In the wake of two frightening negligence episodes at two different day care centers, Philadelphia parents may be wondering how safe their children are when they drop them off at day care.
Day care owners and county health officials in Vancouver, Washington are being criticized for failing to close a day care facility after several children were hospitalized and a four-year-old boy died from a deadly strain of E. coli bacteria. Particularly dangerous to young children, E. coli bacteria is found in the intestinal tract and can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and death. The county finally ordered the facility closed more than two weeks after the first hospitalization. County officials said they delayed closing the day care center from concern that working parents would place their children at other facilities, exposing additional children to infection.
Closer to home, childcare workers at a church-operated day care facility in Cincinnati, Ohio have been accused of giving children melatonin, an over-the counter dietary supplement, at nap time to make them sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that controls sleep and wake cycles. Sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, melatonin is not approved nor regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Parents became concerned when their children seemed groggy when they picked them up at the day care facility. Among the parents who have filed a personal injury lawsuit against the church and day care workers are new parents of a 6-month-old infant. Parents say children were fed the drug in pieces of candy just before their scheduled nap.
Philadelphia parents should exercise vigilance about the day care facilities they select for their children and be alert to possible negligence. If you have reason to be concerned about the health or safety provided by your child's day care facility, a Philadelphia personal injury attorney can provide a free case evaluation.
