JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — A 4-month-old boy was found in a dark room at a day care center with a pacifier taped into his mouth, the Tennessee Department of Human Services announced Wednesday.
The department responded Tuesday to an anonymous complaint that a caregiver at Noah's Ark Nursery and Preschool in Jefferson City was taping babies' mouths shut.
Upon arrival, an investigator heard muffled whining from the bathroom and found the another baby's mouth covered with two pieces of two-inch-wide clear packing tape over a pacifier, department spokeswoman Michelle Mowery Johnson said.
The center was served with a suspension order from DHS and was closed Wednesday. A hearing was set for Thursday before an administrative judge.
Nursery owner Kim Trentham, who has run the daycare since 1993, did not answer repeated calls to the center or her home.
"It's absolutely unbelievable that this would happen," Johnson said. "They have no respect or concern for life. The child could have died."
Our Goals: (From The Noah's Ark CHRISTIAN" Daycare)
1.To develop the child's confidence and self-esteem, so they feel good about themselves.
2.To challenge their creativity and curiosity.
3.To teach them respect and kindness, and manners.
4.To teach them about the Love of God and His Love for them.
