Toddler dies in hot car outside Florida daycare

A toddler was found dead inside a hot car outside a Florida daycare center on Monday, the third such child death in the state this year. Police and fire crews responded to A World of Discovery Academy in Plantation around 5:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive child in a vehicle.

Upon arrival, Plantation Fire Department personnel confirmed the child was deceased. Leslie Novoa, the daycare's director and owner, said the child's father had arrived to pick up his son when he realized he had never dropped the boy off that morning. Novoa told authorities she opened the back door of the father's car and discovered the toddler in the back seat, prompting her to immediately call 911.

Novoa described the family as wonderful and loving, noting they have been part of the daycare community for six years and that this was their third child to attend the center. She expressed profound sadness for the parents and the school community. The daycare later issued a statement extending condolences and pledging support for the grieving family, emphasizing that the student and their family are beloved members of their community.

The Plantation Police Department has opened a death...