The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has concluded its investigation into an alleged case of child maltreatment at a KinderCare Learning Center in Rochester, clearing the facility of any wrongdoing. The investigation revealed that the incident, which resulted in injuries to a toddler, was caused by a former employee, not the daycare center itself.
According to DHS, the incident occurred on June 13, 2024, when 26-year-old Andrianna Newburn, a now-former employee, used a pizza cutter to cause injuries to a child, referred to as “AV” in the investigation. The child suffered lacerations on their face and legs. Newburn was reportedly involved in an altercation with another staff member during the incident, which escalated as she then took the pizza cutter into the area where children were present.
Investigators determined that Newburn was solely responsible for the maltreatment, while the daycare facility’s staff acted appropriately once they discovered the injuries. The DHS has confirmed that KinderCare did not violate any protocols, and the center was not involved in the incident. The organization has also taken steps to reinforce its employee training to ensure such events do not recur.
Newburn has been charged with multiple counts, including assault and reckless endangerment, and is set to appear in court in February 2025. The charges are in response to the violent incident that caused harm to the child under her care.
While the investigation has cleared the daycare center, the case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and well-being of children in daycare settings. Local parents have voiced their apprehension and are calling for more stringent oversight of child care facilities.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety protocols in place at daycares and the importance of background checks, employee training, and vigilant monitoring. As the legal process unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of this disturbing event.
