Child Care Insurance: Safety Tips To Manage Risk in Child Care Centers

Opening a child care center means you care deeply about children’s well-being, but as providers know, running a center can be an unpredictable endeavor. More than 1.75 million children were enrolled in state-funded preschool programs during the 2023–2024 school year, bringing a variety of risk exposures to daycare centers. 

At Transparity Insurance, we help you combine proactive safety measures with tailored protection through child care insurance. Let’s explore some of the most common hazards in these settings and how the right insurance can help.

Is a Daycare a High-Risk Business?

Daycare centers are considered high-risk because they supervise large groups of young children who are naturally prone to injuries, illness, or accidents. Playground mishaps, falls from furniture, or even personality conflicts can quickly escalate into serious incidents. 

Common risks include:

  • Playground and equipment injuries: Falls from playground structures are among the most severe injuries in childcare settings, according to the Children’s Safety Network.
  • Illness outbreak: Close contact among children increases the risk of contagious illnesses spreading rapidly.
  • Staff mistakes or negligence: Even minor oversights, such as inadequate supervision, can lead to injury or legal claims.
  • Building safety hazards: Everyday dangers like unsecured furniture or unsafe exits pose threats to children’s safety.

Without proper coverage, a single incident could result in significant financial and legal exposure for your business.

5 Ways To Reduce Risk in Child Care Centers

Running a child care center means balancing nurturing care with rigorous safety practices. While not every incident can be prevented, proactive steps go a long way toward minimizing hazards and demonstrating your commitment to protecting children. Here are a few practical ways to reduce risk in your center.

  1. Conduct regular facility inspections. Check playground equipment, flooring, and indoor furnishings for hazards. Anchor heavy furniture to walls, and monitor for tripping risks like cluttered toys or loose rugs.
  2. Invest in staff training and background checks. Well-trained employees are your first line of defense against accidents and liability.
  3. Establish clear emergency procedures. Regularly drill fire, earthquake, medical response, and other emergency protocols with your staff.
  4. Create secure pick-up and drop-off policies. Verifying identities and having a controlled process limits access and prevents confusion or unauthorized departures.
  5. Maintain strong communication with parents. Regular updates build trust, enable timely reporting of concerns, and foster cooperative relationships.

How Child Care Insurance Protects Your Center

Child care insurance provides coverage for incidents such as injuries, property damage, and liability claims, protecting your business from devastating financial loss. It’s not one-size-fits-all — your center needs coverage designed for the unique risks of caring for children. 

Transparity Insurance offers tailored policies that combine multiple protections into one comprehensive program:

  • General liability protects you if someone claims a physical injury or property damage occurred at your center.
  • Property insurance covers your building and contents, with options for business interruption, crime, and equipment breakdown.
  • Professional liability allows teachers and providers to perform their duties without fear of shouldering devastating defense costs or judgments.
  • Management liability includes directors and officers liability and employment practices liability coverage.
  • Abuse and molestation coverage helps safeguard your organization against claims involving employees or volunteers.
  • Commercial auto covers owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles used in your operations.
  • Cyber liability protects against the growing risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.
  • Commercial umbrella extends liability coverage to handle catastrophic losses.
  • Workers’ compensation provides a safety net for you and your employees in case of on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

As you implement safety protocols, working with seasoned child care insurance professionals like Transparity Insurance ensures that your policy meets your needs. 

Safeguarding the Future

Protecting your center and the people inside it requires both strong safety practices and robust insurance. With the right safety strategies and comprehensive coverage, you can reduce risk, protect your reputation, and gain peace of mind.

Contact Transparity Insurance Services today to build a customized coverage plan that lets you focus on what matters most: caring for children.

FAQ About Insurance for Child Care Centers

What is an example of a risk in child care?

If not properly supervised or maintained, playground equipment can become a liability. Falls from slides or climbing equipment can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures or concussions.

What are some safety concerns in a child care center, and why?

Common concerns include unsafe playground environments, unsecured furniture that may tip over, and strained staff-to-child ratios — all of which can result in accidents or injury.

Is a daycare considered a high-risk business?

Yes, a daycare is deemed high-risk due to constant supervision demands, varied liability exposures, and the potential for serious incidents from everyday activities.

Why should I work with child care insurance professionals?

They understand the unique exposures child care centers face and can tailor your child care insurance policy to cover liability, property damage, and other operational risks. You’ll avoid paying for unnecessary coverage while ensuring you’re protected where it matters.

About Transparity Insurance Services

Transparity Insurance Services was founded for the purpose of helping clients to insure their property and assets with no hassle. We are committed to providing a simple, easy, efficient, and positive experience to all of our clients and prioritize open and transparent communication. Through our excellent customer service and technology, we can help you find the right insurance program at a competitive price. Contact us today at (855) 889-2037 to learn more about what we can do for you.