ATLANTA — Parents say a Northwest Atlanta day care shutdown by the state is still operating in another location.
Officials with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning revoked the license of L.M.I. Fine Arts Preschool Academy, on Bolton Road in Northwest Atlanta. According to the revocation letter, the day care’s CEO submitted sign-in and sign-out sheets to DECAL staff that were fictitious in order to obtain taxpayer subsidy money.
“The Department knows that the documents were fictitious because DECAL sent staff to conduct on-site visits,” the revocation letter reads. For example, on Jan. 30, 2013, the day care was closed but the owner invoiced the state for 20 children, according to investigators.
When Channel 2 Action News visited the day care on Wednesday, a worker told us they were not in operation and to get off the property.
“I am sitting my nephews,” the worker told Channel 2’s Rachel Stockman.
Several parents say they had no idea the place had been shut down by the state.
“No, we didn’t know, we heard they were renovating,” said Jared Tiller, a parent.
DeAngela Copeland said a bus picked up her son this morning to take him to a temporary space. She said she was told they would be operating out of the temporary space, until the renovations were complete.
Channel 2 Action News waited for the day care to drop off Copeland’s 2-year-old son. A worker, who parents say is with L.M.I., came in her personal vehicle, and when she saw our camera she started backing away. The worker eventually let the little boy off, way down the street.
“You could tell she is not supposed to be doing this because she is scared when she saw you guys. If she had nothing to hide, she would have come up here,” Tiller said.
In addition, Atlanta police say a worker called them on Tuesday to report a burglary at the day care. According to the report, a television, a cellphone and some files from the front office were stolen.
The investigation by the state is ongoing. No criminal charges have been filed.
Parents who were not aware the day care was closed should contact the state at 404-657-5562 or by emailing ccscomplaints@decal.ga.gov. DECAL can also help them find licensed child care in their area.
WSBTV
