Parents and neighbors are grappling with horror after a 1-year-old boy suffered serious injuries at Little Blessings Child Care, raising urgent questions about safety and oversight in church-affiliated daycare centers.

A Georgia daycare worker has been arrested following allegations of severe child abuse after a 1-year-old boy arrived at a church-run childcare center with a black eye, facial swelling, and multiple cuts.

Authorities said Yvette Thurston, 54, faces three counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of first-degree aggravated battery.

She was taken into custody Monday after Decatur County investigators reviewed reports and video evidence from Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, a facility run by the local Church of God near the Florida border.

The toddler, Clay Weeks, was under the care of Thurston on his first day at the center when the injuries were discovered.

His father, Cory Weeks, a U.S. Marine, posted graphic photos on Facebook showing the extent of the boy’s injuries, writing, “This is every parent’s worst nightmare and we had to live it and are still living it.”

Weeks described how both his 1-year-old son Clay and 3-year-old son Wyatt had started at the daycare that morning, expecting a safe and nurturing environment.

Weeks told social media followers that he had initially been told another child had caused the injuries with a plastic toy. “We were told another child in Clay’s class did this type of damage,” he said.

After following up with the daycare, Weeks tracked down surveillance footage that he said showed Thurston attacking his son. “Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,” he said.

added that the severity of the abuse led him to believe Thurston had prior incidents at the center. “We trusted this facility to care and love our kids, and on their first day that was violated,” he said.

Clay was immediately taken to Memorial Hospital and Manor for treatment. While specific details of the assault have not been released, authorities confirmed that surveillance footage played a critical role in initiating the investigation.

A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) said, “It is our understanding that the employee has been terminated by the child care program.

As our investigation is still in its early stages, DECAL will continue to work closely with law enforcement and all relevant parties to ensure a comprehensive review of the facts.”

Little Blessings Child Care has not publicly responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Weeks pledged that he would pursue justice to ensure the incident is not overlooked.

“There will be more coming from this, and we will make sure nothing is ‘swept under the rug,’” he wrote online, emphasizing the importance of accountability and child safety.

Community members expressed shock and concern following Weeks’ post. Neighbors described the daycare as a trusted facility where parents often left their children for extended hours while working.

Many parents in Bainbridge voiced frustration that such an incident could occur in a faith-based childcare program. Social media has amplified the story, with many commenters praising Weeks for sharing the images publicly to bring attention to the alleged abuse.

Thurston, who was arrested Monday, faces multiple serious charges, which could lead to decades in prison if convicted.

Investigators have indicated that the case will be closely monitored as authorities gather more evidence and speak with other families who may have children enrolled at Little Blessings Child Care.

The incident has prompted broader questions about oversight and regulation of daycare facilities in Georgia, particularly those run by churches or private organizations.

Experts in early childhood education say that while most childcare providers adhere to strict safety and care guidelines, cases like this are rare but alarming.

“Parents place an immense amount of trust in these facilities, and it’s critical that regular monitoring and strict screening of staff are enforced,” said a local child welfare advocate.

For now, Clay’s family is focused on his recovery and ensuring that he receives proper care and support after the traumatic event.

Weeks continues to update friends and followers on social media as he navigates both his son’s healing and the legal process against Thurston. Community members have rallied around the family, offering support, meals, and assistance during the difficult time.

This case has reignited discussion about the safety of children in daycare centers across the country, highlighting the importance of transparency, parental vigilance, and regulatory oversight.

Authorities emphasize that anyone who suspects abuse or observes suspicious behavior at childcare facilities should report it immediately to local law enforcement or child protective services.

As the investigation continues, parents in Bainbridge and beyond are left grappling with fear and anger, questioning how such a trusted, church-affiliated center could allow a young child to be harmed on his very first day.

The outcome of Thurston’s prosecution may have implications for daycare safety policies statewide and for oversight practices in church-run childcare programs.

Clay’s story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children in institutional care and the critical need for vigilance, accountability, and swift action when abuse is suspected. Authorities and community members alike are watching closely as the legal process unfolds.