Daycare Red Flags Parents Should Not Ignore

The biggest daycare red flags are a provider who will not let you visit, cannot show a current license, has too many children for the number of adults, or gives vague answers about safety, sleep or injuries. After your child starts, watch for unexplained injuries, missing incident reports and teachers who keep leaving.

One small issue does not mean a program is bad. A pattern of problems, or anything that puts a child's safety at risk, is worth acting on. Here is what to look for and what to do.

Red flags before you enroll

• No license, or the license is not posted. In Illinois, licensed centers display their license. You can confirm it and read inspection reports on the state's Sunshine website.
• You cannot tour, or only at set times. A good program welcomes parents. Ask about their policy on visiting during the day.
• Vague answers to direct questions. "We are flexible" is not an answer to "What is your ratio for 2-year-olds?"
• No written policies. You should get a parent handbook covering illness, discipline, meals, safe sleep, emergencies and fees.
• Pressure to sign today. A deposit deadline is normal. Being rushed past your questions is not.
• Serious or repeat violations in recent inspection reports, especially about supervision, safe sleep or background checks.

Our guide on how to check a daycare license in Illinois walks through the Sunshine search step by step.

Red flags in the classroom

• Too many children per adult. Illinois sets limits such as 1 adult for every 4 infants and 1 for every 5 toddlers. Count during your visit. See our article on Illinois daycare ratios by age.
• Teachers on phones or chatting with each other while children wander.
• Long screen time or children sitting with nothing to do.
• Harsh tone, yelling or shaming. Physical punishment is not allowed in licensed programs.
• Crying children who are ignored for long periods.
• Dirty diapers, sticky floors and overflowing trash, or no handwashing before meals.
• Few toys or books, or toys that are broken or not right for the age.

Safety red flags

• Unsafe sleep for babies. Babies should sleep on their backs, in a crib, with no blankets, pillows or bumpers. Babies left asleep in swings, bouncers or car seats are a warning sign.
• Easy access to the building, doors propped open, or no sign-in and sign-out system.
• Strangers allowed to pick up children without ID checks.
• Hazards within reach, such as cleaning products, uncovered outlets, cords or small objects in the baby room.
• No clear plan for emergencies, allergies or medication.
• Staff without background checks or CPR and first aid training.

Red flags after your child starts

• Injuries with no incident report or no clear explanation
• Different stories from different staff members about what happened
• Frequent new faces in the classroom and teachers who leave every few months
• You are discouraged from stopping by or calling
• Your child is often hungry, very dirty or in a soaked diaper at pickup
• Daily reports that look copied from day to day
• Concerns brushed off instead of discussed

Read more about what centers should share after an accident in our post on daycare incident reports.

Normal adjustment or a real problem?

Many children cry at drop-off, nap less, act clingy or have more tantrums in the first few weeks. These are common signs of a big change and usually fade within a month or so.

Look more closely if your child:

• Seems afraid of a specific person or room
• Was settled for months and suddenly refuses to go
• Has injuries in unusual places, like the back, belly or face
• Shows big changes in sleep, eating or toileting that do not improve
• Says something that worries you about how they are treated

Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone.

What to do if something feels wrong

1. Write down what you saw, with dates and times.
2. Talk to the director and ask for a written incident report if there was an injury.
3. Ask for a meeting with the teacher and director together.
4. Check the program's inspection history on the state's Sunshine site.
5. Report concerns about licensing to the Illinois Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829.
6. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call the Illinois child abuse hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873). If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

What are signs of a bad daycare?

Too many children per adult, unsafe sleep, poor hygiene, harsh discipline, high staff turnover and a program that avoids your questions or visits.

How do I know if my child is unhappy at daycare?

Some protest is normal at first. Look for fear of a specific person, lasting changes in sleep or eating, or refusal that starts after a long period of being settled.

Is it normal for daycare teachers to change often?

Some turnover happens everywhere. A new teacher every few months in the same room is a warning sign worth asking about.

Where can I report a daycare in Illinois?

Call the Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829 for licensing concerns, or the child abuse hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE for suspected abuse or neglect.

Visit 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. We encourage families to tour and ask hard questions. Find a location near you or read our FAQ.

Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.