Local News
SW Atlanta day care ordered to close after child allegedly left in van
Shavonda Dailey (Credit: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)
The day care where a toddler allegedly was left locked inside a van for about two hours Monday was ordered to close Wednesday afternoon.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning issued an emergency closure order for A New Beginning Learning Center II in the wake of the Monday arrest of van driver Shavonda Dailey, who was released from jail on a $15,000 bond Wednesday.
Police said Dailey, who is being charged with reckless conduct and cruelty to children, left a 2-year-old boy locked inside a van outside of the day care on Sylvan Road. The boy, who had been reported missing by his mother, did not sustain any injuries during the incident.
According to DECAL, emergency closure notices are issued when “the health, safety, or welfare of children may be in imminent danger.”
The center appealed the DECAL order and can still stay open for 48 hours pending a decision. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday morning.
If the appeal is denied, the day care would be forced to close for another 21 days before a more formal decision is made.
