S.G.
I held off responding to this post because I wanted some time to think about it. I responded to your first one, after your son was left alone. I wanted to be able to give the best advice that I could give on this particular subject.
First, you are upset and angry. I know that you want what is best for your son and your family. Being angry about what happened can alter the way you might respond though. So think things through before acting.
I think the very first thing that you should do is go down to the police station, the one in the area of the day care center and file a report. Your husband was the one who found him so they may need to speak to him about it after you file your report. Once the report is filed, find out what they recommend your next step to be.
Secondly, your son was neglected, there is no way to candy coat it. Neglect is serious when it comes to a child of this age. I am concerned that he never be able to go back into a day care situation that would even resemble the same kind of atmosphere. His little mind may very easily add one plus one and become terrified of being left alone within that kind of atmosphere. I think you need to talk to someone about what happened to him and see if there is a way to help him through it, that is if it becomes an issue for him.
I also think that the day care provider must know how upset you are by now. If you have not called them, or gone down there, you are a better person than I would be about it. If they are aware of how upset you are, they are pulling their ranks together in order to protect themselves and their business. Any action you take is going to be seen as an attack on their business and be hit with resistance, are you ready to see it through to the end?
I am having trouble imagining what situation would have brought about your son being left like that. Why was he in a stroller? Why was he in that room? Why were the doors locked? I know that accidents happen and kids get left behind. I am wondering what kind of events would have led up to this particular situation. I think that is an important issue to follow up on. It is a very important question to have the answer to. What lead up to his being in a stroller in that room. Was he left there by an older child playing and then getting distracted and leaving him behind? Was he left there by an employee? Was he left there on purpose as a punishment of some sort? Was he left by accident? Does anyone admit to knowing why he was there in the first place? All of these questions need answers.
I am glad that your husband found him. I am sorry that your son had to go through it. I hope that you are able to bring it to the attention of the authorities and take it as far as it will go. I do think that you and your son need some time to heal, both of you. Hug him and be there for him. Thank you for being such a good mom to that little guy.