Dangerous Practices of Day Care Centers

Dangerous practices of day care centers, even licensed day care centers have been in the news lately.  Leaving a child unattended for any length of time is a violation of NYSOCFS code 418-1.8 (d), stating that “children can not be left without competent direct supervision at any time.”  Direct supervision requires that all children be in direct line of sight of staff members at all times.  It is important for parents to be fully aware of the safety procedures and training of the facility where their children are spending their day.  This information is available to everyone on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services website. Parents can access the information at http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/ccfs_template.asp

Once on this page of the NYSOCFS site, those interested in researching the day care centers in their area just need to type in their area code, or the EXACT name of the center they are interested in researching and another page will open displaying information such as when the center was first licensed by NYS, name of primary contact at that center, and how many children are able to attend that center.

Even more valuable information on the day care center you are researching is located on another page.  Be sure to click the link for “more program information” located on the top right hand corner of the center’s licensing section.  Here you will find if the center has had any violations in the past 24 months. 

Here is a sample of the licensing information for Little People’s Center:

Little People’s Center, Inc                                                      Click here for more Program

208 Jamaica Ave, Medford, NY                                                                       Information

                                                                                                      click here for map

License/Registration ID: 40375
Contact Name/Title: Ms. Mary E. Abate, Director
Phone: (631) 289-7493
Fax: 
First Licensed: 1/22/1989

Status: 

Open

Program Type: 

Day Care Center

School District: 

Patchogue-Medford

Total Capacity: 

 31

  - Infants: 

   0

  - Toddlers: 

 10

  - Pre School: 

 17

  - School Age: 

   4

This facility is authorized to administer medications
Care available during non-traditional hours: No
Are there currently uncorrected violation: No
Enforcement Actions since 2003: None

I can not stress enough the importance of sending your child to a licensed facility.  Licensing day care facilities is critical because the license ensures proper safety oversight by the State, and that the staff has the state-mandated training and experience to care for toddlers (children under 3 years old) and preschool children.  If you are sending your child to a day care, even a family day care center, please take the time to utilize the powerful information at your fingertips.  Our children are our most valuable resource.  Be sure to treat them as such.