Class sizes and Child-to-Caregiver Ratios

Supervision Isn’t Optional — It’s What Keeps Kids Safe

When you trust a daycare with your child, you expect them to be cared for, watched closely, and kept safe.

You’re not asking for anything extra — you’re asking for the basic level of attention and supervision that every child deserves.

In Texas, licensed daycare centers are required by law to follow strict child-to-caregiver ratios to help keep children safe.

But unfortunately, not all daycares meet these requirements.

Some cut corners because of high staff turnover. Others are simply careless.

And when supervision slips, children are the ones who get hurt.

If your child was injured at daycare and you suspect that lack of supervision or understaffing played a role, you are not alone — and you have rights.

Why Daycare Staffing Problems Are So Common (and So Dangerous)

Many daycares struggle with high turnover rates.

New, undertrained staff members are asked to step into demanding roles with little preparation.

At the same time, managers under pressure to save money sometimes cut staffing levels dangerously low.

Here’s the hard truth:

• Even when the official child-to-caregiver ratios are “met,” children can still be unsafe if the caregivers aren’t fully supervising them.
• When ratios aren’t met, the risks grow even more severe — and accidents can happen in seconds.

Daycare-aged children require constant supervision.
Without enough attentive caregivers, kids can:

• Wander off the property.
• Fall from playground equipment.
• Get hurt by rough play or fights.
• Find and play with dangerous or broken toys.
• Suffer allergic reactions because no one is paying attention to their needs.

Supervision isn’t just about being nearby — it’s about actively watching, protecting, and caring for each child, every minute.

What Are the Legal Child-to-Caregiver Ratios in Texas?

Texas sets out specific rules for licensed daycare facilities:

Child’s Age Range	Maximum Children Per Caregiver
0-11 months (infants)	4 children
12-17 months	5 children
18-23 months	9 children
2 years old	11 children
3 years old	15 children
4 years old	18 children
5 years old	22 children
6-13 years old	26 children

These ratios exist because younger children need far more supervision than older ones.

If a daycare isn’t following these numbers, it’s not just a bad practice — it’s a violation of Texas law.

How Parents Can Check a Daycare’s Supervision History

In Texas, daycare centers are routinely inspected, and inspection results are publicly available.
Before enrolling — and even after your child is attending — you can:

1. Look up the daycare’s state inspection records online.
2. Check for past citations related to understaffing or lack of supervision.
3. Talk directly to the daycare director. Ask:
   • How do you ensure compliance with staffing ratios?
   • What happens if a teacher calls out sick?
   • How do you supervise kids during outdoor play or meals?

If you get vague or defensive answers, that’s a red flag.

You have every right to ask these questions. It’s your child’s safety at stake.

What Happens When a Daycare Fails to Meet Staff Ratios?

When a daycare doesn’t have enough qualified caregivers watching children, tragedies can happen:

• A child can fall and hit their head without anyone seeing it happen.
• A toddler can slip through an unsecured gate and wander into danger.
• A child with food allergies could be given the wrong snack because staff are overwhelmed and inattentive.
• Playground injuries and toy-related accidents skyrocket with poor supervision.

If your child was hurt and you suspect lack of supervision played a role, you deserve a full investigation.

At Genthe Law Firm, we know how to uncover the truth.

We can request staff attendance records, pull inspection reports, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your family’s behalf.

What to Do if You Suspect Poor Supervision Caused Your Child’s Injury

If your child was injured at a daycare, here are the steps to take:

1. Get immediate medical attention.
   Even minor injuries can turn serious quickly, especially in young children.
2. Ask for an incident report from the daycare.
   Texas law requires daycares to document and report injuries that happen on their property.
3. Report the injury to Texas Child Care Licensing.
   Your report helps trigger an independent investigation and holds the daycare accountable.
4. Contact an experienced daycare injury attorney.
   Early legal help can preserve vital evidence and protect your child’s rights.

Why Families Across Texas Trust Genthe Law Firm

Aaron Genthe and his team know what you’re going through — the fear, the anger, the deep worry for your child’s well-being.

We don’t just see you as another case. We see you as a family that deserves answers, support, and real justice.

• We offer free consultations.
• We work on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs to you.
• We take the time to truly listen.

Our team has helped many families hold negligent daycare centers responsible — and we’re ready to help you too.

Talk to Genthe Law Firm Today

If your child was hurt at a daycare and you believe lack of supervision or understaffing played a role, don’t wait.

Call Genthe Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation.

You don’t have to face this alone — and your family deserves to be heard.

📞 Call 214-957-0898
📅 Schedule a free consultation online