Daycare Safety Checklist: Red Flags Every Parent Must Know

Every parent's worst fear is entrusting their child to care that isn't safe. The good news: most licensed daycares are safe environments where children thrive. But quality and safety vary, and knowing what to look for helps you choose wisely and recognize problems early.

This comprehensive safety checklist covers everything from physical environment hazards to staff qualifications, supervision practices, and the subtle red flags that indicate deeper problems. Use it during tours, after enrollment, and throughout your child's daycare experience.

Before Your Visit: Research Phase

Verify Licensing Status

Every daycare should be licensed. Licensing means the facility has met minimum state standards for health, safety, and caregiver qualifications.

How to verify:

1. Ask the daycare for their license number
2. Check your state's licensing database (search "[your state] child care licensing lookup")
3. Review the most recent inspection report
4. Note any violations and how they were resolved

What inspection reports reveal:

• Safety violations (hazards, ratio issues, supervision)
• Health violations (sanitation, food safety, illness policies)
• Staff qualification issues
• How the provider responded to violations
• Pattern of repeated problems (major red flag)

Check for Complaints

Beyond licensing, look for:

• Consumer complaints filed with licensing agency
• Lawsuits (court records are public)
• News reports about incidents
• Online reviews mentioning safety concerns
• Reports to local health department

A single complaint isn't necessarily disqualifying, but patterns matter. Multiple safety complaints or a serious incident history is a clear warning.

Verify Accreditation (If Claimed)

Accreditation goes beyond licensing. If a program claims accreditation, verify it:

• NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children): naeyc.org
• NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation): necpa.net
• Faith-based accreditors for religious programs

Note: Accreditation is voluntary and indicates higher standards, but unaccredited programs can still be excellent.

Physical Environment Safety

Outdoor Play Area

| Safety Item | What to Check | Red Flag | |-------------|---------------|----------| | Fencing | Complete enclosure, no gaps, secure gates | Broken fence, gaps child could fit through | | Ground surface | Soft surface under equipment (rubber, mulch) | Concrete or hard-packed dirt under climbers | | Equipment | Age-appropriate, well-maintained | Broken equipment, rust, splintering wood | | Visibility | Clear sightlines for supervision | Hidden areas, blind spots | | Hazards | No toxic plants, glass, debris | Visible hazards not addressed | | Sun protection | Shade available, sunscreen policy | No shade in summer, no sunscreen protocol | | Water safety | No accessible pools or water features | Unprotected water hazards |

Indoor Environment

General safety:

• [ ] Outlet covers on all accessible outlets
• [ ] Furniture secured to walls (bookshelves, cubbies)
• [ ] No cords or strings within reach (window blinds, electrical)
• [ ] Cleaning supplies locked away
• [ ] Medications stored securely out of reach
• [ ] First aid kit visible and stocked
• [ ] Fire extinguisher present and current
• [ ] Emergency exit signs and clear paths
• [ ] Smoke and CO detectors working

Age-specific hazards:

| Age Group | Key Hazards to Check | |-----------|---------------------| | Infants | Crib safety (nothing in cribs), safe sleep practices, no small objects | | Toddlers | Climbing hazards, sharp corners, bathroom access | | Preschoolers | Art supply safety, small parts in toys, furniture stability |

Sleep Safety (Critical for Infants)

For infant rooms, verify:

• [ ] Babies sleep on backs only
• [ ] Firm, flat sleep surfaces
• [ ] No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys in cribs
• [ ] Individual cribs (not shared spaces)
• [ ] Sleep sacks used instead of blankets
• [ ] Cribs meet current CPSC standards
• [ ] Direct supervision of sleeping infants
• [ ] Written safe sleep policy followed

This is non-negotiable. Any deviation from safe sleep practices is an immediate disqualifier.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

Look for:

• [ ] Clean floors, surfaces, and toys
• [ ] Regular toy sanitization schedule
• [ ] Hand washing stations accessible to children
• [ ] Diaper changing procedures posted and followed
• [ ] Separate food prep and diaper areas
• [ ] Clean bathrooms with supplies stocked
• [ ] No strong chemical odors
• [ ] Pest-free environment

During your visit:

• Observe if staff wash hands between diaper changes
• Note whether surfaces are wiped down
• Check bathroom cleanliness
• Look at overall organization and maintenance

Staff and Supervision

Required Staff Qualifications

Minimum qualifications vary by state, but look for:

• Background checks completed (criminal, sex offender registry)
• CPR and first aid certification (current)
• Training in child development
• Early childhood education credentials (preferred)

Questions to ask:

• "What background checks are conducted on all staff?"
• "Are CPR certifications current for all staff?"
• "What ongoing training do staff receive?"
• "How are volunteers and substitutes screened?"

