Local Daycare License Revoked

CLAY COUNTY, NC.- Small Blessing Daycare after five visits from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from Jun. 6 to Aug. 16 resulting in over 40 violations,  received an action revoking their license on Oct. 5.

Laura Monkus the license holder has 30 days from the time of the action to appeal the decision. During the appeal process, Monkus is allowed to have the daycare remain open. According to DHHS’s child care rules, the cover letter on the 11-page document that was provided to Monkus was to be posted outside the center so parents understood the situation.

The violations that were observed on the visits were regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, nurture/care, falsification, nutrition,  emergency medical care, hazardous products, safe sleep, equipment, safety, program records, criminal records, and children and staff files.  The incident of falsification was a report of a fire drill that took place at 8:00 a.m. on July 11, a teacher reported to DHHS on July 11 that the center did not open until 9:00 a.m. due to weather damage.

Monkus was notified on Sept. 7 that the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) was considering revoking the license for the center and offered an opportunity to submit information on why the action should not be taken. Monkus submitted the information and after consideration by the DCDEE, the action moved forward, according to documents provided by DHHS.

To review the visits that DHHS made to Small Blessings visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch. Once on the site type in Clay County and click on Small Blessings then go to the DCDEE tab.

FYN learned of the license being revoked through a tip at info@fetchyournews.com. According to that tip, parents were not made aware of the situation by Monkus.

Monkus has until Nov. 5 to appeal the action. Continue to follow FYN for more updates on the story.