Daycare Centers
At least six out of ten infants and children-nearly 13 million-infants, toddlers, and preschool children are enrolled in child care. However, the level of regulation at such child care settings varies widely by state. Some states have no or minimal regulation for before and after-school child care, family-based child care, and preschool or nursery school programs, particularly if they operate on a part-time basis or if they are sponsored by a religious institution.Although there is debate as to whether there is a higher incidence of injuries in out-of-home child care versus in home care, there is evidence nonetheless that many children are injured while in child care settings. In 1997, about 31,000 children 4 years old and younger were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for injuries that occurred at child care/school settings, with at least 56 children who have died in childcare settings since 1990.
Reference:
Safety Policy Center
www.safetypolicy.org