Houston County, Tennessee mom speaks out after 3-month-old left alone at daycare

HOUSTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Houston County mother is in disbelief after she says her 3-month-old daughter was found alone at a daycare, warm and under a blanket. The daycare owner is now facing charges.

Erin’s mother, Keaton Largent, said she was relieved that her 3-month-old Maisie was OK after Maisie’s father found her alone at Ms. Katie’s Kids daycare around 5:20 p.m. Friday May 31.

“He could hear her screaming in the back. He came back there and she had a blanket over her and her face was red and she was crying,” Largent said.

Daycare owner Katelyn Hudson is now accused of child abuse and neglect. The Tennessee Department of Human Services told News 2 she was no longer allowed to participate in child care because of those fees.

Largent said that shortly after Maisie was found, Hudson showed up in her driveway, crying and saying she had left because of “family issues.”

“I think I was just a little bit shocked, angry, upset, you know, scared. I didn’t know how long she was there alone,” Largent said.

Erin police said they are still investigating and working out how long Maisie was alone.

“When a door is left open, you know, we’re just grateful that it was the father who came to pick up the child, it could have been anyone, and you don’t trust these people with your lunch order, you ‘ “I’m entrusting them with your most precious asset, which is your child,” said Erin Police Chief Mark Moore.

News 2 called and texted a number on the door of the daycare and received the following response via text:

“I was very stressed at the time and thought the last child in my care had been recovered. I left my daycare and eight minutes later received a text from a parent asking why their child was there alone. I have no justification for my actions. I should have followed proper procedures and protocols, but I didn’t. I can only apologize for my actions and learn from this mistake which cost me my career and perhaps much more.

Erin police said they are working with other state agencies on this case. They are asking any other parents who may have had issues with the daycare to contact their service immediately by calling 931-289-2727.