New signage outside Chester daycare where toddler wandered off prompts Department of Education investigation

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is investigating Fortress of God Childcare -- the same daycare where a toddler wandered off into a busy road in February -- after new signage recently appeared outside of the facility.

According to Chesterfield Police, on Feb. 21, a three-year-old wandered from Fortress of God Childcare, a daycare located on West Hundred Road. The child was saved by a bus driver who saw them in the road.

No charges were filed against the daycare's owner, Monique Ede.

According to social services inspection records, a 17-year-old employee at the facility was not watching the toddler when he wandered off. This violation is one of dozens the daycare has received since January 2024, including unsafe or unclean conditions, no protective belts for students and improper staff-to-student ratios.

In February, the VDOE sent a letter of intent to Ede notifying her of the departments intent to revoke her religious exemption license -- which allows the facility to operate without a traditional license.

Owner Monique Ede spoke exclusively with 8News in March confirming this information and explaining the February incident in detail. During this interview Ede said she opened the facility to help families in need and had no plans to close her business.

Following an informal conference in April, the VDOE revoked the daycare's religious exemption. State inspectors conducted an unannounced inspection days later, finding eight additional violations.

A spokesperson from the VDOE told 8News the facility owner appealed the department's decision.

8News asked Ede about the appeal and new signage, who said in part, "I no longer want to deal with you."

A final decision concerning the daycare's license will be made at an upcoming hearing. The facility is allowed to operate during this appeal process.