Lawsuit expected after child death at unlicensed day care

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (WISH) - A lawsuit is expected Thursday in the death of a four-month old child at an unlicensed Brownsburg day care. The day care has since been closed because there were fourteen children inside, which is illegal.

"If you have six or more children and are being compensated, not including your own, you are to be a licensed day care," Jennifer Pyatt-Barrett with the Brownsburg Police says.

The state knows many people run day cares from their home, but wants parents to know what to look for if choosing a licensed or unlicensed day care. Melanie Brizzi with the Bureau of Child Care says licensed providers have extensive training when compared to those who aren’t. For example, licensed providers take CPR and first aid.

"They take safe sleep training. They have requirements to supervise children actively so that children aren't left out of their sight. That really minimizes the likelihood of accidents occurring,” according to Brizzi.

The state provides tools to help parents research providers in their area at either www.childcareindiana.org   or www.childcarefinder.in.gov