A Central New York KinderCare facility has been shut down by state regulators following a series of serious child safety violations, including the center’s response to a child experiencing an apparent allergic reaction. The Liverpool daycare is now appealing an emergency suspension of its license while also facing proceedings that could ultimately result in revocation.
According to state records, a child at the facility developed a red face, swollen lips, and blistering skin during what appeared to be a serious allergic reaction. Staff did not call 911. Instead, they reportedly photographed the child and sent the image to the parent through the KinderCare mobile app.
Regulators also found problems with the center’s ability to respond to medical emergencies. Staff reportedly did not have the key needed to access a locked cabinet containing allergy medications. At least three children requiring specialized medical care also lacked required individual medical action plans, including one child whose documented conditions included allergies, asthma, and epilepsy.
Those violations prompted the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to begin proceedings to revoke the facility’s license. The center was initially allowed to continue operating while that process moved forward.
But a follow-up inspection on July 10 uncovered additional problems. Inspectors found that staff had documented giving daily medication to a child on a day when the child was marked absent. Regulators also cited an incident in which an infant who had not been cleared to eat solid foods was given a solid waffle.
Five days later, on July 15, OCFS suspended the center’s license and ordered it closed. Local reporting indicates that state records show the facility accumulated roughly 200 violations—both corrected and outstanding—since late 2024.
KinderCare has appealed the suspension and says it is working with state regulators on next steps. The Liverpool facility remains closed while the suspension and proposed revocation move through the state’s administrative review process.
We urge families of all young children with food allergies or other health issues to check a prospective daycare against their state board’s records for serious violations. Also, be sure to interview management and staff to assess their readiness to handle emergencies.
