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.

Navigating Transitions: How to Ensure Child Safety During Summer Activities

As the weather warms up and children spend more time outdoors, summer brings unique opportunities and challenges for childcare providers. The shift in daily routines requires careful planning, especially when it comes to safety. Ensuring the well-being of children during these transitions can sometimes be overlooked, but it is essential to provide a safe environment while making the most of the season.

The Importance of Planning for Transitions
Transitions, the moments when children move from one activity or space to another, are common but often overlooked moments in a child care setting. During the summer months, these transitions tend to happen more frequently as children go from indoor play to outdoor play or from calm activities to more energetic ones. With the change in pace comes an increased need for heightened awareness.

These moments are high-risk times when accidents can occur. Whether it is outdoor play, field trips, or simply moving from one area to another, transitions require more intentional supervision to ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Common Safety Concerns During Summer Transitions
As childcare providers, understanding the specific risks associated with summer activities is crucial. Here are a few key safety concerns to consider during this time of year:

1. Heat-related illnesses
The heat can quickly lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion, especially for young children. It is essential for staff to understand how to spot the early signs of heat-related issues and to ensure that kids stay hydrated and have access to shaded areas throughout the day.

2. Sunburn and skin protection
Sun safety is a major concern in the summer months. Proper sunscreen application, protective clothing, and hats are key components to protecting children’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Providing clear guidelines for staff and educating families on proper sun protection is critical.

3. Playground and outdoor safety
Outdoor play is a fun and healthy activity, but it comes with its own risks. Playground equipment can get very hot in the sun, leading to burns, and uneven surfaces can cause falls. Regular checks for these hazards, and setting clear rules for outdoor play, can reduce the risk of injuries.

4. Water safety
With the rise in temperatures, water activities are a common and exciting summer activity. However, water safety is one of the most important aspects of child care. Active supervision and clear safety protocols are necessary to prevent accidents, whether it is during water play or a field trip to a pool or beach.

5. Field trip preparation
Summer field trips offer wonderful educational experiences, but they require careful planning and communication. Proper headcounts, emergency contact information, and a well-prepared staff can make all the difference in keeping children safe when off-site.

Preparing for a Safe Summer
As child care professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children in our care, especially during summer, when the risks increase. This requires a proactive approach: establishing clear safety guidelines, training staff, and making sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Safety isn’t just about reacting to incidents, but about preventing them. Taking the time to create structured and well-thought-out safety protocols before the summer begins can help make sure children enjoy their summer activities in a safe, supportive environment.

At the heart of child care safety is the ability to adapt to the unique challenges each season presents. As child care providers, we can use our knowledge and experience to navigate these transitions and create environments where children can learn, play, and grow without unnecessary risks.