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'At-risk' day care centers in Orange County could get grant to install protective barriers

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Day care centers in Orange County could get thousands of dollars to help protect the children they watch.

The move comes two years after the death of 4-year old Lily Quintus, who was killed when a car crashed into the front of the day care she was attending.

Orange County commissioners have been trying to find money to help day care centers install barriers in front of them.

Pine Hills Road is known for having many day care centers, all of which would qualify for some money to protect the buildings.

“I put the car here. It's kind of like my temporary barrier,” said Ruby's Little Creations Childcare owner Shaquawnna Benjamin.

READ: List of 'at-risk' day care facilities

Benjamin said she doesn't take chances when her day care is open, and she started using her car as a temporary barrier.

“It's here every day. When you come back, you're going to see it here every day,” said Benjamin. "At least it'll hit my car before it hits my kids.”        
Benjamin said 80 percent of the time there are children sitting at the table or playing in the room.
She said she will keep the car there until the county decides it's willing to give day care centers up to $10,000 to install barriers for at-risk locations.
“I don't think it's going to be enough money, but it's a start,” said Benjamin.
Based on a list Channel 9 obtained from the county, Benjamin’s location is one of more than 150 day care centers deemed at risk because of the speed of the road, daily traffic and proximity to the roadway.
Nearly 30 of the locations are on Pine Hills Road.
“I think the ones on Pine Hills Road should be the ones to get it first, due to the fact of all the accidents we have already had on this road,” said Benjamin.
The county said only privately owned day care facilities would qualify for the grant money, which means Benjamin's facility could get the money if the ordinance passed.
Installing the barriers would only be required for new day care centers. Existing day cares that are privately owned and deemed at risk by the county would have access to the grant money.

Cox Media Group

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