Colorado officials have shut down a Colorado Springs preschool after investigating reports of child abuse and other problems.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reports that an investigation of the Primrose Schools of Briargate location at 380 Briar Ridge Point found "a lack of supervision, harsh treatment, failure to report child abuse, unqualified staff, regularly exceeding ratio in the school-age classroom, staff members falling asleep during [children's] nap time, missing background checks, and children left outside unattended."
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood concluded that the school was presenting a substantial danger to public health, safety and welfare that required immediate action.
The preschool is operated by a franchisee as part of the Primrose Schools national preschool chain.
After learning that the state had suspended Primrose School of Briargate’s child care license, the Primrose School Franchising Company "immediately launched an internal investigation and terminated the franchise agreement," the company said in a prepared statement.
Primrose Schools has two other Colorado Springs locations that remain open.
