When parents entrust their children to a daycare, they expect a safe and caring environment where their little ones are watched over with the utmost care. Tragically, this trust was shattered for one family in Brunswick, Georgia, when a preventable accident at a local daycare led to the heartbreaking death of their 16-month-old son, Jamal Bryant Jr.
This tragic event not only devastated the family but also highlighted serious lapses in the daycare’s safety protocols, ultimately leading to the facility’s permanent closure.
In March, young Jamal lost his life after a piece of fruit became lodged in his throat, choking him. The staff at The Kids Nest Learning Center, where the incident occurred, reportedly waited nearly two minutes before calling 911, a delay that has been heavily criticized. According to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), this delay may have been a crucial factor in the outcome.
Jamal’s family, overwhelmed with grief, believes that the daycare was grossly negligent in its care. They allege that the staff’s failure to follow basic safety guidelines, such as ensuring children are properly seated while eating and having trained personnel on hand, contributed to their son’s untimely death.
A GoFundMe page set up by Jamal’s family further details their concerns. They claim the daycare gave Jamal an oversized piece of watermelon without proper supervision and that the staff was not adequately trained in CPR, a critical skill in such emergencies.
An investigation by DECAL confirmed that nearly two minutes passed before the staff sought emergency help. During the investigation, The Kids Nest Learning Center was temporarily closed, and significant violations were uncovered.
Charles Grant, the owner of the daycare, admitted in a hearing that only two staff members were present during the incident, and only one was certified in CPR. He also acknowledged that the staff did not follow both the center’s and the state’s rules regarding child supervision during meals.
Jamal’s mother, Taylor Hicks, expressed her sorrow and frustration, saying, “We depend on you all to take care of our children to the best of your ability and if that was one of the rules, I feel like obviously you should have followed them.”
Due to the severe nature of the violations, DECAL decided to close The Kids Nest Learning Center permanently. Although Grant initially appealed this decision, he later withdrew his appeal, leading to the revocation of the daycare’s license.
This deeply saddening incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in childcare settings. The Bryant family is now left to mourn the loss of their beloved son, while the community reflects on the preventable nature of this tragedy. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.