Managing Legal Risks in Early Childhood Programs

Can my child care programme be sued? If you have ever asked yourself this question, you are not alone. This guide will help you prevent and manage problems with potential legal consequences, reduce the risk of a lawsuit, and assist you in preparing a strong defence should your program be sued. This practical book covers a wide range of topics, including privacy issues, accusations of discrimination, employee hiring/firing practices, and insurance coverage. The authors offer clear advice and examples of specific policies and procedures that will help you keep children safe while improving communication with parents, regulators, insurance agents, and lawyers.

Written by two lawyers with extensive experience working in the child care field, this easy-to-use guide includes:

• Vignettes of everyday dilemmas, such as what to say to a parent or caregiver who may be under the influence or what to do if no one picks up a child.
• Proven solutions and innovative approaches for each dilemma.
• “Think About It” sidebars to assist in the decision-making process.
• Sample parental consent and waiver forms.