Forsyth daycare has 10 days to appeal after license revoked following investigation

The Forsyth Methodist Church’s Caring for Kids Daycare will permanently shut down, pending an appeal window, following the revocation of its license by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Forsyth Methodist Church’s Caring for Kids Daycare will permanently shut down, pending an appeal window, following the revocation of its license by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

The decision comes after a formal investigation revealed serious violations that endangered the physical and mental well-being of children at the facility.

According to DECAL, the daycare committed four major rule violations, ultimately leading to the license being pulled.

One of the violations reads in part:

“Requires personnel to obtain specific written authorization from the child’s physician or parent in order to dispense prescription or non-prescription medications except for first aid.”

Investigators found that on March 3, a staff member gave over-the-counter Benadryl to two 2-year-old children. Then, on March 5, another staff member gave the medication to three 2-year-olds without documenting that it had been dispensed as required.

Another violation requires that a record of any medication dispensed must include the date, time, and amount. That documentation was missing in this case.

A third violation prohibits physical or emotional abuse by childcare personnel. Video footage from March 5 showed children being snatched, shoved and yelled at as a form of discipline.

Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman confirmed the investigation began after a concerned parent suspected wrongdoing at the daycare.

“It’s breaking my heart, but there’s nothing that we can do,” shared the original owner, Tina.

The investigation led to the arrests of three staff members:

• Cathy Stevick (Daycare Director): Three counts of failure to report child abuse (misdemeanor)
• Shelby Webb (Teacher): One count of simple battery (misdemeanor) and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree (felony)
• Kendasja Hughley (Teacher): Six counts of cruelty to children in the first degree (felony), eight counts of simple battery (misdemeanor) and two counts of reckless conduct (misdemeanor)

All three are currently out on bond and are expected to appear before a grand jury in the coming months.

The church’s pastor declined to comment on the matter. The case has now been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for further legal action.

In response to DECAL’s findings, the license holder has 10 days to appeal the decision by requesting an administrative hearing.