Managing Legal Risks in Early Childhood Programs

Can my child care program 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 defense 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.

Holly Elissa Bruno is an author, keynote speaker, and radio host at BAM Radio Network, “The Voice of the Education Community.” She was assistant attorney general for the state of Maine and assistant dean at the University of Maine School of Law. Tom Copeland is an author, trainer, and advocate for the business of child care. His blog (www.tomcopelandblog.com) is one of the nation’s leading sources of information on the business of child care.

"This book is a must-read for every child care owner or director. The complexity of legal issues is explained in a way anyone can understand.”
—Ann Ditty, past president, National Association for Regulatory Administration