The Daycare

Negligent Daycare at Indian Creek School: Compromising Safety for Profit

Indian Creek School (ICS) operated a daycare facility that flagrantly violated regulations, putting the safety and well-being of young children at risk. Profits were prioritized over compliance with licensing laws and providing adequate care. This negligent behavior led to months where the daycare operated without a valid license, during which time children were placed in an unsafe environment with inadequate oversight.

The problems began when P.M., the daycare director, was forced to leave her position. P.M. had been instrumental in ensuring the daycare met the state’s licensing requirements. When she left, she took the license with her, as it was issued under her name. For months, the daycare continued to operate without a licensed director in place, an illegal and dangerous practice that ICS allowed to continue unchecked.

During this time, there was no licensed oversight of the daycare, leaving the facility in direct violation of Maryland’s daycare regulations. Without a licensed director, ICS was operating unlawfully, and yet they continued to enroll children, placing them in a space that was unlicensed and unfit for care.

The school's motive for continuing the daycare without proper licensing was clear: profits. Despite knowing that they were operating illegally, ICS chose to keep the daycare open rather than suspend operations until they could find a new licensed director. This decision reflects a willingness to prioritize financial gain over the safety and regulatory compliance that is essential for daycare facilities.

Additionally, the daycare was in violation of the site's space requirements. The facility failed to meet the minimum square footage required per child, leading to overcrowded and unsafe conditions. Maryland’s regulations mandate specific space allotments to ensure that children have enough room to engage in activities safely. ICS ignored these guidelines, packing children into an inadequate space, thereby further compromising their safety and well-being.

Several months passed before Allison, the new daycare director, was finally appointed and the daycare’s license was reinstated. In the interim, ICS knowingly violated state laws, endangering the children enrolled in their care. These reckless decisions were driven by a desire to continue generating income from the daycare, with little regard for the children’s safety or the legal obligations required to operate such a facility.

This pattern of negligence at ICS, driven by financial motivations, reflects a systemic issue where the safety of minors was regularly compromised to increase profits. It is yet another example of the school's willingness to disregard the law and put children at risk for monetary gain.