OCTOBER 13, 2000 - The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Bureau of Regulatory Services has issued a summary suspension order and an intent to revoke action against Eaton County Group Day Care Home Licensee Diane Martzke of 10733 Hartel Rd., Grand Ledge. The licensee has been notified to cease providing care to children effective 6 p.m. yesterday. These actions are the result of a recent complaint investigation of the facility.

Under Michigan statute, a Group Day Care Home is defined as "a private home in which more than 6 but not more than 12 minor children are given care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member or the family by blood, marriage or adoption. Group day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than 4 weeks during a calendar year."

The October 11, 2000 findings of the complaint investigation found that:

* A 3 ½ month old infant was taken by ambulance from the Martzke day care home on Sept. 29, 2000 to a local hospital and was diagnosed with internal injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

* Two other earlier incidents had occurred when parents found their infants had received bruises to the head while being in the care of Ms. Martzke.

The Summary Suspension order requires the licensee not to operate a group day care home at 10733 Hartel Rd, Grand Ledge, Michigan or at any other address or location effective as of 6 p.m. on October 12. Children are not to be received for care after that date or time. The order also requires Ms. Martzke to inform all of the parents or guardians of children in care that her license has been suspended and that she can no longer provide child care.

An administrative hearing regarding CIS’ suspension and revocation action will be scheduled.

Diane Martzke has held a license/registration for a day care home since November, 1997. Her recent group day care home license was for 12 children, aged birth to 14 years.

Click here for more information on Child Day Care Licensing.

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