Exclusive: Bed-Stuy preschool program closed temporarily after toddler tumbles down stairs
Health officials closed Bumblebees-r-us, Inc. on Tuesday, just four days after News 12 spoke with Anetra Williams, the mother of the wounded toddler, Khaleel, whose fall was caught on camera.
More Stories
The Department of Health (DOH) closed a Brooklyn preschool program temporarily, after an exclusive report by News 12 showed video of a toddler tumbling down a flight of stairs.
A DOH spokesperson told News 12 on Wednesday that it required BumbleBeesRus on Fulton Street in Bed-Stuy to close, "and the provider will have to revise protocols and re-train staff."
"It took this big story to come out for it to be established, for something to be done and for the city and the state to take it seriously," said Anetra Wiliams, the child's mother.
Williams gave News 12 the surveillance video of her 2-year-old son, Khaleel, at the top of a staircase.
Surveillance showed someone picking something off the floor, when a gate swung shut and the child fell.
"I'm happy that (DOH is) doing something to initiate, to at least get in there and show that this can't be tolerated," said Williams.
Following News 12's original report, other parents reached out and said that they were not notified about the fall until BumbleBeesRus released a letter on Sept. 17 - three days after the incident.
Williams said she is looking to file a lawsuit.
"Khaleel is having nightmares," the mother said. "He's barely sleeping at nighttime. He's traumatized behind this. Who wouldn't be?"
As of Wednesday, it was still unclear if anyone at the program was terminated or faced possible charges.
News 12 also reached out to the Department of Education, who referred to the DH for comment.
An ACS spokesperson wrote in a statement, "State confidentiality laws prohibit sharing whether or not ACS is investigating."
BumbleBeesRus has not responded to News 12's multiple attempts for comment.
