Emergency Order Shuts Down Cradles To Crayons Preschool

No Gas, "Serious Code Violations"

By Kathy Niver

CREATED Jul. 20, 2012

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Papillion, NE - The state shut down a Papillion day care after inspectors found numerous violations including no gas service in the house and deadbolts that would have trapped children in the event of a fire.

The State Fire Marshal said there were also other "serious code violations."

The Department of Health and Human Services ordered the shutdown Tuesday after inspectors found about two dozen violations at Cradles to Crayons Preschool, 911 North Adams in Papillion. The day care had been licensed to have up to 64 children.

Among the inspector's findings:

*The gas had been turned off for several weeks so water couldn't be heated and dishes couldn't be sanitized

*The rear fire exit had a deadbolt lock which would have kept children from leaving in case of fire

*Staffers were preparing bottles and infant food in the same sink that was used for washing their hands after

*Play equipment had nails and splintered wood they changed diapers

*Only one roll of toilet paper was available and it was sitting on the floor

*The drinking fountain had been turned off because of a leak

The state fire marshal said the violations posed "a significant health risk to children."

HHS says the preschool's director can appeal the license revocation.

Reported by Kathy Sarantos Niver, kathy@action3news.com