones (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
Facility Red Flags
- Overcrowded classrooms
- Lack of visible staff supervision
- Unsafe playgrounds or hazardous materials
- Staff refusing to answer questions about injuries or accidents
Common Causes of Childcare Injuries: When Is a Facility Liable?
While minor injuries are common in childhood, some injuries result from preventable daycare negligence. Facilities may be liable if an injury occurs due to:
1. Lack of Supervision
- Children left alone in dangerous areas (kitchens, playgrounds, restrooms)
- Unmonitored play resulting in fights or injuries
2. Unsafe Environments
- Broken playground equipment
- Unsecured furniture or heavy objects that could fall on children
- Unlocked doors or gates, leading to wandering children
3. Dangerous Food or Medication Practices
- Serving food that presents a choking hazard
- Improperly administering medication without parental consent
- Ignoring food allergies, leading to allergic reactions
4. Physical or Emotional Abuse by Staff
- Caregivers using excessive force or discipline
- Verbal abuse or humiliation
- Failing to intervene in bullying situations
How to Prove Negligence in a Childcare Injury Case
If your child was injured at daycare, you may have a case for negligence. To prove liability, you must establish:
- Duty of Care – The daycare had a legal obligation to keep your child safe.
- Breach of Duty – The facility failed to follow state regulations or basic safety standards.
- Causation – The daycare’s negligence directly led to your child’s injury.
- Damages – You incurred medical expenses, emotional distress, or lost wages due to your child’s injury.
Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document your child’s injuries with photos
- Request an incident report from the daycare
- Speak with other parents or staff to gather evidence
- Consult a negligent childcare supervision attorney to discuss legal options
How Paulozzi LPA Can Help You Get Justice
If your child was injured due to daycare negligence, you deserve justice. At Paulozzi LPA, we help Ohio families investigate childcare injuries and negligence claims, hold daycare centers accountable for failing to protect children, and recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We provide:
- Free Consultations – We evaluate your case at no cost.
- No Upfront Fees – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Experienced Negligent Childcare Supervision Attorneys – We fight for the rights of families in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, and across Ohio.
As experienced negligent childcare supervision attorneys, we fight for the rights of families in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, and across Ohio.
Contact Paulozzi LPA Today
Choosing a daycare should bring parents peace of mind, knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. However, when daycare providers fail to uphold their legal duty of care, the consequences can be devastating. If your child has suffered an injury due to inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or neglect, you have the right to take legal action. With a proven track record of advocating for Ohio families, we offer compassionate legal representation and aggressive advocacy.
Don’t let daycare negligence go unchallenged—protect your child’s rights and future. Contact Paulozzi LPA today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice your family deserves.
