Gwinnett Daily Post

SNELLVILLE -- A Snellville day care center is in trouble after a young girl was reportedly left on one of its buses for more than an hour.

Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has suspended the transportation privileges of Prodigy Point, located at 2845 Centerville Highway in Snellville, for one year after the mother of a 6-year-old child reported her daughter had been left alone on the four-row bus on Feb. 7.

According to an incident report filed with Gwinnett County police, the girl fell asleep on board and was left there for just under 90 minutes before being "found crying on the school bus by another parent." Under state regulations, vehicles used to transport students must be "thoroughly checked first by a staff person who was present on the vehicle during the trip," then a second time by someone who was not on the trip.

It's not believed that happened.

DECAL has subsequently suspended Prodigy Point-Centerville's ability to transport students for a full year.

"Once the 12-month transportation restriction period expires, a department approved monitor will be utilized for a minimum period of one month to ensure (the center) maintains compliance with rules and regulations," DECAL spokesperson Reg Griffin said. "While we have completed the investigation, we are continuing to work on our internal quality control procedures at this time."

Gwinnett County police spokesman Cpl. Edwin Ritter said no criminal charges would be filed in the case.

"We need criminal intent for charges," he said.

A woman who answered the phone at Prodigy Point on Wednesday afternoon said the facility had no comment.