A 3-month-old infant died at an illegal day care in central California, authorities reported on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday at a home in Royal Oaks, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a baby not breathing.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic event," said sheriff’s officials in a statement. The child was pronounced dead at Natividad Medical Center, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
Details of the Incident
- Up to 30 children were inside the residence near Watsonville when deputies arrived.
- The home had been operating as an unlicensed day care for months and was shut down by state regulators last week after complaints from neighbors and parents about overcrowding and poor conditions.
Complaints and Concerns
Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo reported receiving complaints from multiple families regarding the facility:
- Claims of overcrowding with too many children being cared for by one person.
- Safety issues, including:
- Broken glass on floors.
- Lack of working fire extinguishers or smoke detectors in areas where children slept or played.
Alejo visited a family living next door and noted that while he did not see signs of abuse or neglect, he felt it was necessary for state regulators to investigate further due to the numerous red flags raised by families.
Licensing Issues
State licensing records indicate that no licenses have been issued since January 2022. However, Alejo mentioned, "We do have evidence showing there were licensed caregivers present within those premises," when asked if anyone besides one woman worked there full-time.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the serious concerns over unregulated childcare facilities across California. Without proper oversight and regulation, vulnerable young lives are at risk. It is crucial to ensure adequate staffing ratios per child age group to provide the quality attention needed throughout each day.
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