What Should You Do If You Suspect Daycare Abuse?

Dropping your child off at daycare can be very difficult for a parent, especially that first time. You researched daycares in your area and visited the location, talking to teachers and directors until you have confidence that you have found a safe and happy place for your child to be while you are away. Yet even with all your care, something may happen to your child. If you believe your child may have been the victim of abuse at a daycare center or preschool, here is what you need to know.

Abusers often terrify children into keeping their abuse a secret, warning them that they will get in trouble if they tell anyone. Alternately, abusers may convince children through conniving. By gaining the child’s trust and making them promise to keep it a secret, the child often feels as though they cannot tell anyone about any abuse. Additionally, a very young child may lack the vocabulary to describe how someone hurt him or her. However, by knowing what to look for, you may be able to spot signs that something is wrong.

If your child starts exhibiting extreme mood swings or has a marked change in behavior, this can be a sign that he or she has experienced something traumatic. Children who exhibit sudden withdrawal may be struggling with keeping a secret. Abused children may also become aggressive, kicking and hitting and biting as they struggle to deal with their trauma.

If your child shows a continued pattern of extreme aversion to daycare, this may be a warning sign that the child has reason to stay away. It’s common for children to cry or throw tantrums during drop-off times, but extreme outbursts, faking illness, or creating excuses for why they shouldn’t go could be a sign of abuse.

Other signs include finding unexplained bruising or cuts on the child. If your child flinches at sudden movements or cowers at the suggestion you are unhappy, this may be a signal something has happened. Children also often exhibit night terrors or have nightmares after a traumatic experience as well. Also, if your child has soreness or itching around the genitals, this is a major red flag that should catch your attention.

First, if you suspect abuse at your child’s daycare, do not take him or her back to the daycare while you investigate. Find temporary alternatives until you can ensure your child is safe.

Take your child to the doctor immediately. Doctors are more able to notice signs of abuse and may well notice evidence that you weren’t able to spot. When you feel fairly certain someone at the daycare hurt your child, talk to parents of other children at the daycare. If they are noticing the same patterns or injuries, you may have a more solid case against the organization and will be protecting other children.

If you still suspect abuse, then report it. Protect your child and others by letting the authorities do the proper investigation of the situation. Exposing what is going on is the swiftest method of bringing abuse to an end.

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