In a shocking incident, two daycare teachers from Kids Unlimited of Prosperity in South Carolina are facing serious charges after allegedly encouraging 3 and 4-year-olds under their care to engage in physical fights, with no intervention to stop the violence.
Ericka Jones, 27, and Serena Caldwell, 56, turned themselves in to authorities following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.
The charges against both teachers include contributing to the delinquency of a minor and unlawful conduct to a child. Jones faces 14 counts of each charge, while Caldwell faces 15, as stated in the department's Friday press release.
Daycare owner John David Dawkins promptly terminated Jones and Caldwell after staff reported their behavior, and security footage was reviewed. Dawkins emphasized the daycare's commitment to child safety and immediately notified the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the Newberry County Sheriff's Department, fully cooperating with the subsequent investigation.
Investigating deputies revealed that the teachers instructed the young children to push, pull, and hit each other, starting with a misguided belief that using violence would discipline or make a child compliant. Sheriff Lee Foster expressed disbelief at the abhorrent behavior, stating, "I have no idea what the two daycare workers were thinking."
A total of 14 children, aged three to four, were involved, with no serious physical injuries reported. However, the potential emotional and psychological damage caused by the incident remains a concern. A parent of one victim shared that their child was instructed to hit another child, highlighting the distressing nature of the situation.
Sheriff Foster clarified that the department considers Jones and Caldwell "rogue employees," absolving the daycare of complicity in their behavior. Despite the incident tarnishing the daycare's reputation, a parent expressed relief that the actions were caught, emphasizing the need for justice while acknowledging the lasting impact on the children involved.
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