March 13, 2025
LeapFrog academy employee Nkiya McLester is accused of throwing a picket block at a toddler inflicting “swollen blood vessels” in his eye.
A Georgia daycare employee has been arrested for hitting a toddler, Atlanta Information First reported. Nkiya McLester was taken into custody and charged with baby cruelty after video proof confirmed her allegedly throwing a picket block at a 2-year-old.
The incident occurred at Leapfrog Academy in Union Metropolis. After returning dwelling, the toddler’s dad and mom observed a scratch close to his eye. The boy’s father, Jared Graves, was informed the toddler had fallen on a mop bucket, inflicting the harm. In response to Graves, the harm appeared extreme for a easy fall.
“A gash proper right here, by his eye, and he additionally has swollen blood vessels within the nook of his eye,” Graves mentioned. “He was bleeding.”
Unhappy with the reason, the dad and mom demanded to see the safety footage. Upon evaluation, each the daycare director and Graves witnessed McLester throwing a picket block on the baby after he ran right into a storage cubicle.
Legislation enforcement was contacted instantly, Leapfrog Academy mentioned in an announcement.
“There was 100% transparency from the start, and the kid on the time wanted no medical therapy,” the assertion learn.
Graves believes the power is at fault and is heartbroken by the callousness and hazard his baby was subjected to.
“We wish to press prices to the fullest extent of the legislation, and we additionally wish to sue the varsity as nicely,” Graves mentioned.”My coronary heart broke, my world got here crashing down, that’s my son,” he continued.
Current information signifies that baby abuse in daycare settings stays a big concern. In fiscal yr 2023, states reported a complete of 546,159 victims of kid abuse and neglect, leading to a victimization price of seven.4 per 1,000 youngsters.
Whereas complete statistics detailing incidents occurring inside daycare amenities are restricted, these general figures spotlight the continuing challenges confronted in baby safety at daycare amenities.
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