The operator of three childcare centers in Edmonds, Washington settled a civil investigation with the U.S. Department of Justice by agreeing to a series of steps to accommodate attendance at the centers by children with diabetes, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  ‘Grow with Us’ childcare centers agreed to train managers and staff on American with Disabilities (ADA) regulations and more specifically, how to ensure the medical needs of children with diabetes are met during their time at daycare. 

          The agreement follows complaints from the foster parents of a child with Type I diabetes, alleging that the childcare center refused to take reasonable steps to modify their policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate the child’s medical needs. 

            “The ADA is clear that all children, regardless of their health status, deserve full and equal access to schools, camps and daycare centers,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  “I am pleased that after we began our investigation, ‘Grow With Us’ child care centers agreed to take steps to ensure their facilities were in full compliance with the ADA.”

            According to the settlement agreement, the childcare centers will provide a staff member to assist children with diabetes with routine care tasks such as testing blood sugar levels and administering insulin by pen, syringe or pump.  The childcare centers agree to train managers and staff and provide diabetes management information on its website.  The centers also have committed to report to DOJ about those leading the training and the training materials used by the center.

            Diabetes affects approximately 215,000 Americans that are 20 years or younger.  In recent years DOJ has reached settlements with other childcare providers, schools and camps with regard to diabetes care including, KinderCare, YMCA of Chicago and YMCA of Philadelphia.

            The investigation and settlement were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kayla Stahman.