Surveillance video shows alleged battery of toddler at daycare

Surveillance video obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows an incident at Excell Preparatory Center in March 2026 that led to the arrest and firing of a daycare worker. In the redacted classroom footage, a staff member is seen picking up a 1-year-old child and forcefully placing him onto a cot behind a changing table before removing his bib. Authorities allege the child suffered bruising to his eye during the incident. The DeKalb County Police Department arrested the employee and she has been charged with simple battery. The case is ongoing. Excell remained a 2-star Quality Rated daycare following the incident even as Georgia regulators suspended the daycare's license and made it close for five days in July. The video was provided to the AJC by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) following an open records request. Portions of the footage were redacted before release. To read the full investigation, go to AJC.com. Credit: GA Department of Early Care and Learning