How to Identify Daycare Abuse in Toddlers

By Rasansky McKenzie

Toddlers are adorable. They experience the world in ways that are both funny and delightful. But they can also be frustrating. Toddlers have definite wants, likes, and dislikes, but they sometimes have difficulty communicating their preferences. This can lead to all-out tantrums that are hard for an adult to understand.
Unfortunately, toddlers are often the victims of Dallas daycare abuse. Because they lack the language to express what is happening, toddlers are often silent victims until an injury is severe enough to warrant an investigation. For this reason, parents of toddlers should know the signs of daycare abuse.
Changes in Behavior

• The child exhibits a sudden fear of persons of a particular gender or physical appearance; for example, a child is suddenly scared of people wearing glasses.
• The child has a sudden fear of a place, room (like the bathroom or closet), or activity (such as bathing).
• The child suddenly dislikes diaper changes or being undressed.
• The child is unusually uncomfortable around adults and avoids adult attention.
• The child cries or shows fear when being dropped off at daycare.
• The child shows signs of regression, including loss of toileting skills.
• The child shows a decrease in verbal skills.
• There is an interruption of sleep or the child begins experiencing sleepwalking or nightmares.
• The child has an unusual increased interest in sexuality or inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior.
• The child shows a sudden lack of interest in playing with other children.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

• The child exhibits a sudden change in personality.
• The child is passive or unusually compliant.
• The child is unusually demanding or aggressive.
• The child is violent towards other children, pets, and adults.
• The child stops talking.
• There is stuttering or other speech problems.

Signs of Physical Abuse

• The child has injuries including black eyes, cuts, abrasions, bruises, or burns that lack an adequate explanation.
• Child has injuries on the face, head, chest, back, arms, or genitalia.
• The child is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
• The child has difficulty walking or sitting.

If your child is injured in a Dallas daycare, demand an explanation. If your child shows any signs of abuse, discuss these with your pediatrician. If you suspect that your child is a victim of Texas child care abuse, contact your local sheriff or police department immediately.
The Dallas childcare abuse lawyers at the Rasansky | McKenzie Law help parents get accountability for Texas childcare abuse injuries. Learn more about Texas daycare abuse claims; request a free copy of Jeff Rasansky’s book, Preventing, Discovering & Acting on Claims of Daycare Abuse. To discuss your child’s injury, contact Rasansky | McKenzie Law at (214) 651-6100.

About the Author

Anyone can hire a lawyer, but if you want to give yourself the best possible chance at success, call the experienced attorneys at Rasansky McKenzie. You only get one chance to bring your case before a court. Let them put their expertise to work for you.