Unlicensed Crook County daycare operator under investigation after toddler’s drowning death
Harley Coldiron
(Update: Adding the name of the unlicensed day care operator, details from Sheriff observations)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Authorities in Crook County are investigating the tragic death of a toddler who drowned after falling into a small livestock trough at an unlicensed daycare in Crook County. Records from Oregon’s Child Care Safety Portal reveal that Tralina Fulton was running the childcare facility without a state license at the time of the incident.
On September 9, emergency responders arrived at Fulton’s residence and reported seeing 14 children in her care, including several one-year-olds. All were being cared for unlawfully, as state regulations require licensing and strict oversight for facilities with any number of young children.
Deputies said life-saving measures, including CPR, were performed on the child before they were airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, where the toddler later died. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the body of water involved was a small animal trough on the property.
State regulators emphasize the critical importance of checking a daycare’s license before enrolling children. Alicia Gardiner, director of the state’s Child Care Licensing Division, explained that licensed programs face regular inspections and stringent water safety requirements. “We do inspect licensed facilities regularly to ensure the grounds and physical premises are a safe place for children,” Gardiner said.
The Department of Early Learning and Care has launched a separate investigation into Fulton’s operation, noting that situations like this are handled with “extreme seriousness.” Officials say they are working to identify and contact parents of children at the unlicensed center and will post updates on the state’s child safety portal for public awareness.
Parents are strongly urged to use the child safety portal to research any facility’s license status and reported violations. State law also requires every licensed daycare to display a physical copy of its license, which parents should request to see in person.
Investigations continue as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies and ensure all childcare programs comply with Oregon’s safety regulations.
Specific rules can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/pages/child-care-rules.aspx .”
Our media partners at the Prineville Review contributed to this report.
Earlier story:
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — On September 9th at 11:45 a.m. Crook County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a 20-month-old had fallen into water at a daycare in Prineville. When deputies and police arrived, they performed CPR until an ambulance arrived.
The 20-month-old was taken to Prineville Saint Charles and then air transported to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. The 20-month-old, unfortunately, did not survive.
“This is a terrible tragedy for our community, and our thoughts are with everyone involved,” said Crook County Undersheriff Bill Elliot.
KTVZ News was originally alerted to a possible tragic fatal incident in September and made multiple phone calls, emails, and voicemails to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office. At the time, the Sheriff’s Office said the incident was not fatal and wouldn’t release information about the facility.
After KTVZ News and our media partner at the Prineville Review received multiple tips that the infant had passed away, the Sheriff’s Office was once again contacted in October.
KTVZ News has asked the Sheriff’s Office to clarify what type of facility the 20-month-old was in care of, and what type of body of water the toddler fell into. We’ve also reached out to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care for more information.
It’s not clear when the Sheriff’s Office was made aware that the 20-month-old had passed.
The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and working closely with the Crook County District Attorney’s Office.
Undersheriff Bill Elliot gives thanks to the Prineville Fire Department and the Prineville Police Department for their assistance.