Supervision Practices

Observe during your visit:

• [ ] Children are always within sight and sound
• [ ] Staff actively engage with children (not on phones)
• [ ] Staff positioned to see entire room/area
• [ ] Transitions are supervised (bathroom, playground)
• [ ] Arrival and departure are controlled and documented

Staff-to-child ratios matter:

| Age Group | Maximum Ratio | Your State Requirement | |-----------|---------------|----------------------| | Infants (0-12 mo) | 1:3 or 1:4 | ____________ | | Toddlers (12-24 mo) | 1:4 or 1:5 | ____________ | | Toddlers (24-36 mo) | 1:5 or 1:6 | ____________ | | Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:8 or 1:10 | ____________ | | Pre-K (4-5 years) | 1:10 or 1:12 | ____________ |

Ratio red flags:

• Ratios not maintained throughout the day (early/late hours)
• Large groups even if ratio is met (more chaos, less individual attention)
• Children left alone, even briefly
• Staff doing non-supervisory tasks during care hours

Staff Behavior and Interactions

Positive signs:

• Warm, responsive interactions with children
• Staff at children's eye level
• Positive tone of voice
• Children seeking comfort from staff
• Staff knowing children's names
• Appropriate physical affection

Red flags:

• Yelling, harsh tone, or sarcasm
• Physical punishment or aggressive handling
• Ignoring crying or distressed children
• Staff appearing frustrated, disengaged, or angry
• Negative talk about children within earshot
• Children appearing fearful of staff

Policies and Procedures

Health and Illness Policies

Essential policies:

• [ ] Clear sick child exclusion criteria
• [ ] Fever policy (typically 100.4°F+)
• [ ] When children must stay home (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
• [ ] Medication administration procedures
• [ ] Allergy management and emergency plans
• [ ] Handwashing requirements
• [ ] Notification of illness outbreaks

Questions to ask:

• "What symptoms exclude a child from care?"
• "How do you handle medication administration?"
• "How do you manage food allergies?"
• "How quickly do you notify parents of illness outbreaks?"

Emergency Preparedness

Required emergency procedures:

• [ ] Written emergency evacuation plan
• [ ] Posted evacuation routes
• [ ] Regular fire and emergency drills
• [ ] Staff trained in emergency response
• [ ] Emergency contact information current
• [ ] Plan for natural disasters (appropriate to your area)
• [ ] Lockdown procedures for threats
• [ ] Medical emergency protocols

Questions to ask:

• "How often do you practice emergency drills?"
• "What is your procedure for medical emergencies?"
• "Do you have a reunification plan for major emergencies?"
• "How do you notify parents during emergencies?"

Security and Access

Security essentials:

• [ ] Controlled access (locked doors, buzzer entry, codes)
• [ ] Sign-in/sign-out procedures
• [ ] Authorization list for pickup
• [ ] ID verification for unfamiliar pickups
• [ ] Visitors must check in
• [ ] Staff awareness of who belongs

Questions to ask:

• "How do you control who enters the building?"
• "What's the procedure if someone not on the list tries to pick up?"
• "How do you verify identity for pickups?"
• "How do you handle custody situations?"

Transportation Safety (If Applicable)

If the daycare provides transportation:

• [ ] Properly licensed drivers
• [ ] Clean driving records verified
• [ ] Age-appropriate car seats/restraints
• [ ] Vehicle maintenance records
• [ ] Child check procedures (ensuring all children exit)
• [ ] Adult supervision during transport
• [ ] Written permission for all transported children

The "hot car" check: Ask specifically: "What procedures ensure no child is left in a vehicle?" This should include physical walk-throughs and accountability checklists.

Subtle Red Flags: What to Watch For

Beyond obvious safety issues, these subtle signs may indicate problems:

Environmental Red Flags

• High noise level and chaos: May indicate inadequate supervision or structure
• Unusually quiet children: Could suggest overly restrictive environment
• Minimal toys or materials: Poor investment in quality
• Clutter and disorganization: May reflect overall management issues
• Locked rooms or areas you can't tour: What are they hiding?

