New records show concerns at more NMELA campuses

TIJERAS, N.M. — A baby’s death and licensing problems at two New Mexico Early Learning Academy locations have raised more questions about the daycare operator’s safety practices, according to state inspection records and parents.

The Tijeras location of New Mexico Early Learning Academy had its license suspended this week. Sources say the state found no running water; food stored at unsafe temperatures and children in prolonged distress. The shut down came just five days after 4 Investigates’ report outlining the center’s history of health and safety violations. Some parents told KOB 4 their children have been relocated to the organization’s other centers.

The company’s Eubank location was shut down by the City of Albuquerque in August because of licensing and permit issues. Parents said children from that center were then moved to the Tijeras facility.

12 days after those children were relocated, 1-year-old Micah Tran died after choking on food at the Tijeras daycare.

Now, state records obtained by KOB 4 detail additional concerns at the Eubank location.

Records from New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department show inspectors visited the Eubank facility in mid-August and documented several violations. Inspectors wrote that educators used abusive or profane language with 2-year-old children, failed to maintain a calm environment, did not show empathy when children were crying or upset, and that the center was unhygienic.

Two weeks later, city inspectors responded to a complaint at the Eubank location and the Mayberry Senior Services Center.

On Aug. 28, two city inspectors responded to a complaint at the Eubank location of the New Mexico Early Learning Academy after a car ran into their neighbors, Mayberry Senior Services Center.

Deborah Rowley with the City of Albuquerque Planning Department said inspectors found the building’s use did not match its certificate of occupancy.

“We learned that the current certificate of occupancy did not cover what their business was. We also discovered unpermitted construction to include building electrical, mechanical, and plumbing,” Rowley said.

Rowley said significant work had been completed inside the building without required permits or safety inspections, including new interior walls, drop ceilings and electrical wiring. The city also had not approved the day care portion of the building for occupancy.

“Per our administrative codes for the city of Albuquerque, it is allowed for us to charge a double permit fee for unpermitted work,” Rowley said.

On Nov. 6, the Early Childhood Education and Care Department inspected the Eubank location after the city shutdown in August.

That inspection report found bolts protruding from walls, missing baseboards in the bathrooms, and furniture with molding falling off.

Inspectors also wrote that the Eubank facility is allowed to operate only on the south side of the building.

KOB 4’s previous reporting found recurring issues with capacity limits and staffing ratios at New Mexico Early Learning Academy facilities.

Because children from the suspended Tijeras location could be moved to either the Eubank or Central locations, KOB 4 asked the organization and owners, Crystal Romero and Ricardo Romero, about their safety plan. They declined requests for comment. 

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