Day Care Worker Charged with 3 Counts of First-Degree Child Abuse After Dad Alleges His Son Was Injured on First Day

A day care worker in Georgia has been charged with child abuse.

Yvette Thurston, 54, was arrested on Monday, Aug. 11, and faces one count of first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse, police in Bainbridge told Cleveland 19 News.

Police reviewed surveillance video from Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge during the investigation, according to the report.

Cory Weeks, the father of 1-year-old Clay, watched the footage with public safety officers. “Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,” he said.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, Weeks shared two photos on Facebook of Clay, who he said was hurt at the day care. The photos showed bruising and swelling around one eye and scratches on his face.

The father said both of his sons, Wyatt, 3, and Clay, were attending their first day at the day care.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare, and we had to live it and are still living it,” he wrote. He added that his family was “told another child in Clay’s class did this type of damage with a plastic toy.”

Police told Cleveland 19 News that the boy was treated at a local hospital. Records show that Thurston has since been released from Decatur County Jail on a $44,000 bond.

The City of Bainbridge Public Safety confirmed the incident happened at Little Blessings Child Care, which is linked to the Bainbridge Church of God.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) issued a statement to WABL, saying it is aware of the “serious allegations of child abuse at Little Blessings Childcare.”

“DECAL is conducting a thorough investigation into the situation. A teacher has been arrested in connection with these allegations. Since the investigation is still in its early stages, DECAL will continue working closely with law enforcement and all relevant parties to ensure a full review of the facts,” the statement said.