2 BR daycare centers among 12 losing licenses
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Twelve day care centers have lost their state operating licenses because of safety concerns, the state Department of Social Services announced Tuesday, as it wrapped up a new round of inspections.
Victoria Kiddie Castle and New Dawn Daycare Center in Baton Rouge were two of the 12 centers which had their licenses revoked.
The department in September began inspections of all state-licensed day care centers around Louisiana that had previously revoked licenses or recorded deficiencies.
DSS Secretary Kristy Nichols said the 12 centers that lost their licenses didn't correct past violations and posed "a serious threat to the safety of the children."
"Because they were repeat-offenders that failed to take corrective action after being cited for serious violations, it was imperative that these centers be closed," Nichols said in a statement. "We are working with the families of children in these centers to provide them with information about other child care available."
Among the problems cited were too few staff, inadequate staff training, transportation problems and inappropriate storage of hazardous substances, DSS said. Those day cares whose licenses were revoked were located in Metairie, Leesville, Clayton, Sulphur, Bossier City, LaPlace, Pineville, Baton Rouge, Edgard and Rayville, the department said.
The centers won't be able to reapply for a new license for two years.
The department is revamping its safety and licensing regulations for day care centers, with the new regulations planned to be in place by September 2010. The department also plans to inspect all 1,906 licensed day care centers by that deadline as well.
The move followed a similar review of children's group homes and residential care facilities after allegations that DSS wasn't properly protecting children from abuse or neglect.
DSS licenses all day care centers, except for care provided to six or fewer children in a person's home.
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On the Net: http://www.dss.louisiana.gov
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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