State closes ABQ child care facility

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The state shut down an Albuquerque child care center that had no license, no inspection and no background checks.

Julia Montanze, the owner of the Language Academy near Central and I-25, says she has been caring for and teaching kids for four years. She says she has a business license but didn't realize she needed to be licensed by the state as well.

CYFD says any facility that cares for multiple children must be licensed, not only to check for fire hazards, but background checks as well.

"One of the big things we do is run background checks on any of the operators and employees of these facilities. We're looking to make sure there are no sexual offenders and anybody with a criminal background," said CYFD spokesman Enrique Knell.

CYFD says owners of child care facilities should have a state license prominently displayed, and if they don't parents should ask to see it.

If you have any questions about a child care facility, you can go to the department's web site.