Melbourne family daycare owner said to be ‘doing OK’ after baby’s death

A family daycare owner is said to be “doing OK” after a baby was found dead in her care in Melbourne’s southeast.

Paramedics were called when the baby was found unresponsive at the home-based daycare on Balinga Drive in Skye about 2.05pm on Wednesday.

Police are treating the death as non-suspicious.

It is understood several neighbours heard screams coming from the property.

The daycare owner was “doing OK” in the circumstances, a person close to them — but who did not give his name — told 7NEWS.com.au on Thursday.

A counsellor would be visiting the owner at her home today, he said, adding the childcare facility was closed today in light of yesterday’s events.

Parents have rallied behind the childcare worker, whose business is listed as exceeding the National Quality Standard — a rating system used to benchmark the quality of early childhood education and care.

“My boys used to go there. The family is extremely kind and caring and the house was very clean,” one woman said.

“This is devastating to hear.

“I can’t begin to imagine how they are feeling along with the parents of the infant.”

Another said: “My nephew attended there and they are so lovely.

“(This is) just heartbreaking.”

The family daycare centre has a five-star rating online, with parents describing the owner as “loving and compassionate”.

“We sent our baby girl to (her) from five months old,” one review reads.

“She is very patient and it’s a very friendly environment.

“My daughter loves to be with (her), her family, and other little friends there. Thank you so much.”

Another woman said her son, who had been visiting the facility for almost two years, “loves” the owner.

“He absolutely loves it there. (She) is extremely great at what she does,” she said.

“She is so kind too.”

A report into the child’s death is being prepared for the coroner.