Day care employee indicted for severe child mistreatment; toddler said to have been hurt on their initial day at the center
In Bainbridge, Georgia, a child care worker named Yvette Thurston was arrested on August 11, 2025, and charged with first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse[1][2]. The alleged incident took place at Little Blessings Child Care facility, where Thurston was employed.
The arrest was made by the Bainbridge police, and Thurston's bond was set at $44,000 for all four charges[1]. According to jail records, she has since posted bond and been released from Decatur County Jail.
Following the allegations, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) launched a thorough investigation and issued an emergency closure order to Little Blessings Childcare on August 22, 2025. The daycare was given 48 hours to appeal before permanent closure, and DECAL offers affected families support finding other childcare options during the disruption[3].
The child involved in the alleged incident was treated at a local hospital for visible swelling and bruising around the eye. The boy's father, Cory Weeks, shared images of his toddler after the alleged treatment on social media, but did not disclose the nature of the images[2].
Investigators were able to view surveillance video from the day care that contributed to the investigation. No specific details about the nature of the alleged child abuse or the condition of the child have been provided.
The case and arrest have garnered local attention, with the district attorney condemning threats against the magistrate judge involved in the bond hearing[3]. Representatives affiliated with the Little Blessings Child Care facility did not immediately comment regarding the situation.
This situation remains under active investigation by DECAL and local law enforcement, with the daycare facility closed pending the outcome[1][3]. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning encourages anyone with information about the case to contact their office.
[1] - [Source 1] [2] - [Source 2] [3] - [Source 3]
- The child abuse case at Little Blessings Child Care facility, which resulted in the arrest of Yvette Thurston, has also captured the attention of the health-and-wellness sphere, as the child involved was treated at a local hospital for visible injuries.
- As the science and mental-health community aims to understand and prevent such incidents, the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors continue to follow the ongoing investigation into the first-degree child abuse allegations at Little Blessings Child Care facility.
