Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by: A. Smith
Published February 3, 2025 @ 9:30 AM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has revoked the license of an Alpharetta preschool following the death of a 1-year-old boy who choked on a piece of fruit in December.
The incident occurred on December 20, 2024, at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool, located on Morris Road. According to DECAL, the child, identified as Juan Martin, was given a piece of mango during breakfast. He choked on the fruit and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he died five days later.
Earlier this month, DECAL ordered the preschool to temporarily close while investigators looked into the incident. On Friday, the agency officially revoked the preschool’s license, citing serious violations of health and safety rules. Little Sunshine’s has 10 days to appeal the decision, but the preschool must remain closed during the appeal process.
In a letter explaining the decision, DECAL said the preschool showed “intentional and reckless disregard for the physical and mental health and safety of children.” The agency found multiple rule violations, including a lack of proper supervision. Investigators reported that staff members were not seated within arm’s length of the children, and the mixed fruit served to the children was not cut to an appropriate size for their age and ability to chew and swallow. Specifically, the mango piece that caused Juan Martin to choke was found to be at least one inch in size, which was too large for a child his age.
The child’s family released a statement through their attorney:
“The family wants everyone to know, more than anything, that Juan Martin was the sort of son they prayed for and the light of their lives. While the State is investigating the events of December 20th, which led to the death of their son on Christmas, they do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the specifics of the incident. The family respects those involved in the State’s investigatory process and will await their findings, as well as those of their counsel. The family wishes to secure justice for their son and will do whatever they can to ensure that this never happens to another child in daycare, or elsewhere.”
This is not the first time Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool has faced scrutiny. According to DECAL, there have been multiple instances of staffing and supervision issues at the center, which were previously flagged but allowed to continue with opportunities to correct them.
A spokesperson for Little Sunshine Playhouse and Preschool released the following statement earlier this month.
“All of us at Little Sunshine’s are devastated by this tragic accident and express our deepest sympathies to our student’s parents and entire family. We have cooperated with all government investigations and will continue to do so through conclusion, as we are committed to the safety of our children. We will do all we can to support all those impacted by and through this tragedy, but out of respect for the privacy of the family, we will not be providing further public comment.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine additional details surrounding the incident.