By Tiffany Williams –
Connecticut state officials have cited the YWCA New Britain daycare following the death of 2-year-old Saunti Reynolds in July.
Reynolds choked on a meatball at the daycare on July 29. His mother, Shamyra Cooke, said she received a call from the daycare director that morning claiming he was okay but that her presence was needed. When she arrived, staff were crying and performing CPR on Saunti, who was intubated on the floor. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood sent a letter to YWCA New Britain in August outlining several violations. The agency found the daycare failed to minimize choking hazards by not cutting food into appropriately small pieces for toddlers. Staff also failed to properly administer first aid and CPR, did not immediately call 911, and did not provide sufficient supervision during meals, including not sitting with or actively engaging the children.
YWCA New Britain responded Friday, stating the center takes the investigation seriously and has cooperated fully with state authorities. The center emphasized that it remains focused on the care and safety of children and families who rely on its services.
The Office of Early Childhood informed the daycare it could face formal charges against its license and scheduled a compliance meeting for October 23.
A lawyer representing Reynolds’ parents issued a statement thanking the agency for its investigation. The statement said the findings confirm what the family already believed—that the tragedy was preventable—and expressed hope that their son’s death will lead to meaningful changes to protect other children.