RICHMOND, Va. -- What's next for a Richmond day care now at the center of a state department of social services investigation? The owner of Happy People Child Development Center tells CBS 6 News she is now waiting to hear from licensing officials.
CBS 6 News viewers, who were eating lunch at a West End Golden Corral restaurant Thursday, called the station to report that a daycare child was left and was roaming the restaurant alone.
CBS 6 cameras captured a woman at the daycare Friday afternoon who identified herself as the owner. She told us that they are now reviewing their policies and procedures so this doesn't happen again.
The woman, who said they notified parents about this incident, also emphasized the kids are their top priority. “We have everything under control. It was a mistake. This is an awesome daycare and our parents love us. We even have parents who are fighting for us” the owner said.
“We have everything under control. It was a mistake. This is an awesome daycare and our parents love us. We even have parents who are fighting for us,” the owner said.
Restaurant workers and customers told CBS 6 they saw the boy alone for about 15 to 20 minutes after his group left. But Happy People daycare workers tell us a different story. The woman, who went back into the restaurant to pick the boy up, says their van never left the parking lot and the boy was separated from them for two to three minutes at the most.
That said, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is searching for answers a licensing inspector will determine if any violation occurred.
In a written statement, VDSS told CBS 6 News:
“If violations of non-compliance are cited, sanctions could occur. This is currently an ongoing investigation. It is the division’s policy to complete the investigation as soon as reasonably possible. Once the investigation has been completed, the results will be posted on the VDSS website.”
Stay with CBS 6 News for the latest updates on this developing story.
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