The state government of Utah is revoking the license of a local daycare center after one of the children under its care got their toes "severed" by a lawnmower.
In a letter dated Nov. 21, officials from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said it is revoking the license of Chandara Childcare LLC of Cedar City---the daycare center where the incident happened.
Officials from the DHHS noted that the revoking of the center's license is being done "out of compliance" with the state's administrative rules. These include a rule that protects children from being endangered while in its care, the letter said.
How Did the Incident Happen?
Officials said that on Oct. 15, a staff member was using an electric lawnmower in the backyard even when there were 14 children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old present. A child was "seriously injured."
"Multiple toes were severed, and the child required emergency surgery," the officials said following an inspection on Oct. 18.
The age and the identity of the victim were not released.
Read Also: Over 1 Million Parents Shorten Work Hours, Lose $1,500 in Income Amid US Childcare Crisis
What Other Violations Were Found?
In addition to the incident, the daycare was also cited as insufficient supervision of children and failed to inform parents in writing when a child received injuries in an accident at the center.
Furthermore, the DHHS said the daycare did not have children sleeping in equipment "designed for sleep", such as beds and cots. Instead, some of the young ones in their care were found sleeping in baby bouncers.
During the inspection, officials from the DHHS noted that one staff member was made responsible for up to 13 children. The state's law requires a ratio of one caregiver for every eight children.
After its license has been revoked, Chandara Childcare will only have nearly two weeks to give the DHHS a list of the names and addresses of the parents enrolled at the daycare center. It is required to cease operations and terminate its childcare services by Dec. 4.
Chandara Childcare was located at 311 W 1550 N, Cedar City, UT. Parents who have been affected by the closure are urged to report their concerns to the DHHS.
