State closes Primrose School of Briargate following allegations of child abuse

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) --  The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) confirmed the license of Primrose School of Briargate is suspended after allegations of child abuse and neglect.

According to the CDEC, the state received a referral with allegations of abuse and neglect happening at the school "on or about July 18, 2022." A few days later, a representative with the CDEC conducted a follow-up inspection.

According to the Order of Summary Suspension, CDEC staff observed and documented the following:

• Children were unattended on the playground on two occasions. One of the incidents involved a two-year-old child and the other involved an 8-year-old child
• Staff members restrained children by placing their legs over them at nap time
• A staff member placed their body weight on a child as a form of discipline or to prevent movement
• Allegations of abuse and neglect were reported to the director of Primrose School of Briargate but no action was taken. The state noted the director didn't report the abuse.
• Twice, staff members were sleeping while they were supposed to be supervising children
• An 18 years old staff aide was caring for children alone and a second 18-year-old aide was assisting with supervision in the PreK classroom.
• Children sprayed each other with dish soap and water solution.
• The faculty-to-child ratio was not followed.
• Several classrooms did not have qualified teachers.

Following the observation, the CDEC said it had "reasonable grounds to believe that the operation of the Facility presents a substantial danger to the public health, safety, and welfare requiring emergency action."

On July 28, 2022, the CDEC announced the license for Primrose School of Briargate had been suspended until an expedited court process can happen.

The Primrose School said the following about the situation.

The health, safety and wellbeing of the children entrusted to our care is at the very core of our brand promise at Primrose Schools. When a franchisee signs an agreement to independently own and operate a Primrose school, they agree to uphold our high standards for operational excellence. This commitment includes following our stringent protocols and guidelines, as well as adhering to all licensing requirements and all local, state and federal laws.

We were informed Primrose School of Briargate’s license was summarily suspended on Thursday afternoon, and the school was required to be closed by end of business. Upon learning of the situation, we immediately launched an internal investigation and terminated the franchise agreement.

We are deeply saddened by the stress this closure is causing the children and families who attended the school.

Liz Ergle, Director of Communications for Primrose Schools

The CDEC told KRDO that the investigation is ongoing.