Licenses of Two Nebraska Child Care Providers Revoked

By: 10/11 News

Updated: Tue 4:43 AM, Aug 14, 2012

10/11 interviewed Sonja Merrick on May 23 when the Lancaster County Attorney's office dismissed the child case citing, "insufficient evidence."

Facts & Findings of Investigation into Step by Step Childcare operated by Sonja Merrick

Facts & Findings of Investigation into Daycare Operated by Nancy Gipfert of Sidney

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, has revoked the licenses of two child care providers.

• Sonja Merrick, doing business as A Step by Step Childcare, 5268 W. Redberry Lane, Lincoln

• Nancy Gipfert, 2453 Deaver Drive, Sidney.

According to a report filed by DHHS, Lincoln police cited Merrick with misdemeanor child abuse on March 2 for an incident on March 1. The child doctor determined bruising on the child's stomach area was not consistent with Merrick's explanation of how it occurred.

The Lancaster County Attorney's office dismissed the case May 23 citing, "insufficient evidence."

However, Merrick failed to report the citation to DHHS. The investigation also determined Merrick was over her licensed capacity and failed to meet child/staff ratio. Documents show Merrick didn't keep accurate records of children she cared for and also falsified records.

Meanwhile, Gipfert was charged with Felony Child Abuse on May 15 and failed to report the citation to DHHS. The case is still pending in Cheyenne County Court.

Individuals whose licenses to provide child care are revoked may not care for any children other than their own and they are not eligible to reapply for a child care license for a period of two years.