FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has revoked the license of an Alpharetta preschool following the tragic death of a 1-year-old boy who choked on a piece of fruit in December.
The incident occurred on December 20, 2024, at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool on Morris Road. According to DECAL, the child, identified as Juan Martin, was given a piece of mango during breakfast. He choked on the fruit and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away five days later.
Earlier this month, DECAL ordered the preschool to temporarily close while investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the incident. On Friday, the agency officially revoked the preschool’s license, citing serious violations of health and safety regulations. Little Sunshine’s has 10 days to appeal the decision, but the preschool must remain closed during the appeal process.
In a letter explaining the revocation, DECAL stated that the preschool demonstrated an “intentional and reckless disregard for the physical and mental health and safety of children.” Investigators found multiple violations, including inadequate supervision. Reports revealed that staff members were not within arm’s reach of the children, and the mixed fruit served was not properly cut to a safe size. Specifically, the mango piece that caused Juan Martin to choke measured at least one inch—too large for a child of his age to safely chew and swallow.
The child’s family released a statement through their attorney:
“The family wants everyone to know, more than anything, that Juan Martin was the son they prayed for and the light of their lives. While the State is investigating the events of December 20th, which led to the loss of their son on Christmas, they do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the specifics of the incident. They respect those involved in the State’s investigatory process and will await their findings, as well as those of their counsel. The family wishes to secure justice for their son and will do whatever they can to ensure that this never happens to another child in daycare, or elsewhere.”
This is not the first time Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool has come under scrutiny. According to DECAL, previous inspections revealed multiple staffing and supervision issues that were flagged but given opportunities for correction.
A spokesperson for Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool issued a statement earlier this month:
“All of us at Little Sunshine’s are devastated by this tragic accident and express our deepest sympathies to our student’s parents and entire family. We have cooperated fully with all government investigations and will continue to do so through their conclusion, as we remain committed to the safety of our children. We will do all we can to support those impacted by this tragedy, but out of respect for the privacy of the family, we will not be providing further public comment.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine additional details surrounding the incident.
