The Cost of Complacency in Safety Practices

In child care, safety is something we talk about often. Most programs have policies, drills, and compliance checks in place. But over time, routines can become habits, and habits can quietly turn into complacency.

When that happens, safety becomes background noise instead of a daily priority.

I have seen it firsthand in classrooms, playgrounds, and administrative offices. The signs are subtle.

• Staff stop double-checking playground gates because "it’s always closed."

• Classroom ratios stretch for "just a few minutes."

• Directors assume everyone remembers the plan instead of reviewing it.

It is not neglect or carelessness. It is comfort. And comfort in this field can be risky.

Small Oversights, Big Impact

Most incidents in child care do not happen because someone did not care. They happen because a single step was missed. A door was left unlatched. A supervision zone was uncovered. A safety reminder was skipped.

The cost of those moments is not only in paperwork or investigations, but in trust. Families trust us to keep their children safe. Staff trust that leaders will model and reinforce that same commitment. When that trust breaks, it takes time and intentional effort to rebuild.

The Drift Toward Routine

Complacency rarely appears overnight. It happens slowly, as small routines become automatic. Staff get comfortable. Systems start to rely on memory instead of structure. What was once a priority becomes an afterthought.

Awareness fades when safety practices are treated as something we already “know.” In reality, safety is something that must be practiced, discussed, and revisited again and again.

Creating a Culture That Stays Alert

Building a culture of safety starts with mindset. It means moving away from the idea that safety is a checklist and instead recognizing it as a daily, living practice.

Here are a few ways to strengthen that culture:

• Keep safety visible. Post reminders, review drills, and make time for safety discussions at meetings.

• Model what matters. When leaders follow every step, staff take notice.

• Encourage reflection. Ask “what if” questions to identify blind spots.

• Recognize awareness. Acknowledge when staff catch potential risks or make suggestions for improvement.

When staff feel ownership over safety, accountability becomes part of the culture.

Staying Grounded in Purpose

Safety is not a task to complete. It is a mindset that protects children, supports families, and upholds the integrity of your program.

The cost of complacency is not measured only in incidents or violations. It shows up in the moments when awareness slips, when routines replace reflection, and when people stop asking questions.

The best programs are not perfect. They are present. They notice patterns, revisit policies, and keep safety at the center of every decision.

Because the moment we stop paying attention is the moment safety begins to fade.

Elevating Care: Turning Texas Child Care Standards Into Tools for Quality

When I sit down with directors or providers, I often hear the same thing: “Standards feel like one more thing to check off.” And I understand why. Regulations can seem overwhelming, especially when the focus is on passing inspections or avoiding violations.

But here’s the truth I want every child care professional to hear: Texas Minimum Standards are not just about compliance. They are a research-based framework designed to help you create safer, stronger, higher-quality programs. When we shift our perspective, the very rules that once felt like a burden can become powerful tools for growth.

Why Standards Matter for More Than Compliance

Standards are connected to the everyday experiences of children and families. They guide how we set up environments, build routines, and engage with children in ways that protect their safety and support their development.

Think about it this way:

• Safety – Standards outline the basics, but when followed with care, they build confidence among families and staff.

• Child Development – Behind each rule is research about how children learn, grow, and thrive.

• Trust – Families notice when your program feels consistent, structured, and intentional.

This isn’t just about passing inspections. It’s about building programs that families are proud to choose and staff are proud to be part of.

Shifting From Minimum to Meaningful

When providers view Texas child care standards as a checklist, they miss the deeper connection between compliance and quality. But when we approach them with curiosity and intention, they become an opportunity to strengthen practice.

For example, instead of asking, “What do I need to do to stay in compliance?” ask, “How does this standard help me create a safe and welcoming environment for children and families?”

That shift opens the door to growth, professional confidence, and long-term success.

Training That Brings It to Life

I created Elevating Care: Texas Standards as Your Quality Guide because I want to help child care teams make this shift. This training is interactive, practical, and designed to connect the dots between compliance and excellence.

Participants walk away with:

• A new perspective on Texas Minimum Standards as tools for quality child care

• Practical strategies that improve child safety, staff confidence, and family engagement

• Real-world examples that show how compliance leads to stronger programs

This training is now available for directors, administrators, and child care teams who want to move beyond minimum and embrace meaningful, lasting quality.

If your program is ready to elevate care and grow stronger through intentional use of Texas standards, I’d love to support you.

Behind the Work: Serving as an Expert Witness in Child Care Cases

Serving as an expert witness in child care cases is a role that requires objectivity, clarity, and a deep commitment to children’s safety. Attorneys often ask what this work looks like in practice and how an expert contributes to the legal process.

Here, I’m sharing how I approach expert witness work, what legal teams value most, and why this role is personally meaningful to me.

The Role of an Expert Witness

My responsibility as an expert witness is to bring specialized knowledge and objective analysis to the courtroom. I help judges, juries, and attorneys understand accepted standards of care, safety protocols, and best practices in child care.

This role is never about advocating for one side. Instead, it is about providing a clear, unbiased opinion based on training, expertise, and evidence.

How I Approach Each Case

When an attorney reaches out, I follow a systematic process designed to build a complete and objective understanding of the case:

1. Comprehensive Review – I begin by reviewing all relevant documentation such as licensing reports, incident narratives, medical records, and compliance history.

2. Analysis and Opinion – I analyze the information against child care standards and best practices, forming a clear professional opinion.

