Daycare Incident Reports: What Parents Should Know

A daycare incident report is a short written record of an accident, injury or behavior event, such as a fall, a bump on the head or a bite from another child. It should tell you what happened, when and where, how staff responded and what happens next. Most reports are about small, everyday bumps. In Illinois, any injury that needs professional medical care must be reported to the parent right away and to the state's licensing office.

Here is what to expect, how to read a report and when to ask more questions.

Why daycares write incident reports

Young children are still learning to walk, run, climb and share. Even with close supervision, small accidents happen every week. Reports exist so that:

• Parents know about every injury, even a small one
• You can watch for symptoms at home, such as after a bump on the head
• The center can spot patterns, like a corner where children keep tripping
• There is a written record if a child needs medical care later

Getting an incident report does not mean the daycare did something wrong. A center that never writes reports is more of a concern than one that writes them often.

What a good incident report includes

• Your child's name, the date and the exact time
• Where it happened, such as the playground or the classroom rug
• What happened, in plain words
• Any injury, such as a scrape on the left knee or a red mark on the forehead
• First aid given, such as ice, a bandage or washing a bite
• Who saw it and who wrote the report
• Whether you were called, and when
• Signatures from staff and a place for you to sign

Ask for a copy for your records. Signing a report only shows that you received it.

What Illinois rules say

Illinois licensing rules for day care centers, now overseen by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, require each center to have a plan for immediately notifying parents of any illness, accident or injury.

For more serious events, the rules go further. Any accident or injury that needs professional medical care must be written into the child's record and reported by phone right away to the parent and to the state licensing office. The child's record should include the time, place and details of the injury, and when medical care was needed, a statement from the doctor.

If a center does not follow these steps, you can contact the Illinois Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829.

Common types of incidents

• Bumps and falls: the most common reports, especially for new walkers.
• Scratches and pinches: often from play over a toy.
• Biting: very common between about 1 and 3 years old, when children have big feelings and few words.
• Head bumps: staff should tell you right away and explain what signs to watch for.
• Allergic reactions or medication issues: these should always come with an immediate call.

Biting reports: what to expect

Biting is a normal stage for many toddlers. It is upsetting, whether your child was bitten or did the biting. Most centers follow these practices:

• Staff comfort the bitten child, wash the area and apply a cold compress
• Both families get a report the same day
• The names of the other child are usually kept private
• Teachers watch the child who bites more closely and help them use words or signs

If biting continues for weeks, ask for a meeting to talk about a plan. Our article on how to handle toddler biting has ideas you can use at home too.

When to ask more questions

• An injury that does not match the explanation
• No report for a mark or bruise you notice at pickup
• Several reports in a short time with no plan to prevent more
• A head injury where no one called you
• Different staff giving different versions of the event
• An injury in an unusual place, such as the back, belly or ears

Stay calm and ask: "Can you walk me through what happened? Who was in the room? What will change so it does not happen again?" A good director will welcome these questions. See our list of daycare red flags for other warning signs.

What to do after you get a report

1. Read it before you leave and ask about anything unclear.
2. Check your child's injury yourself.
3. Watch for symptoms at home, especially after a head bump: vomiting, unusual sleepiness, a severe headache or changes in behavior. Call your pediatrician or seek care if you see them.
4. Keep copies of all reports in one place.
5. If you are worried, ask for a meeting with the teacher and director.
6. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 1-800-25-ABUSE.

Frequently asked questions

Are daycares required to tell parents about injuries?

Yes. Illinois centers must have a plan to notify parents immediately of accidents and injuries, and must report injuries that need medical care right away.

Should I sign the incident report?

Yes. Your signature shows you received it. You can add a note if you disagree with something.

How many incident reports are normal?

Toddlers who are learning to walk or going through a biting stage may get several in a month. A sudden rise with no clear reason is worth discussing.

Will the daycare tell me who bit my child?

Usually not. Most centers keep the other child's name private to protect both families.

Safety at Children's Land

At Children's Land, every classroom has a camera, monitors are at the entrance, and staff are CPR and first aid certified with local and state background checks. Find a location or read our FAQ to learn more.

Related reading: How to Check a Daycare License and Violations in Illinois.