2-Year-Old Long Island Girl Chokes to Death at Nursery School

NEW YORK (AP)  -- The state's Office of Child and Family Services shut down the daycare portion of a Long Island nursery school Wednesday, one day after a 2-year-old choked to death there on a carrot stick.

Edward Borges, a spokesman for the state agency, said a preliminary investigation of the Carousel Day School in Hicksville revealed there were no records of the Long Island facility being issued a license to operate. He said any facility that cares for at least two children three or more days a week must be licensed.


Mona Rivera reports

The school's Web site said it has been operating since 1956.

A Nassau County police spokesman said 2-year-old Olivia Raspanti of Hicksville apparently found her way into a teacher's tote bag on Tuesday morning, where she located a bag of carrot sticks. Moments later, the teacher noticed the child was choking and CPR and other lifesaving efforts began.

The child was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where she died. Police said it appeared to be a tragic accident and no criminal charges were expected as a result of the death.

Gene Formica, the owner of the school, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the state action. Earlier Wednesday, he issued a statement noting staff took quick action to try and save the girl.

``We are providing counseling support for our staff who were with the child and offer our total support, thought and prayers for the child's family,'' Formica said.