Daycare Child Abuse Allegations Spark DHS Investigation

Allegations of child abuse at a daycare center have sparked a Department of Human Services investigation.

Friday, November 1st 2013, 6:52 pm

By: News 9


Allegations of child abuse at a daycare center have sparked a Department of Human Services investigation.

It is the fourth time in 2013 that state officials have been called to investigate Stay-N-Play in Shawnee, according to a release from DHS.

An employee, who reported the alleged abuse, says she was fired for speaking out. She is continuing to talk, however, to News 9. Former employee Megien Walker says she witnessed a worker kick a 1-year-old boy in the head. She says it didn't stop there.

Walker worked at Stay-N-Play in Shawnee until late October. That's when Walker says what she saw had her calling DHS.

6/30/2013 Related Story: Child Burned, Mother Files Child Neglect Charges Against Shawnee Daycare 

"[The worker] wanted [the boy] to sit down on the carpet, and he wouldn't stay sitting down," said Walker. "So the employee kicked him in his forehead."

That employee is the same man who had two mothers calling police and News 9 in July, when the moms said a child received 2nd-degree burns at the center. News 9 wanted answers, but we we're told to leave the daycare Friday. The daycare eventually answered some question, saying the current allegations are bogus.

According to DHS records, six complaints have been made against Stay-N-Play since June of 2012. The agency says most were unsubstantiated, except for evidence of "lack of supervision" and "staff child ratios."

"After … DHS showed up to investigate, then I got the text message saying I was fired," Walker said.

Walker's mom, who was working at Stay-N-Play Friday, was also fired after News 9 paid the owner a visit. Walker says no reason was given for her mom's employment termination.

7/3/2013 Related Story: Shawnee Mother Accuses Daycare of Abusing Daughter

Stay-N-Play says the man at center of the current investigation has been fired. The father of the 1-year-old boy tells News 9 he is considering a lawsuit against the daycare. The Walkers are also considering taking the owners to court.

From DHS:

History:

Facility applied in April 2012.   

Complaints:

 

June 2012 – Staff/Child Ratios – Unsubstantiated

August 2012 – Staff/Child Ratios and Inappropriate behavior and guidance –  both Unsubstantiated

September 2012 – Staff/Child Ratios and Rest time – both Unsubstantiated

July 1, 2013 – Lack of Supervision and Staff-Child Ratios – both Substantiated

July 17, 2013 – Inappropriate behavior and guidance – Unsubstantiated

October 7, 2013 – Lack of supervision – Unsubstantiated

Now [DHS has] a current pending complaint and the investigation is ongoing.

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