License revoked for Alpharetta daycare and preschool after toddler's death
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - The license has been revoked for Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool in Alpharetta after a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a toddler in December.
What we know
Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool, part of a chain operating in 11 states, was ordered to close by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) following a tragic incident where a toddler choked on fruit served at the daycare on Dec. 20, 2024, and died on Dec. 25.
PREVIOUS STORY: Alpharetta daycare temporarily closed for investigation after toddler chokes and dies
The initial closure was initiated on Jan. 3 through an emergency order issued by DECAL. After the daycare appealed the decision, the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) upheld the emergency closure on Jan. 7.
On Jan. 24, DECAL issued a license revocation for the daycare and preschool.
What they're saying
According to the revocation letter sent to the daycare, DECAL determined that "rule violations occurred which seriously affected the health and safety of children and demonstrated the intentional and reckless disregard for the physical and mental health and safety of children."
The investigation into the incident reportedly revealed that staff were not seated within arm's length of the child who choked, as required by state regulations. Investigators also found that the center staff was aware the 16-month-old child tended to put excessive amounts of food in their mouth but failed to provide adequate oversight. Instead, the responsible staff member was reportedly walking around the table serving other children rather than being seated nearby.
Additionally, investigators found that the children were served mixed fruit consisting of strawberries, peaches, pineapple, and mango that were not chopped, diced, cut, or mashed to a size of one-half inch or smaller, as required. Evidence revealed that the fruit pieces, including the mango the child choked on, were at least one inch in size.
DECAL also discovered that an employee was present at the center who had not submitted a Fingerprint Records Check Application to the department or fingerprints to an authorized fingerprinting site. Furthermore, an employee did not have a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file.
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What we don't know
Neither the victim or the employee(s) involved have been identified. It is also unknown at this time if the family plans any legal action against the daycare and preschool.
What's next
According to DECAL, Little Sunshine's has 10 days to appeal the revocation to an administrative law judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings. The center must remain closed during the appeal process.
Parents affected by the closure can connect with child care resources at www.qualityrated.org or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS. DECAL provides this free service to help parents locate quality child care options.
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