Six Red Flags to Watch for in Daycare Workers

There is an old saying that “you should never trust a book by it’s cover” and it’s true, especially when it comes to other people. However, entrusting your child’s well-being to someone you may not know well can be a daunting decision. You may not know which red flags to look for when it comes to a daycare worker. Their appearance may not be a reliable indicator of their caregiving abilities, being aware of certain behaviors can help you assess whether they are a suitable caregiver for your child.

Red Flags to Watch for

Watch How Your Child Acts:

Pay attention to how your child behaves around the daycare worker. If your child becomes very quiet, shy, or seems scared when they’re with a particular worker, that’s a sign to take seriously.

Listen to What Your Child Says:

Sometimes, your child might talk about their daycare experiences. If they often mention being scared or uncomfortable around a certain worker, it’s worth investigating.

Excuses and Blame:

An unreliable worker might make excuses when things go wrong at the daycare. If you keep hearing reasons why things aren’t going well, like problems with communication or routines, it could mean they’re not taking their job seriously.

Too Much Tech Time:

When you visit the daycare, see if the worker spends a lot of time on a computer or phone instead of looking after the children. If they’re not paying attention to the kids, it’s a red flag. Take note on how the worker interacts with the children. 

Cleanliness and Care:

Your child’s physical well-being is very important. If your child often comes home with dirty or messy clothes, it might mean they’re not getting proper care and attention. Also be on the look out for unexplained injuries. When you pick your child up, ensure that the facility is also clean. A dirty day care, or a day care that only cleans where parents can see, is a red flag. 

Attitude and Mood:

How the daycare worker acts can affect how daycare center feels. If they’re often grumpy, have a bad temper, or seem unhappy while working, it can make the place less enjoyable for the kids. Therefore you should recognize their behavior and how the act towards your child. 

Red Flag Detection and You

Being mindful of these signs empowers you to assess the quality of care your child receives and spot any potential red flags. Regular communication with your child and frequent daycare visits ensure their safety and happiness. Early identification of red flags can prevent potential harm to your child. Remember, a content daycare worker leads to a joyful daycare environment and, ultimately, a happy child.

If you feel you need to report daycare abuse or maltreatment you can make a report by following this link.