A TODDLER’S first day at a daycare ended in horror after he was allegedly beaten by a worker who later blamed another child.
The shocking claims were made by the boy’s father, who shared photos of his son’s battered face and a chilling video that he says exposed the employee’s lies.
A Georgia daycare worker was arrested after allegedly abusing a one-year-old boy on his first day[/caption]
The shocking claims were made by the boy’s father, who shared photos of his son’s battered face[/caption]
The abuse left the child with a black eye and scratches[/caption]
The video allegedly captured Yvette Thurston, 54, pushing a table into Clay, knocking him to the floor[/caption]
The ordeal unfolded at Little Blessings Child Care, a church-affiliated daycare in Bainbridge, Georgia, near the Florida border.
One-year-old Clay Weeks was left with a black eye, deep scratches, and swelling after just hours inside the classroom.
His father, Cory Weeks, a Marine, called it “every parent’s worst nightmare” in a Facebook post that quickly spread online.
Cory said staff initially told him another child caused the injuries with a plastic toy.
But surveillance footage, which he later viewed with Bainbridge Public Safety officers, allegedly showed a different story.
The video reportedly captured Yvette Thurston, 54, pushing a table into Clay, knocking him to the floor, and failing to help him.
Authorities said Thurston was arrested on August 11 and charged with first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse.
She was booked into the Decatur County Jail before posting bond set at $44,000.
“Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,” Cory wrote after watching the footage.
He added that the “severity of the acts of violence” led him to believe it was not Thurston’s first time hurting a child.
Clay’s injuries were treated at Memorial Hospital and Manor, where EMTs and staff documented evidence while also comforting the boy.
Cory praised both emergency responders and hospital staff for their care, saying they ensured Clay felt safe after what he called a “day of torture.”
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning confirmed Thurston had been terminated and announced an emergency 21-day closure of Little Blessings.
Daycare Horror
- Victim: Clay Weeks, 1, injured on his first day at Little Blessings Child Care
- Suspect: Yvette Thurston, 54
- Charges: Three counts of first-degree child abuse, one count of first-degree aggravated battery
- Arrest: August 11 in Bainbridge, Georgia
- Bond: $44,000 – later released
- Evidence: Surveillance footage allegedly showed the attack
- Closure: State ordered a 21-day emergency shutdown of the daycare
- Investigation: Ongoing by Georgia DECAL and law enforcement
The order, which the church did not appeal, means the daycare will remain shut until at least September 21.
Clay’s mother, Cassie, posted after the closure was announced: “Thank you God for this step in the right direction.”
The case has also sparked anger in the community after a judge received threats for granting Thurston bond.
District Attorney Joe Mulholland warned that anyone making threats would be prosecuted, stressing judges must be able to rule without fear for their safety.
“The rule of law is the foundation of our community,” his office said, adding they “will not tolerate abuse of the children in our community” nor threats against officials.
Thurston has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The daycare itself has also not issued a direct statement about the arrest.
DECAL said its investigation remains ongoing and it will continue working with law enforcement on a full review of the incident.
Cory has urged other parents to always ask questions when their children come home with injuries.
“Don’t ever feel like you can’t question how an injury happened to your child because I almost didn’t,” he warned.
He also cautioned parents not to rely on “happy pictures” from classrooms, claiming they can mask what is really happening.
“This was his first day,” Cory wrote. “We trusted this facility, and on day one that trust was violated.”
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800 422 4453 or live chat at https://www.childhelphotline.org/.
If a child or other person is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.
The ordeal unfolded at Little Blessings Child Care, a church-affiliated daycare in Bainbridge[/caption]
