ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - In a deeply concerning incident in St. Petersburg, Florida, a 2-year-old child suffered a broken leg while under the care of an unlicensed home daycare. The daycare owner, 25-year-old Aniya Johnson, has been arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm and operating an unlicensed daycare. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the critical importance of choosing licensed daycare providers and raises serious legal and safety concerns. As daycare and childcare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm, we are committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of children and providing legal commentary on cases like this.
Toddler Suffers Broken Leg in Unlicensed Florida Daycare
In early August 2024, St. Petersburg police responded to a home daycare on 21st Avenue South after a 2-year-old child broke their right leg. The daycare owner, Aniya Johnson, initially claimed that the child’s injury was the result of a fall. However, medical professionals later determined that the severity and nature of the injury were inconsistent with a simple fall, raising suspicions of potential child abuse or neglect.
Johnson, who had been operating the daycare without a proper license, admitted to using paperwork that falsely listed her as a licensed provider. The child’s parents, believing Johnson to be licensed, entrusted her with the care of their child, only to face this devastating outcome. Johnson has since been charged with child neglect with great bodily harm and failing to obtain a license for her daycare center.
Click here for the full article from CBS 10 Tampa Bay.
The Risks of Unlicensed Daycares: Why Licensing Matters
Operating a daycare without a proper license is illegal and poses significant risks to the children in care. Licensed daycares are required to adhere to strict regulations, including safety protocols, staff training, and regular inspections. These regulations are in place to ensure that daycare providers are equipped to handle emergencies and provide a safe environment for children.
In contrast, unlicensed daycares operate without supervision, meaning they may lack essential safety devices, training, and the ability to respond effectively to crises. As highlighted by St. Petersburg Police Department Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev, unlicensed providers are not held to the same standards. They may be less likely to report incidents due to fear of legal repercussions. This lack of accountability can lead to dangerous situations, as seen in this heartbreaking case.
Legal Implications: Holding Unlicensed Daycare Providers Accountable
As experienced daycare and childcare injury lawyers, The Button Law Firm emphasizes the importance of holding unlicensed daycare providers accountable for their actions. Johnson faces serious criminal charges in this case, but the legal consequences do not end there. The family of the injured child may also pursue civil action against Johnson for the harm caused to their child.
Families affected by such incidents have the right to seek recovery for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury. Pursuing legal action not only provides justice for the affected family but also sends a strong message to unlicensed daycare operators that negligence and illegal operations will not be tolerated.
Choosing a Licensed Daycare: Essential Steps for Parents
To prevent similar tragedies, it is crucial for parents to ensure that their daycare providers are properly licensed. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County recommends several steps for parents, including asking daycare providers about their most recent visit from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and reviewing the report. Parents should also visit the daycare in person, scheduled and unscheduled, to observe the environment and assess the caregivers' interactions with the children.
To learn more about finding a safe daycare, be sure to download our free guide, 10 Tips for Finding a Safe Daycare, linked here. By taking these precautions, parents can help ensure their children are in a safe and regulated environment, reducing the risk of injury or neglect
How a Daycare Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice
The incident at the unlicensed home daycare in St. Petersburg is a tragic example of the dangers posed by unregulated childcare providers. At The Button Law Firm, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of children and ensuring that negligent daycare providers are held accountable. As daycare and childcare injury lawyers, we stand ready to assist families affected by such incidents in navigating the legal process and seeking the justice their children deserve.
If your child has been harmed in an unlicensed daycare or due to daycare negligence, contact The Button Law Firm today. To reach a team member, call (214) 699-4409 or fill out the contact form for a free case evaluation. You can also contact us by clicking here to start a chat. Our team is here to help you protect your child’s rights and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
.png)
.png)
