Owner of Tiny Heroes Academy asks council for independent review after shutdown by public health

Christina Hill, owner of Tiny Heroes Academy, told Cleveland City Council she was shut down by the Department of Public Health under a revocation letter that, she said, contradicts the department’s own inspection report.

Hill told the council she reviewed the inspection paperwork and found the inspection report said inspectors left voluntarily, while the revocation letter said inspectors were ‘‘kicked out,’’ and that both documents cannot be true. "Did anyone take the time to read their own internal documents before deciding to use this type of enforcement?" Hill asked, calling the shutdown punitive and harmful to families, employees and children who depended on the center.

Why it matters: Hill said the revocation labeled her childcare center a public threat without consistent documentary basis and that the only remedy presented by health officials was litigation. She asked the council to provide residents an alternative: an independent review by someone outside the Department of Public Health, access to counsel to examine procedures and more transparency in enforcement decisions so other small businesses are not similarly harmed.

What Hill requested: Hill asked for (1) an independent external review of her case and documents; (2) counsel to work with her to review policies and procedures; and (3) use of available resources, vacant buildings and funding to help small businesses recover and remain in service.

Council response: The transcript records Hill’s request and expressions of sympathy but does not record any formal motion, staff report, or specific timeline for an outside review. No vote or directive on Hill’s request was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps: Hill said she will remain engaged and is seeking remedies beyond litigation. The council did not adopt any binding remedial action on April 13.