LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- State regulators have closed Vanguard Academy, a child care center in eastern Jefferson County where an employee was arrested on criminal abuse charges, parents were told on Thursday.Â
A voicemail sent from Vanguard and obtained by WDRB News said that Kentucky's "licensing department has come in to do a temporary emergency shutdown at the facility, and they have asked that all kids be picked up immediately."
"We are hoping to be open again by the middle of next week but we don’t know that just yet and we will be sending out updates as soon as we have them," the voicemail said.
The investigation into Vanguard Academy in Norton Commons began in late September when the Louisville Metro Police Department began looking into allegations that a worker was caught on camera dropping and hitting a baby.
The day after that investigation began, an employee, Racheal Flannery, was arrested in connection with the alleged assault. She pleaded not guilty and was released on home incarceration and told not to contact any victims or the day care center.Â
Racheal Flannery. (Source: Louisville Metro Corrections)
The closure came as the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' regulated child care division issued an inspection report Thursday that found Vanguard was not in compliance with state staff-to-child ratios and ground sizes.
Vanguard also was not licensed to care for toddlers, according to the inspection performed August 24, or about a month before the abuse allegations. Â
A spokesperson for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services responded saying, "The Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Office of Inspector General on Nov. 10 suspended the child care license for The Vanguard Academy, located in Prospect. This emergency suspension was issued as a result of the center’s alleged failure to comply with state regulations. The suspension remains in effect until the Division of Regulated Child Care receives a corrective action plan. The matter remains open and the cabinet cannot comment further at this time. The cabinet takes such matters seriously and is committed to the safety and protection of vulnerable Kentuckians, including children."
Ryan Russell is one of the parents who has filed a lawsuit, which reads that Flannery intentionally and violently handled his child.
"I trusted them. And that's something that I'm dealing with personally," Russell said.
He's relieved that the state has taken action against the center.
"I wonder if this is just the beginning of what else is about to pour out," Russell said.
"But for the actions of our office and but for the actions of Ryan Russell, I don't think any of this would have come to light," Attorney Alex White said.
Alex White is representing the Russells and two other families in a lawsuit filed against Vanguard Academy.
"This (temporary shutdown) is a win for kids ultimately that the state's doing something right now," White said.
Russell's child, just seven months old when he was injured, was taken to the hospital for a bruised cheek and upper arm, and a cut on the lip according to police.
Russell says doctors tell him the child looks good but let's keep an eye on him.
"I don't want to hear 'He's fine, but...' I want to hear he's fine, and I haven't heard that yet," Russell said.
An email sent by Vanguard Director Madison Snyder to parents on Thursday says that an update will be provided on Friday.
You can read the full letter to parents below:
Parents,
The Vanguard building will be closed tomorrow. As most of you know, the State Licensing Department issued a Temporary Emergency Shutdown of the Vanguard building. The shutdown is due to the ongoing investigation from the incident in September. We will send out another update tomorrow. We appreciate your patience through this trying time.
Braxlyn will be open. Braxlyn is under a different license number and is not affected by this shutdown.
Madison Snyder
Director
The Vanguard Academy
Related Stories:
- Parents file lawsuit against Louisville day care, explain 'utter disgust' toward woman charged with abuse
- Woman accused of abusing 3 infants at Louisville day care released on home incarceration
- Attorney says multiple families, witnesses reached out after arrest of Louisville day care employee
- Lack of staffing forces east Louisville day care at center of abuse investigation to cut hours
- Norton Commons daycare employee accused of infant abuse pleads not guilty
- Louisville police arrest Norton Commons daycare employee in connection with alleged infant abuse
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