Alpharetta daycare temporarily closed for investigation after toddler chokes and dies
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool in Alpharetta has been ordered to close by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a toddler in December.
What we know:
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool, which is part of a chain in 11 states, was ordered to close by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) following a tragic incident where a toddler choked on fruit served at the daycare on Dec. 20, 2024, and died on Dec. 25.
The closure was initiated on Jan. 3 through an emergency order issued by DECAL. After the daycare appealed the decision, the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) upheld the emergency closure on Jan. 7. The closure order is effective for 21 days, preventing the daycare from reopening during this period.
What we don't know:
No one has been charged in connection to the toddler’s death, and DECAL has stated that further actions, if any, will be determined and announced by Jan. 25. The department is currently reviewing additional information related to the incident.
State guidelines :
Georgia's child care regulations specify guidelines to prevent choking hazards among young children.
According to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), foods commonly associated with choking—such as peanuts, hot dogs, raw carrots, popcorn, fish with bones, cheese cubes, and grapes—should not be served to children under four years of age.
For children aged four and older, these foods may be served if they are cut into smaller pieces to minimize choking risks. Additionally, all foods should be prepared in a manner appropriate for each child's age and individual eating abilities, ensuring they are chopped, diced, cut, or mashed as needed.
What they're saying:
DECAL emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of children in Georgia, stating, "DECAL is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of young learners in Georgia. For parents who are affected by this circumstance and require assistance in finding alternative quality child care options, DECAL provides resources through www.qualityrated.org or via the toll-free hotline at 1-877-ALL GA KIDS." These resources are free and aim to help families affected by the closure find suitable childcare.
What's next:
Parents impacted by the closure are encouraged to utilize the state’s resources for alternative childcare options until a decision is made whether the daycare will be allowed to reopen.