Holland Daycare License Suspended After Child Injury Investigation

What Happened?

A home daycare provider in Holland, Michigan, named Stephanie Williams, had her license suspended by the state. This happened after an investigation found she broke several important safety rules, and a young child in her care was badly hurt.

Location: Holland, Michigan
Agency: Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) and Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB)
Investigation concluded: July 30

Why Was the License Suspended?

The investigation found three major violations:

• Failure to provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times
• Failure to ensure all personnel are safe and suitable to be around children
• Failure to keep the outdoor play area clean, safe, and hazard-free

The Incident: What Happened to the Child?

A 3-year-old child (called "Child A" in reports) was left outside alone while in Williams’ care. The child fell off a caterpillar tunnel toy (a climbing/crawling play structure).

What the Provider Told the Parent

Williams texted the child’s mother:

"[Child A] wiped out pretty good and had a blood nose. He’s totally fine, no tears. And is back to running."

But when the mother arrived to pick up her child, she saw serious injuries on his face, ears, neck, and other body parts.

Medical Findings: Two Doctor Visits, Serious Injuries

First Visit: Corewell Health Zeeland Emergency Room

Injuries found:

• Swollen, bruised ear
• Scrapes (abrasions) on neck, chest, arms, and legs
• Bruising and swelling on forehead
• Swollen left eyelid
• Suspected blood behind the left eardrum
• Frontal scalp swelling and/or hematoma (a collection of blood outside blood vessels)

Second Visit (3 days later): Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital – Center for Child Protection

Additional injuries documented:

• Bruising on right forehead
• Scrape on left forehead
• Multiple scrapes around left eye
• Bruising on left cheek
• Scrapes on left cheek
• Scrape on left upper lip
• Bruising on most of outer left ear
• Bruising and scrape behind left ear
• Scrape on right upper cheek under right eye
• Bruising on left hand near thumb
• Scrapes on right side of neck

What Doctors Said: "Not Consistent with a Simple Fall"

A medical report signed the next day stated:

"A single falling event would not be expected to cause injuries to the multiple planes of his right neck, left ear, and both sides of his face."
"Ear bruising is uncommon from accidental events and is more associated with inflicted injury."
"The totality of [Child A]’s injuries would not be explained by a single short fall from which he sustained a nosebleed. The absence of an explanation for the other injuries raises concern for physical abuse, or additional accidents that were not witnessed or disclosed."

Home Inspection: Safety Hazards Found

During an on-site visit, investigators found multiple dangers in the backyard:

• Large holes and divots in the ground
• Uncovered brick firepit with no barriers
• Stack of cement pavers (heavy, unsecured)
• Uncovered propane grill

These are serious hazards for young children playing outside.

Another Major Violation: Unapproved Person Caring for Kids

Investigators also discovered that someone without a background check was:

• Having unsupervised contact with children daily
• Changing diapers

State law requires background checks for anyone working in a licensed child care home. This person was not allowed to be there.

What Happens Now?

Immediate Suspension Order

• Williams is banned from operating her family child care home
• She must inform all parents of children in her care that her license is suspended

Next Steps

• Williams has 7 days to appeal
• An administrative hearing before a judge will be scheduled

MiLEAP’s Statement

"It was critical to take emergency action to protect the health, welfare and safety of the children at this family child care home."

Important Points to Remember

Child care licenses exist to keep kids safe
Supervision must be constant – no child left alone outside
Background checks are mandatory for anyone caring for children
Play areas must be hazard-free – no firepits, holes, or unsecured heavy items
Medical experts can tell the difference between accidental falls and concerning injury patterns
Parents must be notified immediately when a license is suspended

Summary

Stephanie Williams’ home daycare license in Holland, MI, was suspended after an investigation revealed multiple safety violations and serious unexplained injuries to a 3-year-old child. The child was left unsupervised outside, fell from a play toy, and suffered extensive bruising and abrasions on the face, ears, neck, and body. Two medical exams concluded the injuries were not consistent with a simple fall and raised concerns about possible physical abuse or undisclosed accidents. The home’s backyard had dangerous hazards, and an unvetted person was caring for children. The state took emergency action to protect children. Williams has 7 days to appeal, and a hearing will follow.

FAQ

What is MiLEAP?

MiLEAP stands for the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. It’s the state agency that oversees child care licensing and early education programs in Michigan.

Why is a background check required for daycare workers?

Background checks ensure that anyone caring for children does not have a history of abuse, neglect, or violent crimes. It’s a basic safety rule to protect kids.

Can a single fall cause injuries on both sides of the face and neck?

Medical experts say no. Injuries on multiple planes (right neck, left ear, both sides of face) from one short fall are very unlikely. Ear bruising especially is rare in accidents and more common in inflicted injury.

What happens to the children currently in the daycare?

The suspension order requires Williams to notify all parents immediately. Parents must find alternative licensed care. The state may help families transition.

How can I check if a daycare is licensed and safe?

Visit Michigan.gov/MiLEAP to:

• Search licensed providers
• View inspection reports
• Learn about safety standards
• File a complaint if you have concerns