A daycare and school that was cited for numerous violations made a decision to permanently shut down after a 5-year-old child died under their care, according to officials.
On March 5, Houston’s George Bryan Christian School, which also is named the Kleinbrook Community Preschool, reported a medical emergency to officials involving a 5-year-old girl, Houston-based KTRK reported.
The cause of death for the girl has not been confirmed by the local medical examiner’s office, and the school hasn’t provided any other details. The girl was airlifted to a local hospital and was later pronounced dead, said the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, there were no obvious signs of trauma, reported Click2Houston.
Days after the girl’s death, the school said it would be closing down permanently.
“Although we are confident and absolute in our efforts as a team to continue to care for children, we have decided it is best that we take a temporary step back to mentally and physically recalibrate,” read the letter from the school, which was sent to parents, KTRK reported.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the school committed a number of violations after it opened in August 2016. Thirteen of the violations were considered “high,” 40 were deemed “medium,” and three were “low,” the department told the outlet.
The report said that in the most recent instance, a caregiver who worked at the daycare hadn’t gone through the proper background checks.
Officials with the state health agency also confirmed to the station that the school made the decision to voluntarily close but added that it is investigating. The sheriff’s office is also investigating.
Representatives at George Bryan Christian School, before it closed, declined to comment to local media after the girl’s death.
No charges have been filed.
