DHS shuts down Kona day care center

The state Department of Human Services Childcare Licensing Unit on Friday suspended the operating license of Kids Play Corner Inc., dba Busy Buddies Hawaii in Kailua-Kona, claiming repeated noncompliance with state licensing requirements.

DHS also is pursuing revocation of the facility’s license to operate a group child care center for 76 children, according to a press release from the department.

A statement by the DHS said the company came to the agency’s attention in March 2009 when a Child Welfare Services investigation showed that a staff member posed a threat of abuse to a child in care at the center. In May 2009, DHS sent a notice to the facility’s owners demanding they fire the staff member. The individual was banned from the premises during child care hours and/or when children were present.

DHS said in its statement the individual violated provisions in the facility’s child care license by returning to the center on multiple occasions since 2009. Citing a continuing threat to the children’s well-being, DHS suspended the facility license.

The DHS Child Care Licensing Unit is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare and safety of children in the care of licensed group child care centers and group child care homes, and ensuring that they are properly maintained. Kid’s Play Corner, Inc. can appeal.

Parents may contact the agency’s North Kona 2 Unit (Child Care Licensing Unit) at 347-4755 if they have any questions. For parents who need to make alternative child care arrangements, DHS recommends contacting the PATCH Hawaii at 322-3500 for a list of child care providers in the area.

To learn more about reporting complaints, investigations on child care providers and the DHS Child Care Program, visit humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program.