Running a daycare center is a demanding job. Sure, you probably love working with children, but taking care of kids is only one aspect of the work. You also have many administrative requirements to look after, as well as rules and standards to follow regarding the health and safety of the kids in your facility. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming, and your daycare center might receive a complaint that puts your license in jeopardy.

If this happens, you should contact the Professional License Defense Team of attorneys at the Lento Law Firm. We help childcare providers hold onto their licenses and continue to do what they love—providing top-notch care for young children. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

A Daycare Almost Loses Its License Over a Cockroach Infestation

An Iowa daycare, the Ready, Set, Grow Learning Center (RSG), received a complaint about a cockroach infestation on its premises in September 2023. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) investigated the complaint and found that it was valid. The daycare center was given several corrective actions and recommendations by HHS in the weeks and months that followed. Although the HHS investigation found that RSG violated two licensing rules, the center managed to avoid losing its daycare license.

Right after the complaint was filed, the daycare center voluntarily closed for one week to get things in order. Some board members and staff resigned; parents removed their children as well. There are several factors that resulted in the infestation, but the main one is that the building housing RSG is owned by the local school district. The district is responsible for pest control and has a contract for the RSG building, but it wasn't sufficient for the daycare's needs. After the complaint was filed, RSG signed a private pest control contract with another company in addition to the services provided by the school district.

Following Strict Rules as a Licensed Childcare Provider

There's so much to keep track of when running a childcare program. At times, one or two things might fall through the cracks. This is especially true if the building you use to operate your daycare isn't owned by you. You're subject to the landlord's decisions regarding building maintenance and safety. While there are several ways to take charge of these factors—such as hiring a part-time janitor to help with cleaning, requesting that your landlord follow fire safety building codes, etc.—you simply don't have control over some things.

RSG's license was at risk because their landlord was taking care of pest control. In reality, RSG should have been handling the pest control contract so they had more control over the cleanliness standards at their daycare.

What to Do If Your Daycare License Is in Jeopardy

If you are at risk of losing your childcare provider license or have received a complaint that forces you to close your daycare, you should call a team of Professional License Defense attorneys like the Lento Law Firm. We can help you deal with HHS, the complaint, and the investigation of your daycare facility, even if the problem emanates from your landlord and not your program. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you.