Arvada Daycare Owner Faces Criminal Probe After Infant Critical Incident

An at-home daycare in Arvada is now under criminal investigation after an infant was left in critical condition last month. A state suspension order confirms the probe, and a parent whose children attended the facility shared details of the distressing events. The investigation focuses on the safety of young children in private care settings.

Hannah Fuller, a parent of two sons enrolled at the center, received a frantic phone call from the operator's daughter. The assistant, who serves as an aide for the main operator, reported that an infant had choked and required CPR. Fuller arrived at the facility and received minimal information, only assurances that everything would be fine. She noted that her intuition told her something more serious was happening, a feeling complicated by the guilt of trusting the care provider.

The severity of the situation became clear through official documentation. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood issued a license suspension order stating the child was transported to a hospital in a critical or near-fatal condition. Westminster police have confirmed the matter is a criminal investigation, though no arrests have been made yet. Fuller expressed frustration over the lack of immediate accountability, a sentiment shared by many parents in the community.

The suspension order revealed additional issues with the daycare's operations. It cited a previous misdemeanor child abuse charge connected to an incident in February of this year. The order also found that the owner was caring for four infants, double the number permitted by her license. The injured child and one of Fuller's sons were among the four infants in care at the time.

The family of the injured child has requested privacy regarding their name. However, they allowed Fuller to share a medical update on their behalf. The boy suffered a traumatic brain injury and retinal hemorrhaging. He faces a long recovery process, and his family is taking small improvements as victories. They acknowledge that he will never be the same, but they are hoping for the best possible outcome.

Police have asked other parents to bring their children for physical exams. These checkups aim to detect any potential internal damage. Investigators have not yet told the parents what they believe happened at the daycare that day. This lack of communication has added to the anxiety among families who trusted the operator with their children's safety.

Denver7 visited the daycare location and spoke with a family member of the owner. The family member declined to comment on the investigation and referred questions to an attorney. The attorney also declined to provide a statement at this time. The owner is scheduled to appear in court on October 29 regarding the earlier child abuse charge.

A police spokesperson said the department understands how concerning the situation is for families. Investigations involving children's safety take time and require careful review. The spokesperson emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved. Police will share information when legally able and encouraged parents with questions to contact the department directly.

The case highlights the challenges of overseeing private at-home daycares. Limited government involvement in child care often means parents must rely on trust and personal observation. This incident has prompted a closer look at licensing compliance and the need for clear communication between caregivers and parents. The outcome of the criminal probe will shape future expectations for safety in these settings.