UPDATE: DECAL revokes license for Milledgeville daycare after arrest, rule violations
State officials say the daycare failed to report an arrest, maintain supervision and meet background check requirements during a November inspection.
UPDATE (12/2/25): The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has revoked the license for Griffin Group Day Care Home in Milledgeville.
A DECAL statement says the revocation followed the November arrest of a 78-year-old employee who was charged with child molestation. The department issued an Emergency Order on November 12, and the program has stayed closed since then. The center has ten days to appeal the revocation before an administrative law judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings.
Investigators recorded five rules violations during a November 13 follow-up visit, including failure to report the arrest to the department within 24 hours, failure to ensure required background checks and failure to maintain continuous direct supervision of a volunteer.
The revocation will take effect 30 days after receipt if the owner does not request a hearing within ten days before an administrative law judge. DECAL says the program cannot reopen during the appeal.
“DECAL offers a free resource to help parents find quality child care programs that best meet their needs,” the statement said. “Families seeking alternative child care options can visit www.qualityrated.org or contact our Quality Rated Family Support Call Center at 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254). Our team is available and ready to assist families in identifying safe, nurturing environments for their children.”
UPDATE (11/10/25): The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has responded to the investigation:
“The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is working closely with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in its inquiry following the recent arrest of a 78-year-old Child Care Learning Center owner in Milledgeville who has been charged with child molestation. Once all pertinent information is obtained, the department will act in accordance with its policies and procedures. DECAL will determine whether any adverse action will be taken against the child care program. We understand this situation is deeply concerning and encourage anyone with information to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Milledgeville at 478-445-4173. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). DECAL remains committed to supporting families during this challenging time. We offer a free resource to help parents find quality child care programs that best meet their needs. Families seeking alternative child care options can visit www.qualityrated.org.”
ORIGINAL STORY (11/7/25):
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested 78-year-old Irvin Eugene Griffin of Milledgeville on a charge of child molestation.
According to a GBI news release, the Milledgeville Police Department requested the GBI to investigate the Griffin Group Home Daycare on Wednesday. Griffin and his wife operate the in-home daycare, the release said.
Agents arrested Griffin at his home in Milledgeville. He is being held at the Baldwin County Jail.
The GBI says the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Milledgeville at (478) 445-4173. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
