Parents react to 3-year-old found wandering near Chesterfield childcare center

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Chesterfield County parents remain in shock after finding out a 3-year-old boy was found across the street from his daycare center.

The Chesterfield County Police Department told 8News that its officers received a call just before 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 about the toddler being found in the street in the 4300 block of West Hundred Road.

A bus driver was said to have seen the child in the road. They stopped their bus, allowing for those in the area to leave their cars and assist in getting the child out of the road safely.

According to police, the child was wearing clothes but did not have a winter coat on.

The child had wandered away from the nearby Fortress of God Childcare, located at 4301 West Hundred Road, according to police.

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8News went to the scene and attempted to speak with the childcare center's administrators but, when asked for comment, employees declined and slammed the door on our crew members twice.

Multiple parents who spoke with 8News reporters said the situation was shocking, as some who went to pick up their children did not even know of the matter.

John Edler, a father of a 10-year-old, was heading to receive a haircut near Fortress of God Childcare when he told 8News that the situation is scary.

"Clearly, these people aren't paying attention," Edler said. "Some serious investigations should be happening."

Police are working with the Fire Marshal's Office and the Office of Childcare Health and Safety as this investigation continues.

According to the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), online records show that Fortress of God Childcare has had eight inspections since Jan. 2024, each with multiple noted violations -- such as failing to ensure multiple staff members had satisfactory results from a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. A full list of all violations can be found here.

Additionally, the Virginia DSS' website shows, as of the time of reporting, that Fortress of God Childcare is unlicensed, with its license to operate having expired in early Dec. 2024.

The investigation remains ongoing, stick with 8News for updates.