State shuts down preschool after toddler burned

The state of Colorado suddenly shut down a preschool in Lakewood this week, after a toddler was burned in a crockpot incident.

Lakewood police told Denver7 that on Monday an 18-month-old child at A Child's View Preschool pulled a crockpot cord and the crockpot came down and burned the child on the legs. The toddler had to be rushed to the hospital.

Colorado Department of Human Services spokesman Lee Rasizer told Denver7, "There was an injury requiring hospitalization at A Child's View Preschool. We had concerns about safety and health and closed the facility via a summary suspension. A summary suspension is a permanent revocation of a license."

According to state records, A Child's View Preschool had been on probation since October, although the incident that prompted that probation is unclear.

Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis said investigators do not believe the crockpot incident was criminal in nature, but the police have referred the case to the District Attorney's Office for review, which is standard procedure.

A parent told Denver7 that they were completely surprised by the closure and said the staff couldn't provide an explanation.

"The daycare provider's staff are not saying why," the viewer told Denver7.

However, the preschool's director and owner-director gave a letter to parents picking up children on Wednesday that said, "Due to unfortunate circumstances, A Child's View Preschool's child care license has been suspended by the State of Colorado until further notice. Effective immediately. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause you."

A message on the preschool's Facebook page Thursday said, "As I am still struggling to wrap my head around the events of yesterday, I feel I must apologize to every one of my staff and families. For 16 years I have dedicated my everything to this school and students. For the last 9 years I have been the director and ran the school the best I knew how. Many times on my own, with no support from owners. I am truly, deeply sorry for the inconvenience this brings to the families who now are without care, and my amazing staff who are now without employment."

The message went on to promise written recommendations for the teachers.

"Please give me a little time, I am still hurting. I will let you know when I have those ready and we will all meet again. I love you all and I am very sorry," the message said.

Parents seeking a new child care provider can search their area at the Colorado Child Care Facility Search website. Parents can also get child care resources and referrals from Mile High United Way by calling 211.