Small Wonders day care officially closed

The embattled Small Wonders Child Development Center in Herriman was officially closed by the state Wednesday, even though it apparently tried to remain open without a license.

Also, the investigation into Small Wonders now extends into Nevada.

The Utah Department of Health announced Jan. 27 it was revoking the day care's license. The owners at that point had 30 days to appeal.

Small Wonders owner Michaele Meier requested an initial meeting with the state on Tuesday, reportedly to discuss her appeal, said Cody Craynor, Utah Department of Health spokesman.

"She didn't show up," he said. "That means the window of opportunity to appeal has closed."

If Small Wonders, 5724 W. 13400 South, wants to contest the revocation of its license, it must now do so in district court.

Licensors for the health department went to Small Wonders Wednesday morning and found the day care was open, despite no longer having a license, and two children had been dropped off, Craynor said.

He also noted the health department employees did not receive a warm welcome.

"They were confronted verbally," Craynor said. "They decided at that point it would be prudent to have a police officer accompany them."

When the health department employees returned with a Salt Lake County sheriff's deputy, 12 children were at the center.

No arrests were made, and there were no reports of further problems. The licensors stayed at the day care until each parent was contacted and picked up his or her child, Craynor said.

Now that 30 days have passed since the health department filed its revocation notice, the department was able Wednesday to release the results of its investigation of the center.

The five reasons for revocation listed in its report are failure to submit background clearance forms to the state as well as submitting forged background screenings; failure to report suspected child abuse; inappropriate discipline; transporting children in an unsafe vehicle; and improper use of safety restraints.