Injustice in Georgia Daycares Due to Lack of Central Database
A lack of a centralized database in Georgia has allowed daycare violations—including deaths and injuries—to go unnoticed, leaving children at risk. An investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2011 revealed nearly 500 major incidents in Georgia child care programs over five years, including eight deaths and 239 injuries. However, without a system to track violations, we don’t know if conditions have improved or worsened, making it difficult to hold daycares accountable. Despite these alarming figures, few centers faced closure, exposing a system failing to protect its most vulnerable.
February 14, 2014
Piersen Eaker
On February 14, 2014, the Eaker family's life was irrevocably altered when their child, Piersen Eaker, suffered severe injuries due to being shaken. This tragic event underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures and vigilant oversight in childcare settings to prevent such devastating incidents.
June 20, 2014
On June 20, 2011, two-year-old Jazmin Green tragically died after being left unattended in a daycare van for three hours on a hot day in Jonesboro, Georgia. The incident occurred following a field trip to Chuck E. Cheese, during which a 16-year-old was tasked with supervising the children. Unaware of this arrangement, Jazmin's mother, April McAlister, expressed her shock and grief upon learning that a teenager was responsible for her child's care. In May 2014, the daycare owner, Marlo Fallings, and her daughter, Quantabia Hopkins, were sentenced to jail for their roles in this preventable tragedy."
October 29, 2012
On October 29, 2012, two-year-old Tripp Halstead was critically injured when a falling tree limb struck his head while he played outside his daycare in Winder, Georgia. The accident resulted in severe brain injuries, leading to extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Tripp's parents, Stacy and Bill Halstead, chronicled his journey on the "Tripp Halstead Updates" Facebook page, amassing a large following of supporters. Despite his family's unwavering dedication and the support of many, Tripp passed away on March 15, 2018, at the age of seven, after being hospitalized for an infection that caused labored breathing.
In the years following Tripp's passing, Stacy Halstead has continued to share memories and updates on social media. On September 28, 2023, National Sons Day, she posted a heartfelt message expressing her enduring grief, stating, "Some days I miss him so much I can’t breathe."
The "Tripp Halstead Updates" Facebook page faced challenges in September 2022 when it was hacked, with unauthorized individuals posting content and attempting to exploit the page's large following for financial gain. The Halstead family worked diligently to regain control of the page and protect Tripp's legacy. citeturn0search3
Throughout these experiences, the Halstead family has shown resilience and a commitment to honoring Tripp's memory, while also raising awareness about the importance of safety in childcare environments.