My 2-year-old son had his right femur broken while at daycare. A teacher at his daycare was responsible, but I was left in the dark about how exactly it happened. Multiple teachers gave me conflicting stories and even lied about the existence of working cameras in the facility. This heart-wrenching experience could have been prevented or at least clarified if there were functioning, federally mandated cameras present.

Daycare centers are entrusted with the immense responsibility of caring for our children, our most precious assets, during formative years when they are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, not every facility meets the standards necessary to ensure our children's safety and well-being. In the absence of reliable oversight, parents are left to hope for the best rather than having a system that guarantees their children are monitored and protected.

The introduction of federally regulated cameras in daycare facilities is a crucial step towards transparency and accountability. Cameras should be installed in all areas except for bathrooms and changing areas to maintain the privacy and dignity of the children. These cameras would not only act as a deterrent to prevent neglect or abuse but also provide evidence that can be used to verify the truth of any incidents that occur.

Federal regulation would ensure uniformity in safety standards across all childcare facilities. It is imperative that we protect children across the nation by implementing a policy that mandates the installation of operational surveillance systems in daycares.

Studies have shown that transparency and surveillance can significantly decrease incidents of abuse and negligence. According to Childcare Aware of America, nearly 60% of children under five were enrolled in some form of daycare. These children, like mine, depend on the integrity of daycare providers and the regulations governing them.

By supporting this petition, you are advocating for the safety and security of children nationwide. Help us prevent future incidents and ensure peace of mind for parents and guardians. Sign this petition to demand that the federal government take immediate action in regulating the installation of cameras in all daycare centers. Let’s make sure what happened to my son does not happen to another child.