ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) described violations at an Alpharetta childcare center as “intentional” and “reckless” after a toddler died following choking there last month.
Little Sunshine Playhouse and Preschool had their license revoked after a boy died following choking on food at the daycare facility on December 20.
According to the state, his death could have been prevented if simple procedures mandated by the state were followed.
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“We understand it was breakfast that day and began to choke on what we understand was a piece of mango,” Reg Griffin with DECAL said.
On December 20, 16-month-old Juan Martin was rushed to the hospital.
He died five days later, on Christmas Day.
After an investigation, DECAL determined they would revoke the daycare’s license.
The Notice of Revocation then listed seven rule violations, including staff not seated within arm’s length of the children, not ensuring fruit was smaller than a half inch, not keeping excessive food out of kids’ mouths, and not notifying parents of menu changes.
“A lot of it has to do with the sizes of the food that are being served, the bite sizes how small or how big is allowed, they should know that,” Griffin said.
Other rules violations included not serving food associated with choking to kids under four years old and an employee without fingerprint records check and without valid and current comprehensive records check.
Channel 2 contacted Little Sunshine’s corporate office and attorney but did not get a response.
The center’s operator has 10 days to appeal DECAL’s decision.
Alpharetta police said there will be no criminal charges filed in this case.
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