Business & Tech

Health Department Investigates Stonington Day Care Home

The Health Department Is Investigating The Home Day Care Run By A Stonington Woman Who Led Police On Six-Mile Pursuit Last Week

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is investigating the family day care home run by Sharon Browning.

Browning, 45, and then barricaded herself in her home at 52 Deer Ridge Road last Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The house is a state-licensed home day care, Sharon’s Wishes and Dreams Childcare, that Browning runs.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

William Gerrish, the state Department of Public Health director of communications, said an investigation is open and ongoing.

"I don't know when a decision will be made," Gerrish said. "Each case is a unique investigation but the department will take action if necessary."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Currently, Browning is state-licensed to run a family day care home until Nov. 30, 2012. The state Department of Public Health defines family day care homes as “private family homes caring for not more than six children, including the provider’s own children not in school full time…” This differs from group day care homes that care for seven to 12 children and from child day care centers that provide care outside the home for more than 12 children.

According to Gerrish, family day care homes are inspected by the state once every three years for renewal of licensing. Gerrish went on to say a day care home could be inspected more often as the department follows up on any complaints made.

Gerrish said the department investigates family day care homes based on news reports, individual complaints and also business complaints in addition to the once every three years state inspection.

The state Department of Public Health licenses more than 4,000 day care facilities.

Following a police investigation last week, Browning was charged with breach of peace, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carrying a pistol without a permit, disobeying the signal of an officer and reckless driving.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here