Phoenix-area school shuttered for safety, sanitary concerns

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-area school for students with special needs has been shut down after officials found it had unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Last week, the Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies received a letter from the Arizona Department of Education stating that their approval to operate had been revoked after their facility has been deemed unacceptable for students.

“What we found were what we believe are unsanitary conditions and conditions that could prove to be very unsafe for many of the students being served at the school, particularly because these are students with special needs,” said Charles Tack, the public information officer for the Arizona Department of Education.

The facility had dirty bathrooms, holes in the wall, drywall on the ground, door jams with splintered wood with nails sticking out, mold and “a number of hazards that could negatively effect students,” Tack said.

According to the school’s website, “The center’s unique full-service approach offers families of children with autism and related disabilities a variety of programs year-round.”

About 40 students attend the school for the summer. The department has been in contact with charter schools and other schools throughout the district to get the students back into classrooms as soon as possible.

“Our plan is to continue working with districts and the families and to make sure that the students are receiving the services they need in an environment that is conducive to their health and wellness,” Tack said.

According to Tack, the school can appeal the decision but will have to make significant adjustments before it can welcome students back.

KTAR’s Lauren Grifo contributed to this report.

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