An Indianapolis day care director and an employee allegedly injured a toddler. Both have been charged for their failure to supervise children.
Daycare director Ashley James, 30, with employee Brandi Bonner, 23, were charged Wednesday with neglect resulting in bodily injury, a level 5 felony. Records show that the facility has also committed the same violation in January as there has been an improper child/staff ratio that period as well.
A 1-year-old girl was seriously hurt on Oct. 1, 2016, due to lack of caretakers at the facility in the Live, Laugh, Love and Learn Daycare, 6700 block of 38th Street. James left eight children in the care of Bonner, having her to violate Indiana law on a caregiver to child ratios, based on court documents.
Prosecutors presented a video showing an 11-year-old boy strangling and beating up the baby using a wooden paddle. Bonner allegedly saw the girl get injured but did not bother much as she continued to leave the two children together. The child suffered from the swollen lip, bruising to her cheeks and deep cuts to her back, as reported by WTHR.
Bonner is to be in court at 9 a.m. Dec. 15. James is set for a hearing at 1 p.m. on the same day.
In spite of the charges and scandal about the daycare, some parents shared their thoughts about the services they get from the facility. One mother said that she loves the daycare, the staff, and even Ashley.
"I love the daycare, I love the team, I love Ashley," said Tosha Rush in an interview with WISH TV, who has two children who attend Live, Laugh, Love and Learn Daycare. "Don't listen to rumors, they are going to tell you what they are going to tell, it is a wonderful daycare just come and see."
Investigators speculate that James learned of the child's injuries and knowingly left Bonner responsible for the care of eight children. Things will be clearer upon completing the hearing on Thursday.
