News 12 has learned a popular day care in the town of Newburgh is under state investigation and could have its license revoked after at least one young child was allegedly found wandering outside by themselves.

The incident happened at Pattycake Playhouse on Route 9W on May 7, according to a letter the day care sent home to parents. It cites a “serious incident” that occurred within their Toddler 4 program during a “lapse in supervision.”

Multiple sources contacted News 12 with additional information and allege that three children in the facility’s care wandered off. They claim at least one toddler involved crossed a nearby road - North Hill Lane - and was found in the Dollar General parking lot by a customer who alerted staff.

“A toddler classroom was outside in the pavilion area, the gate was not shut appropriately and one child walked through the gate and off the property,” a person close to the investigation told News 12 under the condition of anonymity. “The stranger was kind and honest enough to help this young child find their way back to the day care center. The center was unaware the toddler classroom had returned to their classroom without one of their children [and] waited until the next day to inform the family of the incident, and provided false information.”

Pattycake’s letter to parents that News 12 has obtained is dated the day after the incident occurred. News 12 reached out to the facility about the allegations and received a written statement from its director, Donna Conklin.

“The safety and well-being of the children in our care is always our highest priority. We are profoundly grateful that the child involved in this recent incident was found quickly and unharmed. This situation arose almost a month ago due to the failure of three individuals to follow established safety protocols during a transition from the building to the playground. These individuals were immediately terminated for not adhering to our strict policies,” says Conklin. “Following the incident, our administration acted swiftly and transparently – launching an internal investigation, self-reporting to the multiple state agencies and promptly notifying families. We have since completed a comprehensive review of all safety procedures and every member of our staff has undergone additional mandatory safety coaching and training.”

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services issued Pattycake Playhouse six violations on May 9 for safety and health hazards, incompetent supervision, failure to immediately report a serious incident, and issues with staff “character and habits.”

“The safety and well-being of all children in OCFS-licensed day care programs is our top priority. An investigation is ongoing due to a complaint being registered with OCFS; accordingly, the license for this program is pending revocation," says a spokesperson.

The agency’s website says the day care’s license is under review and could be revoked.

“It deeply disturbed me,” says nearby resident Matthew Hersh. “There’s a lot of traffic around here. It gave me chills. Even now, thinking about it. I have two grandkids, so it’s near to my heart.”

The OCFS investigation is ongoing.