This browser does not support the Video element.
(FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Human Services temporarily shut down two local day care centers, citing kids left unattended, mouse droppings and more.
The centers include Century Child Care Center in St. Paul and the Ahlan Childcare Center in Burnsville. Both locations are now under orders of temporary immediate suspension.
DHS ordered the suspensions Friday, with the report revealing that at least one child was moved to an unlicensed residence and was alone and unsupervised without any adults present.
Nikita Mirulin, who works next door to the now vacant business, said there were many kids in the Burnsville building.
“Everyday, lots of kids… way too much, maybe,” she said. “I have a little brother; if it were my brother, I would be terrified, I would be angry, I would definitely have a conflict with the owner.”
The owner of Ahlan Childcare, Kawsar Jama, said she had no comment.
Over in St. Paul at Century Child Care, the boarded up windows and dark halls replace the sights and sounds of kids.
Here, DHS found several issues including multiple kids without supervision, significant amounts of mouse droppings in areas accessible to children, unclean bathrooms, and chain locks on classroom doors and emergency exits.
Owner Jober Guye said the issues are being fixed.
“I’ve already talked to the landlord to fix up the leaking, I’ve called the mice company, they will come tomorrow,” he said.
FOX 9 found several other DHS reports dated from this year for Century Child Care, one of which includes a $1,200 fine for allegedly not doing proper background studies for several staff members. But, the owner said he stands by the day care despite the suspension.
DHS records show both day care centers have the right to appeal the temporary immediate suspension orders.
Statement from DHS Deputy Commissioner Chuck Johnson on Ahlan Child Care Center:
“Children should be cared for in safe and healthy conditions. DHS issued the temporary suspension order because we could not ensure the health and safety of children being served by this child care center. This action was taken after we received a report from Dakota County and law enforcement that children had been moved to an unlicensed residence and were unsupervised, with no adults present, which put them at risk. DHS and Dakota County are continuing to investigate this report.”
Statement from DHS Deputy Commissioner Chuck Johnson on Century Child Care:
“The health and safety of children receiving child care is critical. DHS issued the temporary suspension order because we cannot ensure the safety of children in the program at this time. This action was taken after licensors visited the center Thursday, May 9, and observed significant violations, including failure to supervise children, inadequate staff distribution, unsanitary conditions and multiple hazards, which put children at risk. In addition, the center has been on a conditional license for many of the same violations and has failed to take the corrective actions required.”