Hamilton daycare video has community outraged

Sep 01, 2023

Image from the Oct. 4, 2022, incident at Lil' Blessings Child Care in Hamilton, Mississippi.

HAMILTON, Miss. (WTVA) - Video of adults scaring toddlers at a Monroe County daycare has the community outraged.

The image shown above is from an incident that happened Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Lil’ Blessings Daycare in Hamilton.

The video shows a daycare worker wearing a Halloween mask intentionally frightening the children who scream and cry in fear.

At least one other employee is seen laughing.

WTVA was able to receive permission from the person who recorded the video. WTVA is not showing the children's faces. The edited version is shown above or open this link.

The owner said a similar incident was also recorded in September, but the owner said she was not made aware of the incidents until the video surfaced this week on social media.

The owner did confirm four employees have been fired as a result.

WTVA reporter Ethan Foster spoke Thursday morning with several parents and the owner of the daycare.

Some parents believe the owner had nothing to do with the employees’ actions and will continue to use the facility.

Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook said no criminal charges have been filed and his office is looking into the matter.

WTVA reporter Sami Roebuck spoke with counselor Trey Hill to learn about the potential for lasting mental effects.

Digital Content Manager

Zac is from the Athens community in Monroe County. He's a graduate of Hatley High School, Itawamba Community College and Mississippi University for Women.

Meteorologist

Chelsea is from Amory, Mississippi. She's a graduate of Amory High School and Mississippi State University.