WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced March 20 that Learning Care Group (LCG), the second largest for-profit child care provider on the continent, has agreed to settle allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Given the critical role that dependable child care plays in a parent’s ability to work or go to school, we are proud that this settlement will ease the struggle to find quality child care for families of children with disabilities,” U.S. attorney Matthew Schneider said in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to ensure the equal rights of individuals with disabilities in our community.”
According to allegations, LCG discriminated against children with insulin dependent diabetes because it failed to make reasonable modifications to its services to those children. Eight children were named in the settlement agreement as having been discriminated against, and their families will each receive $10,000 in compensatory damages.
“The ADA guarantees all children, including those with insulin dependent diabetes, equal access to child care centers,” John M. Gore, acting assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. “We applaud LCG for taking steps to enable parents of children with diabetes to enjoy the benefits of child care while [a] knowing staff will be trained to ensure that their child is well cared for.”