UPDATE:
A Bainbridge daycare has decided against an appeal following a child abuse case involving one of its workers.
On Friday, an emergency closure was issued to close Little Blessings Childcare.
The center had 48 hours to make an appeal.
The Georgia Deparmtent of Early Care and Learning said, "After consulting with our legal department, they initially expressed the desire to appeal but ultimately decided against it."
UPDATE: August 22, 2025
A Bainbridge daycare in the middle of a child abuse investigation has now been issued an emergency closure order. This comes after a teacher at Little Blessings Childcare was arrested for allegedly abusing a child earlier this month.
The order was given on Friday, August 22nd, by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). They say the daycare has 48 hours to appeal the decision before an administrative law judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH). If not, the daycare will close, and DECAL says they will have 21 days to continue its investigation.
DECAL recognizes this decision will cause significant concern and disruption for families affected by the closure. They offer a free service to assist parents in finding quality child care.
Families can find more information on these resources by calling the Quality Rated Family Support Call Center toll-free at 1-877-ALL GA KIDS or by clicking here.
Original:
The district attorney for the South Georgia Circuit has condemned threats made against a magistrate judge after bond was issued in a child abuse case.
District attorney Joe Mulholland said the day care worker was charged with three counts of cruelty to children, and one count of aggravated battery. Bainbridge Public Safety identified the suspect as 54-year-old Yvette Thurston.
Mulholland released this statement: "Our office will not tolerate abuse of the children in our community, who are entrusted to others for their safety while their parents work to make a living. Likewise, we will not tolerate threats against our judges, who are carrying out their sworn duty under the laws of the State of Georgia. Any individual who seeks to undermine the safety of our children or the integrity of our judicial system by making threats will be dealt with swiftly and harshly."
"The rule of law is the foundation of our community," Mulholland added. "Our judges deserve to perform their duties without fear for their safety. You may not like their decisions, but you don’t have the right to threaten them or their families. If you do, you will be prosecuted by my office to the full extent of the law."
The incident report, released by Bainbridge Public Safety, says officers responded to Little Blessings Daycare on Independence Street August 11 about child neglect.
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