MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Fire erupted at a Murfreesboro child care center, but the 22 children and their half-dozen caretakers have escaped unharmed.

The fire broke out Monday morning at the Shining Stars daycare center, which is licensed to care for 44 children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age, according to the state Department of Human Services website.

Assistant Police Chief Allen Swader said the fire appears to have started in a laundry room. He said heavy smoke and fire were coming from the side of the home when units arrived at 9:23.

Health Services spokeswoman Susan Sizemore said the center opened in 2009, was placed on probation in May 2010, and has since shown signs of improvement. She said they are working to identify another daycare for the displaced children.