Daycare Worker Faces Charges of Child Endangerment Following Injury to 4-Year-Old
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An Ohio daycare worker, Mary Stewart, aged 48, is facing charges of felonious assault and endangering children after reportedly causing harm to a 4-year-old in her care. According to documents from Willoughby Municipal Court as seen by PEOPLE, the charges stem from an incident where a 4-year-old child was found with a broken collarbone after being under Stewart’s supervision.
The situation came to light when the child’s mother, Alexis Higham, received a call from the daycare in May, claiming her daughter had “tripped and fallen over a cot.” However, the child shared a different version of events, alleging that a staff member had forcefully handled her, resulting in the injury.
Higham described her daughter’s visible distress when she picked her up from the daycare, leading them to seek medical attention. The subsequent X-rays confirmed a broken clavicle bone, with the child enduring several hours in the emergency room as a result.
Citing this disturbing incident, Higham made the decision to remove her child from the daycare facility, which remains unnamed. Following a prompt investigation by the Willowick Police Department (WPD), charges were brought against Stewart. Despite pleading not guilty, her case has been forwarded to the Lake County Grand Jury for further assessment.
In light of these developments, PEOPLE has sought perspectives from both the WPD and Stewart’s legal representation to provide insight into the ongoing case. Additionally, Higham has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against Stewart and the daycare in Lake County Common Pleas Court.
Concerns have been raised regarding the security measures at the daycare facility, with Higham highlighting the absence of functional security cameras during the incident involving her daughter. She stressed the need for accountability and systemic improvements within such establishments to ensure the safety of all children under their care.
Legal counsel for Higham, Marco Bocciarelli, echoed her sentiments, emphasising the importance of addressing broader issues within childcare facilities beyond individual accountability. By shedding light on such incidents, advocates hope to prevent future occurrences and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable children in daycare settings.
As investigations and legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to recognise the significance of reporting suspected child abuse promptly. Resources such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline offer confidential support in multiple languages, underlining the community’s collective responsibility to protect children from harm.
The case involving the daycare worker in Ohio serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of children in daycare settings. Heightened vigilance and accountability are vital in upholding the trust placed in such facilities by parents and guardians, reinforcing the paramount need to prioritise child protection above all else.