Malta daycare shut down over multiple violations

MALTA, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Parents at the Maple Leaf Child Care Center in Malta were left scrambling for childcare after the daycare shut down due to multiple violations. 

The violations issued by the state Office of Children and Family Services read like a laundry list: Issues with competent child supervision — not corrected. Issues with corporal punishment — not correct. Issues with immediately calling 911 for children requiring emergency medical care — not corrected. 

When NEWS10 showed up at the daycare Thursday morning, no parents or kids were present, just employees headed in and out of the facility. One employee shut the blinds of the facility's windows upon seeing our camera. When NEWS10 tried to get a hold of the daycare by phone, a receptionist said the manager wasn’t interested in an interview and hung up. 

Parents who informed NEWS10 of the issues at Maple Leaf didn’t want to be interviewed but told our newsrooms that parents are able to pick up their children’s belongings on Thursday afternoon.

This isn’t Maple Leaf’s first round in the headlines. Back in April, their Halfmoon location was temporarily closed after a now fired staff member put their hands on a student. That staff member was arrested and charged with child endangerment and harassment. 

Regarding the violations, OCFS released a statement reading: “The safety and well-being of all children in OCFS-licensed daycare programs is our top priority. The license for this program was suspended following a complaint registered with OCFS. The agency cannot comment further on an active investigation."