Police in Snellville say a daycare surveillance video was disturbing enough that it led straight to arrest warrants for two former KoolKids Academy employees. The footage appears to show a child under 2 years old being struck and bitten inside the center.
The boy's mother, Tykara Whitehead, identified him as Mayzyn Woodard and said he had been attending KoolKids Academy for months. Investigators uncovered the alleged abuse while reviewing video from inside the daycare, and that review ultimately triggered the criminal case.
What police say
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the warrants name former employee Theresa Blackwood, who faces charges of simple battery and second-degree cruelty to children, and former employee Trejah Cross, who faces a simple battery charge. Police say the warrants are active.
Investigators reviewed two separate videos: one that appears to show an employee biting the child, and another that appears to show a different employee striking him while he cried, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Whitehead told the station that in the week before she learned of the investigation, her son "started crying every day" when it was time for daycare. She said state caseworkers from the Department of Family and Children Services came to her home late at night to notify her about the allegations. An employee at KoolKids Academy told the outlet that the two workers have been fired, and Whitehead said she wants both held accountable.
Licensed provider details
KoolKids Academy operates as a licensed child-care center in Snellville. Public listings place the center at 2841 Main St W and list it under provider number CCLC-50380, according to Winnie. Parents can look up state licensing records and any updates through Georgia's early-care registry.
Legal charges and penalties
Under Georgia law, "cruelty to children in the second degree" applies when someone "with criminal negligence causes a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain." It is a felony offense that can carry prison time, according to Justia.
Simple battery in Georgia is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor, per Justia. Any eventual penalties in this case will depend on how prosecutors choose to charge and what they are able to prove in court.
What parents can do
For now, warrants in the case remain active as investigators continue their follow-up work. The Gwinnett County prosecutor will decide whether to formally file charges.
Parents who have concerns about a child-care provider can report suspected abuse to Georgia DFCS Child Protective Services at 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-422-4453) or through the agency's online reporting page. More information is available via Georgia DFCS.
