In a troubling case from a Kentucky daycare, alarming reports have surfaced regarding a disturbing practice known as the “hit for a snack” game. An investigation by the Office of Inspector General uncovered that employees at New Creation Childcare in Lexington were allegedly hitting children with rulers to earn a snack, leading to serious legal consequences for the staff involved.
The investigation revealed that two male employees would force children, who were of school age, to line up and receive hits on their hands or legs before being allowed to choose a snack. One child recounted, “The teacher said if you want a yogurt, you have to stand up to get hit on the hand or the leg. Everyone lined up to get a hit. Some kids were crying about it.” Another child expressed their fear, stating, “I didn’t even want a snack, but he hit me anyway.” It’s disheartening to note that some children still bore bruises days later.
In addition to this shocking abuse, the facility was also flagged for other serious violations, including exceeding the allowable child-to-staff ratio and having a broken storefront window. This brings to light a pressing question: why has this daycare not been permanently closed?
Currently, the daycare is under increased scrutiny, with state agencies closely monitoring its operations. A spokesperson from the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services confirmed that agencies are keeping a watchful eye on the facility. However, given the nature of these violations and the facility’s history of prior offenses, many are left wondering if monitoring alone is sufficient.
As parents, we already face the overwhelming stress of finding safe and reliable child care, compounded by exorbitant costs. A study cited by The Washington Post indicated that most daycare facilities are rated as “fair” or “poor,” with only a mere 10 percent providing high-quality care. With childcare expenses now surpassing college tuition, anything less than excellent care is simply unacceptable.
Quality childcare does come at a price, and whether you opt for a babysitter, nanny, or daycare, finding a trustworthy provider is crucial. Yet, if we truly care about families in this country, we must advocate for better support systems. Increased oversight of childcare facilities and government assistance, such as subsidies or tax credits, could alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on parents.
At the end of the day, these are our children’s lives at stake. We owe it to them to demand better standards in childcare. For more insights into related topics, check out our blog post here. And if you’re looking for reputable products, consider visiting Make A Mom for at-home insemination kits, or learn more about pregnancy resources at Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, the revelations surrounding New Creation Childcare underscore a critical need for reform in childcare oversight. We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children, demanding accountability and high-quality care.
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