State shuts down day care after workers leave 5-month-old alone

The baby’s grandmother, Sebrenna Zackery, arrived at Dee’s Magic Castle Unlimited Daycare Center at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday. Through the window, she could see the baby kicking its feet but the door was locked, Metro Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said.

Zackery called 911 and firefighters knocked down the door. The child was unharmed and so far no charges have been filed against any of the day care employees. But the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Special Investigations Unit is looking into whether child neglect or abuse occurred at the center, spokesman Rob Johnson said.

At least 12 complaints have been filed against since it opened in 2005, said Michelle Mowery Johnson, spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services, which oversees day care licensing in Tennessee. The complaints include allegations that the center had inadequate records, improper disciplining, no heat and roaches.