For most parents, dropping their child off at daycare for the first time is emotional but hopeful. But for 1-year-old Clay, his first day at Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, Georgia, ended in horror.
Clay’s father, Cory Weeks, a U.S. Marine, was shocked to find his son with a swollen face, bruises, and cuts. Daycare staff initially claimed another child injured Clay with a toy — but surveillance footage revealed otherwise.
Yvette Thurston, 54, a daycare worker, was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of aggravated battery. She has since been released on $44,000 bond and removed from her position.
Weeks shared graphic images of Clay online, describing the ordeal as “every parent’s worst nightmare.” He said both Clay and his 3-year-old brother had just started at the daycare and that the video showed Thurston assaulting Clay.
Clay was rushed to Memorial Hospital and Manor for treatment. Weeks urged other parents to question injuries and not be misled by cheerful daycare photos.
Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning is investigating the incident. Weeks has vowed to fight for justice, stating, “We will make sure nothing is swept under the rug.”