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The state Department of Human Services says it has temporarily shut down a Brooklyn Center child care center because of concerns about the safety of children.

Department officials say they suspended operations at Arena Early Learning Center after numerous fines and violations. The department says this is only the third time it's taken such an action in a decade. 

"Once we determined imminent risk to children, we were required to issue  the immediate suspension," Department of Human Services Inspector General Jerry Kerber said in a news release. "We cannot tolerate harm or potential harm to children in our licensed facilities."

The center's owner Antonio Smith didn't immediately respond to calls and emails for comment. The Department of Human Services says he can appeal the suspension. 


Officials say Arena Early Learning Center had enrolled children from about 100 families. It provided day and night service for toddlers through school-age children. 


Kerber said the child care center is responsible for notifying parents of the temporary suspension of business.

Education News

Rupa Shenoy

Author

The state Department of Human Services says it has suspended the license of a Brooklyn Center child care center because of concerns about the safety of children.

In rare move, state shuts down child care center

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