Daycare Worker Charged After Dragging Toddler Across Floor
Daycare Worker Arrested After Video Shows Child Being Dragged Across Floor
What Happened?
A daycare employee in Greene County, Arkansas has been arrested after police say she was caught on camera dragging a 3-year-old child across the floor. The incident happened at Bloom Pediatric Academy in Paragould.
Important Note: This article discusses a case involving harm to a child. The details may be upsetting to some readers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employee Name | Jayden Grider |
| Charge | Second-degree battery |
| Bond Amount | $75,000 (cash or surety) |
| Location | Bloom Pediatric Academy, Paragould, AR |
| Date of Incident | July 28 |
| Child’s Age | 3 years old |
| Current Status | No longer employed at the daycare |
How the Incident Unfolded
1. The Report Comes In
On July 28, the Arkansas Crimes Against Children division and Paragould Police received a report that a 3-year-old child had been injured at Bloom Pediatric Academy.
2. What the Affidavit Says
According to court documents (called an affidavit — a written statement made under oath):
- The child had been placed in time-out
- The child began striking themselves
- Grider grabbed the child by the ankles
- She dragged the child a short distance across the floor
3. The Injuries
The dragging caused "pretty extensive abrasions along the child’s back ribcage area."
Photos given to investigators showed four separate abrasions on the child’s back.
Simple Definition: An abrasion is a scrape or wound where the skin has been rubbed or scraped off.
4. Video Evidence Exists
Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the daycare. The footage matched the report exactly.
5. The Employee’s Admission
During a police interview, Grider acknowledged:
- She did grab the child by the ankles
- She did not report the incident to her supervisor
What Happened Next?
Court Action
- District Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause (enough evidence) to charge Grider with second-degree battery
- Set bond at $75,000 cash or surety
- Cash bond = pay the full amount in cash
- Surety bond = a bail bonds company pays it for a fee (usually 10%)
- Ordered Grider to have no contact with the victims
Daycare Response
We contacted Bloom Pediatric Academy. The director told us:
- Grider is no longer employed there
- They "try to be proactive when it comes to the safety of their children"
Why This Matters
Callout: Protecting Children in Care
This case highlights how important video monitoring, mandatory reporting, and quick investigations are in childcare settings. When caregivers fail to protect children — or worse, cause harm — the system must act fast.
Summary
- A daycare worker dragged a 3-year-old by the ankles across the floor during time-out
- The child suffered four abrasions on their back
- Video footage confirmed what happened
- The worker admitted to the action but didn’t report it
- She’s been charged with second-degree battery and fired
- The daycare says they prioritize child safety
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is "second-degree battery" in simple terms?
A: In Arkansas, second-degree battery means knowingly causing physical injury to someone — in this case, a young child. It’s a serious felony charge.
What does "$75,000 cash or surety bond" mean?
A: To get out of jail before trial, Grider (or someone for her) must either:
- Pay $75,000 in cash to the court, OR
- Pay a bail bonds company ~$7,500 (10%) to post the bond for her
Why didn’t the employee report it herself?
A: The affidavit says she acknowledged she did not report it to her supervisor. The reason why isn’t stated in the public record — but mandatory reporting laws require childcare workers to report any suspected abuse or injury.
Is the daycare still open?
A: Yes. The director confirmed Grider is no longer employed there and emphasized their commitment to safety. No information suggests the facility was shut down.
How can parents know if a daycare is safe?
A: Look for:
- Licensed and inspected by the state
- Cameras in classrooms (and parents allowed to view footage)
- Clear policies on discipline, reporting, and staff training
- Low staff turnover and background checks on all employees
Source: KAIT News | Greene County Sheriff’s Office | Court Records
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