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By
Catherine M. Pruissen
Injuries
happen without warning. Despite our best attempts
to make our homes and child care facilities safe,
there is always the possibility something can go wrong
- a slip on an icy sidewalk, a fall from a rocking
horse that results in a broken arm (yes it can happen),
anything.
Providers
are responsible for the proper supervision of the
children in their care at all times. They are also
responsible to seek appropriate medical care in an
emergency. This is a huge responsibility because the
provider is liable and can be sued if a parent feels
the accident was the result of negligence or improper
care.
"Liability
insurance is an essential part of any child care program.
Combined with accident coverage (a necessary coverage
when not included in your liability policy), a well-designed
liability package will protect a child care program
and compensate a family whose child is hurt while
in care", says the Child Care Action Campaign
(C.C.A.C.), in their Information Guide #25, Child
Care Liability Insurance." Unfortunately,
liability insurance is often the last thing parents
think about when it comes to child care. Worse, many
unlicensed caregivers aren't even aware of the need
to protect themselves or the families they serve.
Understanding
Insurance Coverage
What
should parents look for in their provider's/facility's
insurance policy? In the very least a caregiver should
have a rider put on their homeowner insurance policy
to cover the children in their care. "Consult
your local licensing office to find out what insurance
is required", suggests the C.C.A.C. "Some
states (provinces) that require insurance in their
licensing rules are not specific about the amount
or type of coverage required. In others, the minimum
amount required may not be sufficient to protect a
provider against potential liability suits."
A
separate policy that covers the daycare operation,
while more expensive, often provides better coverage.
Such is the case with general liability coverage,
which should cover bodily injury, medical costs, property
damage, and legal costs in the event of a lawsuit.
A comprehensive general liability package will provide
coverage both on the premises and away from the program
site, which is necessary for field trips and other
outings.
Providers
who are involved with a child care agency, child care
support program, or caregiver association may be entitled
to purchase a group liability policy at a good rate.
Some agencies mandate that a provider purchase insurance
as part of their service contract, but this is not
always the case, and it is best for parents to check.
Understanding
What Is and Is Not Covered
Finding
the right insurance policy is no easy task for providers.
There are individual needs, budgets and a realm of
issues to consider. The coverage parents should be
concerned about includes:
- Transportation
of children (automotive insurance that covers daycare
children);
- Coverage
when the children are away from the facility at
the park, on field trips, even the hike to and from
school;
- Bodily
or personal injury;
- Immediate
medical relief at the time of the accident;
- Legal
costs to defend the provider in the event of a lawsuit;
- Coverage
for alternate providers.
For
everyone's sake, talk to your provider today about
her insurance coverage.
For
more information contact:
Child Care Action Campaign
330 Seventh Ave., 17th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
Child Care Employee Project
6536 Telegraph Ave.
Suite A-201
Oakland, CA 94609-1114
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