How to investigate transportation services

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- After a day care SUV was stolen with five children still inside of it, parents are wondering what to do to make sure their kids are in good hands. There are plenty of ways you can and should check out your child's nanny, daycare and transportation providers. Most of the work can be done online.

"You have to ask questions," said Gwen Carter from Child Care Licensing.

Carter explains if someone is driving your child, it's your right to have their valid driver's license number, insurance information and emergency contact and cell phone numbers.

When it comes to researching companies, check their safety records with The Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Insurance.

For day cares, make sure your child's daycare is regulated.

"Day care centers and homes that are regulated, on their wall should have information about their last visit from licensing staff and about any concerns," said Carter.

Regulated day cares also perform criminal background checks, health and fire inspections and additional training related to disciplining children. Plus, they're paid regular visits by state Child Care Licensing staff.

Private Investigator and attorney Brian Benken suggests checking out your nannies and other caretakers on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

"There are a lot of things available online, even free to people, that they can check out," said Benken.

Additionally, it's important to check their criminal and civil records through the District Clerk's office. It's public record. Many people overlook civil matters, but it can make a difference. You can find out whether someone has had any lawsuits filed against them, or vice versa.

Another tip: Be certain to check references.

"People they've worked with and I would ask for friends and neighbors... people who know these people," said Benken.

Other ways you can uncover more about your child's caretaker: Find out where they live and how long they've lived there by searching the appraisal district records. When you find out where they live, you can go to their local law enforcement agency and ask for calls of service to find out what type of police calls were made for that address.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, these searches will be worth the effort, so start early.

"It would be the same thing you would do if you were buying a car, buying a house; You have to ask questions," said Carter. "This is the most important thing you have in your life-your children. So, you want to make sure they're safe," she said.

You can always hire a professional to do the research for you. To save money, you can use an employee screening service.

By the way, experts say the information on those sites that pop up when you Google someone is often outdated.

To learn more, you can go to: www.txchildcaresearch.org.