JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Primrose School of Julington Creek is under investigation by the Department of Children and Families after a toddler suffered severe burns to both her feet.
The mother of the child, who is upset and not ready to make any comments, gave News4Jax permission to view a photo of the toddler's injuries, but asked that it not be shown on air or online.
The picture appears to show the bottom of the child's feet red and swollen.
News4Jax was told the toddler may have burned her feet while walking barefoot on hot pavement outside the building.
A DCF spokesperson confirmed the agency is actively investigating Primrose School of Julington Creek after the toddler was taken to a local hospital with second- and third-degree burns on the bottom of both her feet.
A source close to the child’s family told News4Jax the injuries were so severe, the toddler had to be transported on Wednesday to a burn center in Gainesville, but was able to be released the next day.
News4Jax on Thursday showed a picture of the child’s injuries to several parents picking up their children. Many said they were disturbed by what they saw.
“That’s awful," said one parent, who wished to remain anonymous. "I couldn’t even imagine picking my child up and seeing that. I would have been heartbroken. It’s very tearful to even look at.”
Primrose Schools franchise owner Ed Guevara sent the following statement:
“The safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care is always our top priority. We are heartbroken that one of our students is hurt. We are diligently conducting an internal review to better understand how this happened in our playground, and we are also in constant contact with the family of the injured child. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. Family and child is at home recovering and will be back to school next week."
According to DCF, the agency is looking into who was responsible for monitoring the child and whether or not the school committed a class I violation, which is the most severe violation when it comes to child care codes.
The DCF spokesperson also said that from what he could see, the school has not had any major violations within the last two years.