CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A south Charlotte day care under investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is also being investigated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police over child abuse allegations, according to a police report.
A police report was filed April 28 that claims a 4-year-old boy was injured at Gateway Academy off McKee Road. Police are looking into the suspected assault.
A spokeswoman for Gateway Academy told Channel 9 that police haven't called or been by the day care to investigate the matter. Gateway officials also added that the accused teacher no longer works at the day care.
The news of the criminal investigation comes after Channel 9 reported on a state investigation into Gateway Academy.
The regional director said the DHHS investigation is for incidents that happened with previous leadership at the school.
A teacher did not follow protocol while supervising a child, Cadence Education, the owner of Gateway Academy, said in a statement.
The teacher under investigation is no longer employed by the academy. The day care center got a new director two weeks ago.
“We are aware of an allegation that a number of weeks ago, a teacher did not follow our protocol while supervising a child,” Heidi Truong, regional director of Cadence Education, said. “Upon becoming aware of this alleged incident, we immediately launched an internal investigation and notified DHHS. While it would not be appropriate to comment further while the investigation remains open, we can confirm that the teacher involved is no longer employed by Gateway Academy and that Gateway Academy is not a part of any legal action related to this alleged incident. We continue to work closely with DHHS on the investigation.”
Channel 9 dug through the day care’s inspection records and found violations dating back to 2014 including administering medicine without parental instructions, uncovered electrical outlets and missing employee applications. It’s unclear if any of the day care’s past violations are playing a role in the state’s investigation.
Records show the day care is currently operating with a provisional license.
An email was sent to parents March 20 explaining the provisional license. It said a consultant made five visits to Gateway from June 29 to Nov. 2. They gave the business a compliance score of 71 percent. A violation occurs when that number is below 75 percent. A year-long provisional license gives the business time to meet standards.
Another email was sent to parents March 27, which listed more violations found during a visit, including dry erase solution and batteries not kept behind lock and key and snacks improperly stored.
Gateway Academy told parents it is now doing daily compliance checks, and adjusting schedules so enough teachers are in each room.
“We have recently strengthened our leadership team at the school, and we are committed to meeting all DHHS requirements and ensuring a safe, fun and nurturing environment for all children in our care,” Truong said.
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