Clifton Park, N.Y. — A burgeoning scandal is rocking SmartEarly Learning Center, located in Clifton Park, after allegations surfaced involving the mistreatment of toddlers under its care. The sprawling investigation, which commenced late January, has resulted in the arrests of two daycare workers, stirring community outrage and raising questions about safety standards.
On January 21, parents discovered their toddler had sustained bruises and scratches after spending the day at SmartEarly. The child was taken to Albany Medical Center for evaluation, where doctors confirmed the injuries. State troopers were alerted, leading to the investigation which would reveal disturbing allegations of assault by daycare employees.
Amy J. Henninger, 48, of Ballston Spa, faces serious charges including second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of the child. Troopers reported she was the one who struck the toddler, prompting immediate backlash from parents and the community. Her arrest took place on January 30, coinciding with her termination from the daycare.
The web of responsibility expanded when state police arrested Tia M. Sauvie, 33, on February 2. Evidence suggested she was present during the assault and failed to intervene or seek medical attention for the injured child. Sauvie has also been charged with endangering the welfare of the child, and was released after being issued an appearance ticket which requires her return to Clifton Park Town Court on February 12, 2025.
The daycare responded to the alarming incidents through statements indicating their commitment to child safety. "At SmartEarly, the safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care are our highest priorities," stated John Miller, owner of SmartEarly. He emphasized the importance of accountability among their staff and confirmed the installation of the WatchMeGrow video monitoring system, which records activities within classrooms. "While the concern was brought to the State Police by a parent, WatchMeGrow’s recording capabilities will play an important role in the investigation,” he continued.
SmartEarly Learning Center has registered to care for up to 119 children from infants to preschoolers. Nonetheless, their registration status is now listed as “pending revocation” on the state Division of Child Care Services' website. Under current circumstances, the center is allowed to remain open as the enforcement action is being reviewed.
Following the incident, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services conducted inspections at SmartEarly on January 22 and 24. Reports indicate several violations related to corporal punishment were discovered, including incidents of physical restraint and inappropriate handling of children placed outside their cots for comfort. The management maintains, though, these violations stem from individual misconduct rather than systemic issues within the center.
Throughout this crisis, SmartEarly’s management has publicly expressed their dismay over the events and their commitment to ensuring such occurrences do not happen again. They stated, "We told the NY State Police during the investigation we want anyone who failed these children to be held fully accountable. Thanks to their hard work, another person who does not belong in child care has been removed from the industry.”
This shocking case has prompted discussions about the reliability of daycare facilities and their oversight systems. Community members are increasingly concerned about children’s safety and the mechanisms available to protect them within child-care settings. The examination of SmartEarly's practices is likely to ignite broader scrutiny across childcare institutions statewide.
While the investigation continues, many wonder about the future of SmartEarly and the impact on parents who had entrusted their children to this facility. This inquiry will not only determine the fate of the daycare but also highlight the importance of vigilance when it concerns the well-being of young children.
With both Henninger and Sauvie facing serious charges, the outcome will be closely monitored. This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between trust and accountability within daycare services, underscoring the necessity for parents to remain vigilant about their children's care.