Latest enforcement updates on alleged illegal day care in Spring Valley
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) tells News 12 they issued a "cease and desist" order to the unlicensed child care program on Jan. 30, ultimately ordering it to close immediately following an investigation alongside local authorities.
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Officials are sharing more information about the alleged illegal day care found to be running out of a private home at 18 White St. in Spring Valley last month where a 6-month-old baby died.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) tells News 12 they issued a "cease and desist" order to the unlicensed childcare program on Jan. 30, ultimately ordering it to close immediately following an investigation alongside local authorities.
“The death of a child is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family and the community," said an OCFS spokesperson.
The state agency's website now lists Maria Nava as not having the required license or registration to operate a day care facility at that address.
The agency’s website states that anyone alleged to be operating illegally is entitled to request a hearing to contest the action. It is not yet known whether she plans to do so.
Court documents state that Nava, 47, allegedly operated the day care inside her apartment without the proper license or training. Authorities allege she had seven children in her care, ranging in age from 6 months to 8 years old.
Nava is facing seven counts of child endangerment for allegedly leaving the children alone in a converted garage, where another person was living in the home, before police responded to a medical emergency involving a 6-month-old on Jan. 22.
According to the Spring Valley Police Department, the infant was transported to the hospital and later died. Police say there is no evidence at this time that Nava’s actions directly contributed to the baby’s death.
While authorities have not disclosed the specific evidence that led them to determine a day care was being operated at the home, police told News 12 exclusively that there were "clear indications."
A Rockland County Code Investigation official was seen at the home Friday for what was described as a routine follow-up inspection.
The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office would only say it is reviewing the case.
Nava is due back in Spring Valley Justice court next month.
