FITZGERALD, Ga. (WALB) - State officials confirmed there is an open investigation into a Fitzgerald daycare following a complaint involving a 2-year-old child.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) said it received a complaint on Feb. 6, alleging “overt conduct by staff toward a 2-year-old child” at Bright Ones Learning Center, located at 153 Mayes Street in Fitzgerald.

A DECAL representative, Reg Griffin, confirmed the investigation remains active. Because the case is ongoing, the agency said it cannot release additional details at this time.

“There is an open investigation following a complaint we received on February 6, 2026, which alleges overt conduct by staff toward a two-year-old child. While we are handling this investigation, please note that our agency does not process complaints related to Child Protective Services. For information or concerns about CPS, you would need to check with the Department of Human Services (DHS),” Griffin said.

Griffin added that individuals interested in the history of complaints can file an Open Records Request with both DECAL and DHS for additional details.

Officials also confirmed Bright Ones Learning Center is a two-star Quality Rated facility. The daycare received that rating in 2023. Georgia’s Quality Rated system operates on a 1-3 star scale.

Upon request for comment about the investigation, WALB received a voicemail from owner Angie Seagroves warning of potential legal action if anything aired about the center.

Former employee Taylor Dunbar said her concerns about the daycare began before she was officially hired.

“[Seagroves] asked me to come in before the background check even came back… and I have message proof of this, too. She asked me to lie about who I was whenever the state came in… She said ‘if they [ask], just say your name is Jan.’ I was like, ‘My name’s not Jan,’” Dunbar said.

Dunbar said that request raised serious concerns about transparency and compliance with state standards. Dunbar said she quit after working just three hours at the facility.

After repeated requests for comment, Seagroves provided a statement addressing the allegations involving the 2-year-old child.

“When children are so out of control, when they obviously have no discipline at home, it’s hard for teachers to maintain a classroom. I will not allow any child to pick up a chair and throw it across the room. I don’t care how cute their parents may think their actions are—it is wrong—and a child or a teacher could seriously get hurt. As far as the staff being negative to that particular child, the parent did not like it when I told her that her child was out of control for throwing a chair and hitting a teacher. Well, I don’t care what else, there’s nothing else you can call it. Because that child sure wasn’t being a respectful little girl. And put that on the news,” Seagroves said.

Seagroves did not respond directly to those claims raised by Dunbar but said she has since hired a new director for the daycare.

In a follow-up statement, Seagroves wrote:

“Drastic changes have been made to the way the center operates. We are striving to overcome the negative image that people have caused by their false accusations, but one thing is for sure—We will not give up! God’s got us!”

With limited daycare options in Fitzgerald and many centers already at capacity, some parents say they are searching for additional resources and alternatives so they are not left with few choices.

DECAL said the investigation remains ongoing, and no findings have been released at this time.

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