Puerto Rico’s Family Department closed the Arcoíris de Esperanza Child Care and Development Center in San Juan after identifying "serious deficiencies that pose a risk to the safety, health and well-being of the children served," according to a press release. The closure order was issued by the agency’s Licensing Office. It follows an inspection on October 9 in which the Health and Safety component of the Administration for the Integral Care and Development of Childhood (ACUDEN) also took part.
Inspectors found regulatory violations involving children’s exposure to strangers, inadequate supervision, toxic materials near spaces used by the children, and shortfalls in staffing and in the safety documentation required of employees. Family Department Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes said children’s safety and well-being are "non-negotiable" and that the agency will not allow any establishment to operate under conditions that could endanger children’s physical or emotional integrity.
The determination orders the immediate, orderly and safe discharge of enrolled children and a halt to all operations. The license cancellation rests on Law Number 173 of 2016, as amended, and Regulation Number 8860, which authorize the department to order the immediate closure of establishments when imminent risks to children’s safety, health and integrity are found.
Roig Fuertes said the department will keep up rigorous oversight of child care and development centers to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.