BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma - Recently, a distressing incident occurred at ATA Creative Learning Academy in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where a two-year-old wandered away from daycare unsupervised. The toddler escaped through an unsecured gate, only to be found by utility workers near a busy road. Thankfully, the little boy was unharmed, but the situation highlights critical safety issues in childcare environments.
What Happened at This Oklahoma Daycare?
Details about the incident were shared further in a Fox 23 Tulsa article. According to the article, the child’s mother expressed shock and fear upon learning that her son had wandered from the daycare. The Department of Human Services (DHS) conducted an investigation and confirmed the allegations of neglect. Surveillance footage showed the little boy outside the facility but failed to capture how he escaped. Two nearby utility workers found the child and safely returned him to the daycare.
The Response from the Daycare
The daycare owner acknowledged that a staff member failed to secure the gate, resulting in the child’s escape. Although the daycare reported the incident to DHS and communicated with the parents, discrepancies in the staff's account raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Daycare and Childcare Injury Lawyers Comment on Oklahoma Daycare Wandering Incident
Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm stress the importance of stringent safety protocols to prevent such incidents. It’s heartbreaking to see that a toddler was put in harm’s way because of a daycare center’s negligent practices. Thankfully, good Samaritans were able to step in and help this child before he suffered from serious physical injuries.
Our experience handling daycare and childcare injury cases gives us insights into the necessary precautions and legal obligations daycares must uphold to ensure child safety.
Steps Daycares Can Take to Keep Kids Safe
- Secure Facilities: Daycare centers should have secure gates and doors, with regular inspections to ensure all safety mechanisms function correctly.
- Adequate Supervision: Staff should be trained to maintain constant supervision of children, especially in outdoor areas or near exits.
- Transparency and Communication: Daycares must be transparent with parents about incidents and take immediate corrective actions. Honest communication is essential to build trust and prevent future occurrences.
- Regular Safety Audits: Regular safety audits can help identify and rectify potential hazards before they lead to accidents.
- Emergency Protocols: Clear emergency protocols should be in place, and staff should be trained to respond promptly and effectively to any incidents.
The Aftermath of a Daycare Wandering Incident
ATA Creative Learning Academy's license status was changed to inactive following the incident, preventing it from operating until safety issues are resolved. While the daycare can appeal DHS's findings, the substantiated allegations of neglect have left parents wary and searching for safer childcare options.
Contacting The Button Law Firm After a Daycare Negligence Incident
At The Button Law Firm, we are committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of children in daycare settings. This incident highlights the critical need for rigorous safety standards and accountability. Parents must feel confident that their children are in safe hands, and daycares must uphold their duty of care.
For more information on daycare safety and legal resources, please contact us. You can reach a member of our team by calling (214)699-4409, by starting a chat, or by filling out this contact form for a free, confidential case evaluation. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to keep you and your family moving forward.
.png)
.png)
