RIVERDALE, Ga. — The State of Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning revoked the license of a family day care after police say at least two children were sexually assaulted at the facility located on Oak Valley Drive in Riverdale.
"I know her, like I said, she kept my baby for me up until pre-K, never had any problem with her at all. And I know her kids, they are really good kids," said Mimi, who lived next door to Kennedy Kare Akademy. "I know that anything that happened here is not true. Made up."
According to an incident investigation report obtained by Channel 2 Action News this week from DECAL, "The provider left children enrolled in the day care home alone, on a different level of the home in the care of a teenage child."
A Riverdale police report says on several occasions the teenager sexually assaulted children.
The state reports indicated a 3-year-old and an 11-year-old were both victims while they were at the day care.
"Stunned, actually stunned," said Dwayne Lowery, a grandfather who lives across the street. "You see the little kids playing around in the yard when school ends, people coming back and forth picking them up."
Reg Griffin, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, released a statement:
"On October 17, 2014, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) issued a license revocation for the Family Day Care Home operated by Tanisha Jelks located at 529 Oak Valley Drive in Riverdale, Georgia. <br/> <br/> "A recent DECAL investigation found serious rule violations in the areas of supervision and health and safety. Parents impacted by this situation can connect with child care resources at <a href="http://www.allgakids.org" target="_blank">www.allgakids.org</a> or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-ALL GA KIDS. <br/> <br/> "Parents will be assisted in locating quality child care options. DECAL provides this free service to parents. At DECAL, our top priority is the health and safety of our state's young learners, ages birth to five years old.<br/> <br/> "The day care provider can re-apply for a license, after that providers can apply again but the circumstances around the revocation would be considered seriously."
The teenager, whose name cannot be released because she is a juvenile, was arrested for child molestation.
Riverdale's police chief told Channel 2's Rachel Stockman the case is ongoing and charges are pending against the juvenile. A hearing in the case was held as recently as Dec. 3.
WSBTV
