Tijeras Day Care: License Suspended After Water Outage Inspection

New Mexico Early Learning Academy in Tijeras shut down on Tuesday after state regulators suspended its operating license. The facility notified parents of the closure via a message from the manager that same day.

State inspectors toured the campus on Monday, a day after a water outage occurred on the grounds. Following that visit, the academy stated that regulators had suspended its license.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the state had not released the inspection findings to the public. Officials had also not responded to inquiries regarding the specific reasons for the suspension. New Mexico Early Learning Academy told parents it disagreed with the results but did not share the details of the state's assessment.

The facility has a documented history of state violations involving sanitation, maintenance, and housekeeping. These issues surfaced after a one-year-old child died at the center in September.

Sources indicated that food was stored at improper temperatures during the period of concern. They also reported that children were distressed and crying for extended periods. The Romeros, who own the facility, have continued to refuse requests for comment.

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against owners Crystal and Ricardo Romero. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department is maintaining its investigation into the September death.