State authorities have suspended the license for a day care in Savage after one infant died there and another received emergency medical care.
The Savage Police Department said an infant died at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare on Monday. It’s unclear how the child died, but officials will release more information after an autopsy by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
“The death of a child is heartbreaking, and the loss of this young life is especially tragic,” said Randall Keys, the inspector general of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
On Tuesday afternoon, the department announced it was suspending the license to provide child care at Rocking Horse Ranch “based on a determination that children served by your program are at an imminent risk of harm.” The order halts all child care operations at the facility.
In its letter announcing the suspension, the state said it was notified of two instances when emergency medical services were needed for infants at the facility. On Sept. 19, officials were notified of a child with “significant respiratory distress.” EMS was called Monday for another child showing similar symptoms, and that child died.
“Based on these findings, DCYF cannot ensure the health and safety of the children served by your program at this time,” the suspension order read.
Rocking Horse Ranch day care employs about 22 people, with an average tenure among teaching staff of about 15 years, according to the business. Staff are licensed to care for kids as young as 6 weeks and as old as 10 years.
“All members of our staff meet or exceed their job qualification requirements as set by the Minnesota Department of Human Services,” Rocking Horse Ranch’s website says.
