Owner of Overland Park day care fired following allegations of child abuse at center

The franchise owner of an Overland Park day care has been fired after authorities began investigating allegations of child abuse at the center.

The franchise owner, who was responsible for daily operations at The Learning Experience in Overland Park, was terminated for “failing to meet our standard of care,” Jamie Szwiec, a spokesman for The Learning Experience headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, said Sunday.

Overland Park police, along with state officials, began looking into allegations of child abuse at the daycare at 13305 Pflumm Road after the first of nine police reports was filed on Aug. 26, Officer John Lacy, a spokesman for the Overland Park Police Department, said Thursday.

Szwiec said they are aware of allegations against the Overland Park day care, which is an independently owned franchise, but that they will not comment on pending allegations out of respect for the privacy of the families involved.

Police, Kansas officials investigate alleged abuse at Overland Park day care

“We are working closely with local and state authorities to address and resolve any concerns,” he added.

The police department is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Children and Families to address the allegations. All investigations are ongoing.

Szwiec said they are working with the KDHE, and that executive team members of the Learning Experience will take over day-to-day operations at the daycare.

Anyone who suspects child neglect or abuse is asked to notify police, teacher, school counselor or anyone mandated by law to report suspected abuse, Lacy said.

The Star’s Robert A. Cronkleton contributed.