Common Injuries That Can Happen When Kids are Left in the Heat Too Long at Daycare

As a parent, you always worry about your child’s safety, especially when they're in daycare. That’s why today, we want to warn parents of the dangers of heat injuries at daycare, because when daycares don't protect kids from extreme heat, it can lead to serious injuries. One of the serious consequences for children being outside too long at daycare is heat exhaustion.

The Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion at Daycare

Heat exhaustion often has symptoms such as:

•          excessive sweating,

•          fatigue,

•          weakness,

•          dizziness,

•          nausea,

•          and headache.

If ignored, it can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them more vulnerable to heat-related injuries. Daycare facilities have a critical responsibility to protect children from risks and adhere to strict licensing laws and regulations to safeguard them from heatstroke.

Measures Daycares Should Take to Protect Kids from Heat-Related Injuries

It’s the responsibility of daycare providers to implement safety measures such as:

•          offering sufficient shade,

•          promoting regular hydration,

•          and scheduling outdoor activities during cooler hours.

Unfortunately, instances occur where children are left in hot weather for too long at daycare due to negligence, lack of supervision, or inadequate policies.

Important steps to Take If Your Child Has Suffered a Heat-Related Injury

If you suspect your child has heat-related injuries, it's crucial to take action immediately.

First, seek medical attention for your child and document any evidence of neglect. Then, get all the information you can from daycare management. This might include video surveillance or statements from daycare employees.

After you’ve done this, be sure to report the incident to the state licensing division and relevant law enforcement authorities. By raising awareness and taking decisive action, we can prevent heat-related injuries and ensure that daycare facilities prioritize your child’s well-being at daycare.

If you have questions about what further legal action you can take, be sure to reach out to our daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm. If you're not quite ready to speak with a member of our team but want to learn more about how daycares can keep kids safe, be sure to download our free guide, 10 Tips for Finding a Safe Daycare. It's linked here.

We're here to keep you and your family moving forward.