A New Jersey mother is demanding accountability and transparency after her 4-year-old son died following a medical emergency at a licensed childcare facility in Somerset County. Shanya Robins, 28, of Hillsborough, is seeking clear answers regarding the timeline of events that led to the tragic death of her only child, Yasmir, at the Blooming Hearts Child Development Center.
The incident occurred on August 14, 2026, at the facility located on Triangle Road. Yasmir, who had cerebral palsy, had been enrolled at the daycare since he was just four months old. Described by his mother as a happy, healthy, and deeply loved child, his day had started like any other with smiles and laughter before he was dropped off for care.
Timeline of Events on August 14
According to details shared by Robins and her legal counsel, Fallon Stephenson, the sequence of events at the Hillsborough facility remains a central point of concern. The daycare director contacted Robins via phone at 11:42 a.m. to inform her that her son had become unresponsive.
Robins rushed to the facility, arriving at approximately 12:05 p.m. Upon entering, she discovered her son limp in a highchair, with food coming from his mouth. Realizing he was not breathing, Robins immediately removed Yasmir from the chair and instructed the staff to contact emergency services.
“I immediately began trying to help my child and told staff to call 911,” Robins said in a public statement. “That is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.”
According to her attorney, CPR was initiated only after Robins arrived and received guidance over the phone from a 911 dispatcher. Stephenson noted that there is currently no evidence indicating that facility staff members called 911 or began life-saving measures prior to the mother’s arrival. Yasmir was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day.
Active Investigation and Family’s Demands
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that law enforcement responded to the facility and that an active and ongoing investigation is underway. However, weeks after the tragedy, the family is pressing for deeper institutional accountability.
Robins has questioned why Blooming Hearts Child Development Center remains listed as an active, licensed childcare provider while final findings from the investigation are still pending. In statements shared publicly, she has raised critical questions regarding facility protocols:
- Was every required emergency procedure followed by the daycare staff?
- Why was the child found in that specific condition upon the mother’s arrival?
- What are the definitive determinations of the ongoing law enforcement and medical inquiries?
- What regulatory actions will be taken regarding the facility’s operating license?
In addition to cooperating fully with local authorities, Robins has retained a private pathologist to conduct an independent review of her son’s passing.
A Mother’s Call for Justice and Awareness
Reflecting on her loss, Robins emphasized the central role Yasmir played in her life and the lives of her extended family, who were heavily involved in his daily care. She stressed that her pursuit of answers is driven by a desire to protect other children and ensure full transparency from state agencies responsible for childcare oversight.
At the same time, Robins urged the public to keep the focus on accountability rather than hostility. She noted that her intent is not to invite harassment or threats toward the daycare staff, but rather to advocate for a child who can no longer speak for himself.
“My son’s life mattered,” Robins said. “He deserved to be protected. He deserves answers, and I will continue advocating for him even though he is no longer here to advocate for himself.”
Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information concerning the incident at Blooming Hearts Child Development Center to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation continues.
