Daycare worker arrested after toddler arrives with black eye

A Parent’s Nightmare at Daycare
For many parents, leaving their child at daycare is full of hope. But for 1-year-old Clay, his first day at Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, Georgia, turned into a nightmare. His father, Cory Weeks, a U.S. Marine, was shocked to see Clay with “severe injuries, bruises, and cuts” on his face after daycare. Weeks shared, “This is every parent’s worst nightmare and we had to live it and are still living it.”

False Story and Video Evidence
At first, the daycare staff said another child had caused Clay’s injuries with a toy. But Weeks demanded answers and obtained video footage showing daycare worker Yvette Thurston allegedly assaulting Clay. Weeks said, “Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul.” The injuries were so serious that Weeks believes “this was not her first time.”

Medical Care and Investigation
Clay was rushed to Memorial Hospital and Manor for treatment. Weeks warned other parents, “Don’t ever feel like you can’t question how an injury happened to your child because I almost didn’t… Also don’t believe the ‘happy pictures’ sent to you parents because we had that done as well during a day of complete torture of our Clay.” Authorities confirmed they reviewed the daycare footage, but details remain private.

Legal Actions and Ongoing Justice
Yvette Thurston, 54, was arrested and faces multiple child abuse charges. She was released on a $44,000 bond but removed from her position. Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning said, “The employee has been terminated by the child care program,” and they will “continue to work closely with law enforcement.” Weeks promised, “There will be more coming from this, and we will make sure nothing is ‘swept under the rug.’”