Staff Red Flags

• High turnover: Ask how long teachers have been there
• Staff who seem stressed or unhappy: Burned-out staff provide lower quality care
• Reluctance to answer questions: Good programs are transparent
• Defensive about inspection reports: Accountability matters
• Discouraging parent visits: Open-door policies are standard

Operational Red Flags

• Unclear or inconsistent policies: Sign of poor management
• Reluctance to share references: What are past families not saying?
• Pressuring you to enroll immediately: Good programs don't need hard sales
• Very low prices: May indicate cutting corners (or could be legitimate value)
• Unusual contract terms: Read everything before signing

Your Child's Red Flags

After enrollment, watch for:

• Unexplained injuries (more than normal toddler bumps)
• Fear or anxiety about going to daycare (beyond adjustment period)
• Behavioral changes (regression, aggression, withdrawal)
• Comments that raise concerns (even from young children)
• Physical symptoms without illness (stomachaches before daycare)
• Avoidance of specific people

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, investigate.

After Enrollment: Ongoing Safety Monitoring

Regular Check-Ins

Daily:

• Check your child's physical condition at pickup
• Review daily reports for unusual entries
• Observe their demeanor and mood

Weekly:

• Ask about any incidents or concerns
• Note any changes in staff or policies
• Check communication consistency

Monthly:

• Review any incident reports
• Note your child's adjustment and comfort
• Evaluate communication quality

Annually:

• Review updated licensing inspections
• Verify staff certifications remain current
• Assess overall quality and fit

What to Do If You Have Concerns

Minor concerns:

1. Document what you observed or heard
2. Raise the issue with your child's teacher
3. Follow up with the director if not resolved
4. Monitor the situation

Serious concerns:

1. Document everything immediately
2. Take photos if safety hazards present
3. Report to director in writing
4. If child is in immediate danger, remove them
5. File a complaint with licensing agency
6. Report to police if abuse suspected

How to File a Complaint

To file a complaint with your state licensing agency:

1. Search "[your state] child care complaint"
2. Call the hotline or complete online form
3. Provide specific details: dates, times, what you observed
4. Complaints can be anonymous
5. Agency is required to investigate

You can also report concerns to:

• Local police (for suspected abuse or criminal activity)
• Child Protective Services (for abuse or neglect)
• State health department (for sanitation issues)

Printable Safety Checklist for Tours

Use this during your daycare visits:

Pre-Visit Verification

• [ ] License verified and current
• [ ] Inspection reports reviewed
• [ ] No pattern of serious violations
• [ ] Accreditation verified (if claimed)

Physical Environment

• [ ] Safe outdoor area with proper surfacing
• [ ] Indoor hazards addressed (outlets, cords, chemicals)
• [ ] Clean and well-maintained
• [ ] Age-appropriate equipment and materials
• [ ] Safe sleep environment (if applicable)

Staff and Supervision

• [ ] Appropriate ratios maintained
• [ ] Staff actively supervising (not on phones)
• [ ] Warm, positive interactions observed
• [ ] Background checks confirmed
• [ ] CPR/first aid certifications current

Policies and Procedures

• [ ] Clear health and illness policies
• [ ] Emergency procedures in place
• [ ] Secure access and pickup procedures
• [ ] Open-door policy for parents
• [ ] Communication system explained

Your Gut Check

• [ ] Children appear happy and engaged
• [ ] Staff seem caring and competent
• [ ] Environment feels welcoming
• [ ] Questions answered openly
• [ ] You would feel comfortable leaving your child here

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if a daycare has violations on their inspection report?

A: Some violations are minor (e.g., missing paperwork) and quickly corrected. Focus on serious or repeated violations, especially related to supervision, safety hazards, or staff qualifications. Ask the director about any violations and how they were addressed.

Q: Should I do surprise drop-ins?

A: Yes, occasional unannounced visits are a good practice. Reputable daycares welcome them. If a program discourages unannounced visits, that's a red flag.

Q: My child says something concerning happened at daycare. What do I do?

A: Take it seriously but gather information calmly. Ask open-ended questions (not leading ones). Document what they said. Talk to the director and ask for an explanation. If you suspect abuse, contact authorities immediately.

Q: How do I know if my concerns are valid or if I'm being overprotective?

A: Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, investigate. Talk to other parents, make observations, and raise concerns with staff. Being cautious about your child's safety is appropriate—not overprotective.

Q: What's the difference between licensing and accreditation?

A: Licensing is legally required and represents minimum standards. Accreditation is voluntary and indicates a program has met higher quality standards. Both matter, but licensing is non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Daycare safety isn't about finding a risk-free environment—that doesn't exist. It's about choosing a program that takes safety seriously, maintains appropriate supervision, follows proper procedures, and responds appropriately when issues arise.

Use this checklist before enrollment and continue monitoring throughout your child's time in care. The best daycares welcome your vigilance because they share your commitment to keeping children safe.

Trust your observations, ask questions without apology, and remember: you are your child's best advocate.

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Looking for more guidance? Check out our guides on choosing the right daycare, infant daycare, toddler daycare, and child care background checks.