Personal Rights in Child Daycare Facilities

The term "child" is derived from the Latin word infans, meaning "the one who does not speak." This concept has metamorphosed through centuries and cultures and at present, defines the years in a person's life from birth until adulthood. The Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989 defines the term "child" as "[...] a child is any human being below the age of eighteen years, unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier." A child is thus a future adult with its own rights and dignity.

Freedom from Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment at school was long accepted as necessary to discipline children. However, nowadays it is discouraged as it not only inflicts physical pain but causes psychological damage in the form of humiliation and intimidation. Children at daycare centers should not be meted out corporal punishment or verbal threats in any form. They have the right to an environment free from embarrassment, ridicule, coercion, mental abuse and threats. They also have the right to non-interference in their personal habits, like eating, sleeping, clothing and medication.

Freedom to Attend Religious Services

A daycare center has children from different religions. They have the right to follow their own religion at the center. They are free to attend religious functions and services. Such attendance inside the center or outside is completely voluntary and their parents or guardians give approval. Children also have the right to visits from spiritual/religious advisers of their choice.

Dignity and Safety

Children have the right to dignity in relation to other staff and members of the daycare center. Accommodation should be safe, healthy and comfortable. Furnishings and other equipments should be in compliance to their needs and age. It is also their right not to be locked in any room, building or any part of the center premise, during day or night. No restraining device should be used on them.

Right to Information

Children have the right to be informed of all rules and regulations regarding any form of complaint about the daycare center. Their parents or authorized guardians should have complete information, like address and telephone number of the licensee center and the complaint-receiving unit of the licensing agency.

References

• Children's Rights Portal: Rights of the Child
• Elm Park Preschool: Personal Rights for Children - Child Care Centers
• Chezkids: Personal Rights Child Care Facilities
• University of Southern California: Personal Rights of Children
• California Department of Social Service: Personal Rights Child Care Facilities