Daycare has seemed to take an abrupt turn over the past couple of decades; from a few licensed facilities in commercial districts to childcare homes spread through neighborhood proximate to school zones.
The Charleston childcare accident lawyer team at Auger & Auger is dedicated to providing a thorough investigation into any incident where your child has been neglected or harmed. We will pursue a civil court case on your behalf in order that you may receive compensation for your child’s injury, medical treatment charges (past, present and future), therapy, and pain and suffering as well.
We hear news stories about negligence, abuse, or injuries taking place in childcare facilities – and the fairly rapid shutdowns that follow. But not much is said about consequences, meeting reopening requirements, and when it is safe to return. Childcare homes are hardly ever mentioned in the media and the public seems unaware that the regulations are actually the same as the institutions we have relied on so long.
You have a right to know the statutes in South Carolina code law for the childcare homes and facilities, and to know what to expect.
The purpose of Chapter 13 of Title 63 of South Carolina code law is to establish minimum regulations for the care and protection of children placed in childcare facilities; to ensure the laws are maintained; and to approve the administration and enforcement necessary to regulate these conditions. You can see the full extent of the regulations at these links.
Under this section (63:13-620) those who regularly care for up to 6 children of more than 1 unrelated family in their home must register with the Department of Social Services (DSS); which must be annually renewed. The home must have a working, listed phone number and must pass fire, sanitation and childcare licensing inspections to qualify. The operator must have First Aid and CPR certification, and all family members 15+ years old and any other caregivers must pass state and federal fingerprint checks. Additionally, 3 letters of reference plus zoning board approval are required.
Once you have read through these pertinent areas of law regulating a childcare home or facility – and the eligibility requirements of their caregivers – it becomes quite clear how closely this service is governed in our state. It is, however, up to the parents to request proof of these certifications and report any observations of unseemly conduct or abuse.
As a family firm, Auger & Auger is especially committed to making sure our community’s children are not harmed by unlicensed or unqualified facilities in which you have placed your loved ones. If your child has been harmed or mistreated during their hours under a caregiver’s watch, we want to know about it. Please contact us at your very first opportunity, and receive a free consultation and a Zero-Fee Guaranty; i.e. you pay nothing until we settle your case.
Call (843) 751-4690 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!