CONRADS LAW UPDATE: The foundation has been contacted by Cecelie Dunlap Williams from the Missouri House of Representatives; who has offered her support & aide in filing our proposed legislation for "Conrads Law," moving forward.
Please continue to show your support for this powerful piece of legislation, in honor of Conrad! We are thankful for and will be formally recognizing individuals who have been integral in adding their input, language and heart into this proposed piece of legislation! THANK YOU!
More Updates Forthcoming.
Uvalde Foundation For Kids
254 206 9089
https://uvaldefoundation.wixsite.com/theuvaldefoundation
Conrad’s Law Objective: Protecting All Missouri Children in Daycare Settings Through Increased Facility Security & Staff Training.
"CONRADS LAW" seeks to ensure the safety & proper care of all children in daycare facilities throughout Missouri, including enhanced surveillance via required security camera installations, supervised care standard practices, and specialized, ongoing staff training. This law exists to protect children and hold caregivers and facility owners fully accountable for harm, neglect, or abuse and to further ensure the increased, diverse needs of children placed in Missouri State facilities are being met.
Elements of Proposed Law:
MANDATORY VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE
Camera and Audio Requirement:
All licensed daycare facilities must have in operation surveillance cameras with synchronized audio recording in all areas where children are present, including but not limited to play areas, classrooms, nap areas, and common spaces. Video and audio must be recorded continuously and simultaneously during all hours of operation.
Access and Retention:
• Recordings must be securely stored for a minimum of 90 days.
• Video and audio surveillance must not be paused, muted, shut off, or interrupted for any reason, including nap times, disciplinary action, or staff transitions.
• Recordings must be made available upon request to parents or guardians, child protective services, law enforcement, or state licensing bodies.
• Parents and guardians must be informed in writing of all surveillance policies at the time of enrollment.
HARMFUL PRACTICES
Banned Items:
• Weighted blankets are prohibited in all daycare settings.
Forced Nap Time:
• Children may not be physically forced to sleep. Rest periods may be offered, but children must have access to quiet, independent activities as alternatives.
Prohibited Restraint Tactics:
• The use of physical restraint or isolation against nonviolent children as a method of discipline, compliance, or convenience is strictly prohibited. Physical restraint of violent or aggressive children shall strictly adhere to safe and accepted restraint practices.
MANDATORY TRAINING AND STAFFING QUALIFICATIONS
General Staff Training:
All daycare employees must complete certified bi-annual training in the following areas:
• Age-appropriate developmental care, including as applicable to the daycare setting - Neurodiversity & Special needs training. CERTIFICATIONS of such training, through an outside, accepted training institute, shall be on file & accessible, upon demand.
ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE
Licensing Condition:
Adherence to Conrad’s Law is a legal condition for Missouri daycare licensing, certification; renewal of licensure and ongoing operations. Violations to the law would include, but are not limited to:
• Fines and financial penalties
• Mandatory training or staffing corrections
• Temporary or permanent loss of operating license & potential criminal charges
Whistleblower Protection:
Employees who report suspected violations in good faith are protected by law from any form of retaliation, demotion, or dismissal.
• These actions are required to prevent systemic abuse, ensure transparency, and safeguard children from extended harm.
Conrad’s Law, in honor of Conrad Ashcraft, primary objective is to further ensure the protection of every child placed in a licensed Missouri daycare setting, ultimately meant to nurture and support them.
Conrad’s Law furthermore, brings additional transparency & accountability to a struggling Missouri child care system.