La Petite Academy at Brookwood shut down indefinitely based on infant death investigation

The La Petite Academy location next to Brookwood Medical Center was forced to send children home Wednesday after being shut down indefinitely.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) notified the Homewood Police Department early Wednesday morning that the daycare’s license had been revoked.

Public Information Manager for DHR Barry Spear confirmed the license had been revoked, but could not offer any additional information.

Homewood Sgt. Keith Peterson said the revocation came after several violations were found during the investigation of an infant death that occurred in December. Both DHR and the Homewood Police Department were investigating the death.

Lydia Cisaruk, director of communications for La Petite’s parent company Learning Care Group, Inc., said the company learned of the infant’s death in late December.

“We are heartbroken,” Cisaruk said. “Our foremost thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”

Cisaruk said the location was put on a six-month probation earlier this month for not meeting certain criteria for the sleeping environment in an infant classroom, but that today they were notified today that the school’s license had been suspended.

She said the company has been partnering with the agencies throughout the investigations.

“We are reviewing our options regarding this action and the appropriate next steps,” Cisaruk said.