THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - A Thomasville daycare responded after a toddler allegedly climbed a chain-link fence and wandered off the property on Friday, March 27, before being safely returned.

The child’s mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she is happy with how the daycare handled the situation. She said two employees were fired and the daycare assured her that there would be extensive training with the remaining employees.

The Regional Director of the Thomasville Child Care Center provided the following statement.

“We are aware of the incident that occurred. The child was safely returned to our care, and we understand how concerning this is for any family. The safety of every child in our care is our number one priority. We took immediate action, reported the incident to licensing, and have reinforced our safety procedures to ensure this does not happen again.”

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) lists the daycare in “good standing.”

There are two previously documented complaints about the playground at the facility, one in January 2025 that cited screws protruding from gates and another in January 2026 that found potential hazards on playground equipment.

Some “plans of improvement” for both complaints included that the daycare check, repair and replace fences and equipment, keep gates closed and ensure all playground equipment is safe, age-appropriate and does not obscure employees’ sight of the children.

DECAL also issued the following statement:

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is currently investigating a report of a child missing from Thomasville Child Care Center, located at 106 Covington Avenue in Thomasville. According to initial information, on March 27, 2026, a child allegedly climbed a fence and was found standing near the edge of the road. A passerby located the child and returned him safely to the center. This remains an open investigation.

Parents affected by this situation may access child care resources at www.qualityrated.org or by calling the Quality Rated Family Support Call Center toll free at 1 877-ALL GA KIDS. Through this free service, DECAL can assist families in identifying quality child care options in your area.

At DECAL, the health and safety of Georgia’s youngest learners is always our highest priority.

The mother said that she plans to keep her child enrolled in the daycare and and is grateful that her child is safe.

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