WINSTON-SALEM- Police have cited three workers at a Winston-Salem daycare with child neglect for leaving a child in The Future Leaders Learning Academy after it closed Monday night.
Police say the boy was not hurt, but was alone for at least an hour before officers found him around 11 p.m.
According to police, the mother arrived at the school around 10:30 p.m. and noticed no one was inside the building. After contacting family, she realized no one had picked up her child and immediately contacted the police and a missing persons report was issued. Authorities got in contact with the workers and found the child inside the building unharmed.
Other parents were surprised to hear the news.
"They've never had problems they've never neglected my children,” said Nacisha Braxton. “They actually spoil all of the children."
Braxton has sent all six of her kids to the academy, and nothing like this ever happened.
"I believe that it was a big accident and I know the three ladies that were there and they are great with the kids and they help the kids with homework and they do everything with the kids and I really honestly whole-hardheartedly think it was a big mistake," said Braxton.
Braxton said she's been in contact with them and they're heartbroken by the incident.
"They've been crying and are really upset and can't believe that it happened," said Braxton.
The child's mother took to social media to express her frustration.
"I know she was scared,” said Braxton. “I understand that if you don't know where your child is and you're expecting to pick them up, I understand that."
Braxton said it scared her, but she knows the daycare workers are, ‘Good people.”
The school employees charged- Shantay Patterson, Santana Mobley, and Charlotte Sims- have all been cited with child neglect and have a court date set in July.
No one on behalf of the school responded to TWC News’ requests for comment.
A sign on the door indicates the school is closed until Wednesday.