ALLENDALE, Mich. — A former childcare worker will spend some time behind bars after hitting at least three kids at her job. It was reported…
ALLENDALE, Mich. — A former childcare worker will spend some time behind bars after hitting at least three kids at her job. It was reported in February at the Rainbow Child Care Center in Allendale.
On Tuesday, the parking lot at that Rainbow Childcare Center remained empty. The business closed its doors for good following a child abuse investigation.
The focus of that probe was Keyonia Ratliff who admitted in a state investigation she may have used “inappropriate” discipline methods, including “flicking children’s faces.”
Less than two weeks after the state investigation began, a temporary suspension of Rainbow’s license was ordered. In March, a recommendation was made by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems that Rainbow’s license be suspended and revoked.
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Ratliff pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and battery for the three victims all under the age of two that attended the childcare facility.
“Although I understand why they decided to charge Miss Ratcliff with assault and battery, her hitting my daughters constitutes child abuse,” a parent of two of the victims, who did not want to be identified by her name, said in court on Tuesday.
“Miss Ratcliff intentionally caused physical and mental harm to vulnerable 17 month olds. She should never be allowed to work with any children in any capacity.”
Ratcliff, who has no prior record, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and a year of probation. Judge Judy Mulder also mandated Ratcliff to seek counseling for anger management.
“When children are entrusted to your care as a caregiver, our society holds you to a little bit of a higher standard. They expect that when children are brought to you they’re not going to be hurt,” Judge Mulder said at sentencing.
“It’s a mistake that I made and I am really sorry. I really didn’t mean to cause any harm and I’m really sorry for it,” Ratcliff told the courtroom.
Rainbow Child Care Center did confirm the permanently closure of their Allendale location.
