N.C. Daycare Worker Charged for Allegedly Breaking Child’s Leg While Placing Them in ‘Criss Cross Applesauce’ Position

A 24-year-old woman from North Carolina has been charged with felony child abuse after a serious incident at a Raleigh daycare centre resulted in a young boy suffering a fractured leg. The child’s injury reportedly occurred at a KinderCare facility on Mitchell Mill Road during an event on August 22, 2025, according to court documents.

Ashley Nicole Taris is alleged to have caused the injury while attempting to position the boy into a “criss-cross applesauce” seating arrangement, a common pose used in early childhood education. The warrant indicates that the child described the painful moment to investigators, leading to medical examinations that confirmed a spiral fracture of the tibia, which was consistent with the child’s account of the incident.

The child’s family and relevant authorities were informed following the incident, and investigations ensued. In November 2025, state regulators moved to disqualify Taris from providing childcare based on the circumstances surrounding the case. This development highlights the serious nature of the allegations and the regulatory measures taken to ensure child safety within childcare environments.

In a statement issued to the media, a spokesperson for KinderCare confirmed Taris no longer works with the company, emphasising that she had not been employed there since October 2025. The statement also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to child safety, stating, “At KinderCare, the safety and well-being of the children in our care is always our top priority.”

Initially, Taris was permitted to continue working under a safety plan following the incident. However, the state licensing officials later deemed it necessary for her to be removed from the classroom while the investigation was ongoing. This decision reflects the seriousness with which regulatory bodies address potential risks in childcare settings.

The case has garnered significant media attention and raises important questions about the standards of care in daycare facilities. Parents often rely on these centres for safe environments for their children; incidents like this one can understandably cause alarm among families and communities.

Experts in child welfare and safety express the importance of having stringent regulations and oversight in place to prevent abuse and ensure that children are treated with the utmost care and respect in daycare settings. Training staff in appropriate and safe interaction techniques is essential to minimise the likelihood of such incidents occurring.

Child welfare advocates encourage any individuals who suspect child abuse to report their concerns. Resources are available, such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers confidential support and guidance 24 hours a day. The hotline aims to assist individuals in navigating these difficult situations while ensuring that children receive the protection they deserve.

As the legal proceedings progress, the community watches closely, hoping for justice and an assurance that such troubling incidents will prevent future occurrences, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in the protection of children within educational and care settings.