According to the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Kinderhouse Preschool, is under investigation for reportedly leaving a child in a van during a field trip. The report shows the incident happened on Oct. 14 but was not reported to authorities until three days later.
Parents picking up their children on Tuesday night were shocked to learn that the daycare at 2719 Constitution Blvd in Sarasota was under investigation.
One parent told ABC Action News she just read about it on social media.
“I'm aggravated that I'm just finding out on Facebook, of all things, that there was this incident that happened,” Erica Baldwin said.
Other parents learned from us.
“Here at this daycare? Oh my god,” Amy Harman said.
Harman was picking up her three-year-old son Logan.
“It’s scary. They mentioned nothing,” Harman said. “I would want to get a hundred percent trust because my child is here. I don't want anything to happen to him that's kind of crazy I didn't hear anything about this.”
According to the report the Director of Kinderhouse Preschool, Laura Marrone was one of three staff members involved in the incident.
The report states,” You and the two staff members involved in the incident confirmed the incident. During the investigation we discussed the importance of compliance with the supervision and transportation rules. Technical support was provided in order to bring the facility into compliance and to prevent any future non- compliances.”
Marrone would not comment only telling ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska to leave the property as she called the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
The daycare paid a $250 fine and according to the report had to complete a Corrective Action Plan. Marrone and the two other unnamed staff members were also required to “complete the DCF (2) hours online Transportation Safety class within 15 working day of the receipt of this letter.”
Parents now question whether or not they will keep their child enrolled at the preschool.
“It's up for discussion. My husband and I are discussing it this evening,” Baldwin said.
The investigative report for Abuse/Neglect is still pending by the Department of Children and Families.
