State investigators say a 2.5-year-old walked out of a Jamestown daycare last Wednesday and was left alone outside for at least 15 minutes before staff found the child. The scare has prompted a state licensing review of the center and stirred fresh worries about supervision at small, rural child care programs.
According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, inspectors concluded the child, described in state records as about 2.5 years old, walked out of the agency on Wednesday and remained unattended for at least 15 minutes before staff located the child. The department opened a complaint investigation after the agency reported the incident.
As reported by WATE, the provider identified in state records is Kids Korner Daycare at 629 N Main Street in Jamestown. WATE notes that the Tennessee Department of Human Services public listing currently shows “not applicable” for corrective action tied to the incident and that state officials allege Kids Korner did not fully cooperate with investigators, failed to notify the Department of Children’s Services, and attempted to block interviews with staff and children.
What State Reviews Look For
The case lands against a broader backdrop of questions about how Tennessee handles child care complaints. A state audit published late last year found investigators sometimes left records incomplete and missed required steps, which watchdogs say can weaken accountability. Reporting by Tennessee Lookout highlighted those gaps and called for clearer documentation and timelier responses to keep families better informed.
How To Report Concerns
Parents who have concerns about licensed care can file a complaint through the Tennessee Department of Human Services child care complaint line. The department’s website lists hotline numbers and guidance on what information to provide. According to the department’s online guidance, the complaint hotline is 615-313-4820 and toll-free at 1-800-462-8261, and callers should be prepared to give the provider’s name, address, and specific details about the concern.
State officials say the Jamestown investigation remains active and could lead to enforcement steps if violations are substantiated.
