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bmi, I'm not sure where you live, but here in Ontario, Canada it all depends on the age of the children, so if the daycare is split into age groups they are required different #s of teachers. At my ds's daycare there are several groups, 0-12 months (ratio is 1 teacher to 3 kids), 12-18 months (ratio is 1 teacher to 3 kids), 18- 5yrs (ratio is 1 teacher to 5 kids). As for the injuries, my ds is 12 months, but has been walking since 9 months and he has permanent yellow bruises on his forhead and legs. He is like a bull in a china shop... I think if I were you I'd ask them about the ratio of teachers to kids so you know, but your daughter is also likely just starting to run.. kind of like my ds and when this happens, well trips and falls happen. But I would definately talk to them about it. Good luck.

Thank you so much Kim. My dd's school is supposed to have 1:4 ratio for her class. It is comforting to know though, that maybe this is all normal for a child her age.

The first babysitter my son ever went to was neglectful. My son fell down the front steps of her home ( which about 5 feet down) 3 times in two weeks, and suffered many bruises on his face and legs. Needless to say, he was removed from her care without notice or compensation. If she is falling down on her own while running, it is understandable, there can't be someone holding her hand while she does everything, but the nature of the accident is telltale. Kids shouldn't be around stairs...any injuries that are a result of a situation they shouldn't be in anyway, are a sign to hit the road. Trust your instinct!!!!!!!!

I agree with the trust your instinct comment, however, your daughter is 15 months old. She's just learning how to walk steadily, run, jump, bounce, climb, and all sorts of toddler things. She's bound to get tons of bumps and bruises. My dd is 21 months, and is at home with me all the time. I'd like to think I watch her carefully, but I swear every night when I put her in her pj's I notice a new bump or bruise! It can be from something as simple as bumping a chair while running past it or hugging a doll a bit too hard. Can you drop into the day care a couple times unannounced and see what's going on? Most importantly, trust your gut.

Honestly, it sounds pretty normal. My son is 2 and since he started walking at 13 months til this day, he is sporting a purple or yellow forehead at least 1/2 the time. He walked for about a week and now insists on running everywhere (when he isn't climbing). The "new" walker that's only been at it a few months falls a lot. My husband used to get mad when our son came home from daycare with a bump until one day our son fell and bumped his head on something and my DH was less than a foot away and he saw how quickly it can happen. On the last dr visit (around 20 months) the first thing his ped said was, "So, how's he doing? Lotsa bumps and falls these days?" So, it's normal. To be certain your daughter is being watched and monitored, just be sure they can tell you HOW she got a bump or bruise. Most toddler's falls can't be prevented unless an adult is literally hovering over the child. But they should be able to tell you how she got the bump or cut. Bbelmore, absolutely, kids should have no access to stairs at all, it's the law for daycares in CA and just plain common sense if you ask me. Good for you in getting him outta there. I had a bad 1st daycare and we split too. I have a great one now, thank goodness.

Thank you all a million!!!
My husband was so upsed about my dd's falls, but since they all happened while she was running, it sounds like it is pretty much the norm. I shared all of your responses with him, and he too feels much better about the situation. We'll be watching the daycare closely, but we both feel much more comfortable with her being there for now.
Thanks again

I would not be too upset. Daycares are supposed to fill out incident reports when accidents occur, but you also have to realize that he is a toddler and they fall alot. My son comes home with bruises and bumps (he is 3), and honestly half the time I dont' know if it is from falling down at home or falling at school. It is normal. If you over react with every bump or bruise, the child will become paranoid. My feeling is kids are kids....they fall, they get dirty, etc. Now if there is obvious neglect, then there is a problem, but I don't think you have that...

i wouldn't be upset either. Although my 18 month old is not in daycare, he is with a babysitter full time and he always has a bruise on his forehead. I'm not alarmed by it because I know what a little klutz he can be.