Child’s death during daycare nap time leads to $15,000 fine

A childcare centre in Maryborough has been fined after an investigation into a toddler’s death at the centre revealed multiple hazards authorities said could endanger other children.

In July 2022, a two-year-old boy was found unresponsive after nap time at the Little Gems Child Care and Early Learning Centre in Maryborough, owned by KB Child Care and Early Learning.

He was rushed to Maryborough Hospital, but was declared deceased after arriving.

A coroner ruled the toddler died from natural causes, following an investigation from the state’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.

However, the daycare was charged for non-compliance in its practices, which the regulator said impacted the centre’s ability to protect children from harm, in particular around sleeping or resting children.

“The case is a reminder of the critical importance of sleep and rest as a time of heightened risk when caring for children,” a statement from the Education Department, which oversees the regulator, said.

KB Child Care and Early Learning pleaded guilty to the charges.

In a statement provided to Brisbane Times, the centre said staff continued “to feel sorrow for the death of the little boy who passed away, and our thoughts remain with his family”.

“While the Coroner’s Report did not find a connection between the clothing worn and the boy’s death, our strict Sleep and Rest Policy was not followed by one of our educators on this day,” the statement said.

“We have always had safe sleeping policies in place, procedures we continue to tighten across the group.”

On Friday, Magistrate Mark Whitbread ordered the centre to pay a $15,000 fine, and pay the state regulator’s costs of $1700.

Whitbread said it was important for educators to be able to effectively monitor children’s breathing and skin colour, particularly for vulnerable children.

No conviction was recorded for KB Child Care and Early Learning.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.