Toddler at Homewood Daycare Placed in Trash Can as ‘Punishment’

Police Investigate After 4-Year-Old Left Outside in Sub-Freezing Temperatures

Police in Homewood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, are investigating an incident in which a 4-year-old child was allegedly placed outside in sub-freezing temperatures as part of a “punishment” earlier this month.

Incident Details

According to authorities, a 58-year-old daycare worker placed the toddler outside in the alley of the daycare for approximately 20 seconds. At the time of the incident, the temperature outside was 19 degrees, according to police.

Punishment Continues

After that 20 seconds had elapsed, the toddler was brought inside and was placed in an empty garbage can “as a form of punishment,” police said.

Daycare Worker Charged

On Thursday, the daycare worker was charged with one count of endangering the life of a child, a misdemeanor, according to police.

Possible Consequences

According to Illinois law, the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor count of child endangerment is 364 days in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.

Daycare Worker Released

The suspect in the case was released pretrial, according to Homewood police.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of proper care and treatment of children, especially in educational settings. It is crucial for caregivers to prioritize the well-being and safety of the children in their care, and any form of punishment that puts a child in harm’s way is unacceptable.

FAQs

* What is the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor count of child endangerment in Illinois?
+ 364 days in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.
* Was the daycare worker released pretrial?
+ Yes, according to Homewood police.
* What is the temperature at which the incident occurred?
+ 19 degrees.