3. Consultation with Attorneys – I share preliminary findings with the legal team and address their key questions.

4. Formal Report – I prepare a detailed expert report outlining my background, findings, and rationale.

5. Testimony – When needed, I provide testimony through depositions or in court, explaining technical standards in a way that is accessible and clear.

The Types of Cases I Work On

Most cases I support involve incidents where a child’s health or safety was allegedly compromised in a licensed child care setting. This often includes:

• Serious injuries sustained by a child in care

• Concerns about supervision failures

• Situations where a provider’s policies or staff actions placed a child at risk

In each case, I review the evidence alongside state and national standards to determine whether the provider met their duty of care.

What Attorneys Value Most

Attorneys I’ve worked with tell me they value several key qualities:

• Credibility – Years of experience in child care give me the professional background to provide opinions that withstand scrutiny.

• Objectivity – My role is to remain impartial, grounded only in facts and standards, regardless of which side retained me.

• Communication – I translate complex regulations and child development practices into language that everyone in the courtroom can understand.

• Consistency – I approach every case with the same level of preparation and thoroughness, giving attorneys confidence in my support.

The Challenges and Rewards

The most challenging aspect of this work is reviewing cases where a child has been injured. It can be emotional to read through those details. What keeps me grounded is my commitment to finding the truth and providing an accurate, unbiased assessment of the situation.

Ultimately, this work is rewarding because it allows me to protect children by holding child care providers to the highest standards. Whether clarifying that a provider exceeded expectations or identifying where care fell short, I know my role contributes to a safer future for children.

Why This Work Matters to Me

This work combines my passion for protecting children with my professional expertise. I believe in accountability, high standards, and the right of every child to be in a safe and nurturing environment.

Serving as an expert witness gives me the opportunity to make sure that truth, safety, and quality care are at the center of every case. For me, it is not only a professional role but also a personal mission.

The Hidden Power of Onsite and Virtual Training in Early Childhood Education

This week, I will be presenting Life on the Move: Supporting Children During Transitions for the Start Smart Hays & Caldwell professional development series for early childhood educators. The session will explore how changes, both small and big, shape a child’s experience, and how early childhood professionals can turn those moments into opportunities for growth.

Preparing for this training has reminded me how important it is to meet teams where they are. Sometimes that is in their own program, and other times it is in a virtual space that connects people from different locations. Both approaches create opportunities for meaningful learning and leave teams better equipped to support the children in their care.

Onsite child care training offers the chance to see a program in action. I can walk through classrooms, observe daily routines, and connect with staff in their own space. These visits allow me to notice details that might otherwise be missed and adapt the training on the spot to address real-time needs. The in-person connection also makes it easier for teams to open up, share experiences, and work through challenges together.

Virtual training has its own strengths. It removes travel barriers, making it possible to bring together teams from different locations in one shared learning experience. It also gives providers access to professional development that might not be available locally. When a virtual session is interactive and thoughtfully designed, it can spark conversation, exchange ideas, and leave participants with clear, actionable takeaways.

Both formats can have a lasting impact when they are planned with intention. The format is simply the tool. The heart of the work is about giving early childhood professionals the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create safe, nurturing spaces for children.

If your team is ready for training, we can find the approach that works best for your needs. I would be glad to help you choose the right format and customize a session that supports your goals.

The Importance of Proactive Safety Training in Child Care: Why Prevention Matters

As childcare providers, our top priority is ensuring the health, safety and well-being of the children in our care. We prepare daily schedules, engage in meaningful activities, and provide nurturing environments, but one area that cannot be overlooked is safety training. Too often, safety protocols are treated as a checklist rather than an ongoing commitment. The reality is that proactive safety training is the foundation of a secure and prepared childcare environment.

Accidents Happen, but Many Can Be Prevented
Childcare settings come with unpredictable moments. A spilled drink can quickly turn into a slip-and-fall. A small object left within reach can become a choking hazard. While we cannot predict every scenario, we can take steps to reduce risks. Regular safety training helps staff recognize potential dangers before they become emergencies. When teams are prepared and confident in their responses, they can act swiftly, minimizing harm and keeping children safe.

Compliance Alone Is Not Enough
Meeting state licensing requirements is necessary, but compliance alone does not guarantee a truly safe environment. The most effective childcare providers go beyond minimum standards by implementing ongoing training, drills, and open discussions about safety. Staff should not only know what to do in an emergency but also how to prevent one from happening in the first place. A well-trained team is an empowered team, ready to handle any situation with confidence.

Building a Culture of Safety
Safety should be part of daily routines, not just an occasional training topic. Creating a culture where staff feel comfortable asking questions, discussing concerns, and continuously learning leads to a stronger, more prepared team. When childcare providers approach safety with a proactive mindset, they set a powerful example for children and families. Parents will have greater peace of mind knowing their child is in a place where safety is a top priority, not an afterthought.

Investing in Training Saves Time and Money
Some providers hesitate to invest in additional training due to time or budget constraints. However, the cost of not being prepared is far greater. Injuries, legal issues, and reputation damage can have lasting effects on a childcare business. Investing in high-quality safety training now can prevent costly incidents in the future. It is always better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.

Taking the Next Step
If you are looking to strengthen safety practices at your childcare facility, now is the time to take action. Safe Care Consulting provides customized training designed specifically for childcare providers. Our goal is to help you create a safer environment where both children and staff feel protected and prepared.

Let’s work together to make safety a daily priority, not just a requirement. Prevention matters and proactive training is the key to keeping every child safe.