It is an unfortunate truth that children occasionally sustain injuries while attending child care centers. Even though most injuries are minor, it is essential caregivers keep accurate and detailed records of every injury that occurs while a child is in their care.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a phone call to the parents may also be necessary. Parents should be notified by phone call for any head injuries, bites received, or injuries that will be visible immediately upon pick up to save them from alarm.
An injury report should include the date and time of the incident, how it happened and where the child was injured. However, it is essential to refrain from mentioning other children’s names or assigning emotions to a child’s actions. Use only facts when filling out an injury report.
EXAMPLE:
Wrong: Mia was angry and wanted a toy, so she hit Ezra.
Correct: Ezra was playing with another child, and the other child reached for the toy Ezra was holding. Ezra pulled the toy away, and the other child hit him.
Injury reports should also include any treatment, such as ice, washing with soap and water, or applying a bandage.
Keeping detailed injury reports protects you and your center from liability and helps build a trusting relationship between you and the parents of the children in your care. While the Bounce app has a built in digital injury report, you may also want to have a paper ver
