Leaders of Maryland preschool resign amid police investigation

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Howard County Police are investigating a Maryland pre-school where two employees have resigned, two are on leave and the director has been forced to resign.

Glen Mar Early Learning Center is part of Glen Mar United Methodist Church in Ellicott City.

The church confirms that a "child-related" investigation is underway, but will not elaborate beyond that.

FOX 5 spoke to several parents who say a lack of transparency has left them frustrated and furious.

"It's all been word-of-mouth," said one mother. "The school has not shared any specific information with any of the parents."

The three mothers didn't want to be identified as to not identify their children. They say their kids have told them about inappropriate behavior by a pre-school staff member and two of the children have been interviewed by Howard Co. Child Protective Services.

"The emotional turmoil created and the sleepless nights have been unbelievable," said another mom.

The police investigation began eight weeks ago on March 26. The church says a male staffer was put on leave, and on April 4, parents were notified that he resigned.

It wasn't until April 12 that the church alerted parents of the police investigation.

Since then, two more staffers have been put on leave, and last week, the church says the director of the pre-school was forced to resign after it came to light that she failed to report an allegation made by parents of a child at the school last summer.

In a letter to parents, the church says the parents reported "conduct that must immediately be reported to the appropriate authorities." The letter says the director had assured the church she notified authorities and later admitted she had not.

"I can't describe how upsetting that was," said one of the mothers.

On Wednesday evening, parents learned the assistant director of the school has also decided to resign, saying it was in the best interest of herself and her family.

The letter said the church is holding a meeting for parents on Tuesday.

Howard County Police will not provide details of their investigation. They say no arrests have been made and investigators have not determined if criminal conduct occurred.

Rev. Erik Alsgaard, a spokesman for the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, said attorneys for the church's insurance company have instructed the church not to elaborate on the allegations.

"Right now we are dealing with accusations," said Rev. Alsgaard. "And the allegations are confidential. We are having email conversations, we've had parent/staff meetings here at the church to share as much information as we possibly can."

He said the church is fully cooperating with the Howard Co. Police Dept.

Parents are concerned about the families whose kids may have been impacted in the past.

"There may be more," a third mother said. "They deserve to know."