NEW CITY, N.Y. — Authorities shut down an unlicensed daycare facility in Rockland County after police discovered dozens of children and unsafe conditions at two Maple Avenue properties earlier this month.
On Monday, July 7, around 9 a.m., Clarkstown Police assisted the town’s Building Department in executing a search warrant at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue in New City. The warrant followed complaints and an investigation into the suspected operation of an unlicensed childcare operation.
Inside, officials found approximately 69 children and 20 adults on the premises. Inspectors discovered around 30 cribs, changing stations, and blankets in the basement of 96 Maple Avenue. The basement was unoccupied during the inspection, but officials noted the facility’s conditions raised significant safety concerns.
The search triggered immediate referrals to the Clarkstown Police Juvenile Aid Bureau and Rockland County Child Protective Services. On Tuesday, July 8, RC CPS conducted a follow-up inspection and deemed the facility unsafe, ordering an immediate shutdown of the daycare, known as Camp Smiley, and sending all children home.
Two individuals, Aron Altman and Chana Altman, both 35 and residents of Pomona, were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor under New York State law. They were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
In addition to criminal charges, the Town of Clarkstown filed code violations, which will be addressed by the Town Attorney’s Office in Clarkstown Justice Court.
“The conditions uncovered at this daycare were deeply troubling, and will not be tolerated in Clarkstown,” said Supervisor George Hoehmann.
Clarkstown Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker added that the facility “posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the children.”
Camp Smiley’s closure comes as local officials emphasize renewed efforts to crack down on unregulated childcare facilities across the region.
