Concerns Rise Over Daycare Safety in Myrtle Beach Area
MYRTLE BEACH — In a troubling turn of events, a second parent from Horry County has decided to take the popular My Sunshine Child Development Center to court. This action follows alarming allegations that her nephew was harmed by a former childcare supervisor, a situation that has parents and community members deeply worried. The lawsuit was officially filed on November 4, 2024, by Tara Cooke, who alleges negligence on the part of the daycare.
Claims of Negligence and Breach of Duty
According to court records, Cooke claims that My Sunshine Child Development Center failed to ensure a safe environment for her five-year-old nephew, referred to in the lawsuit as “C.B.C.” Allegedly, a former supervisor, Alexandria Allabaugh, was responsible for actions that led to harm. Cooke’s complaint emphasizes that the daycare undertook a duty to protect its children, claiming that they breached this duty through their conduct.
It’s important to note that this lawsuit is not an isolated incident. In August, two other lawsuits were filed against the same daycare, with parents alleging that their children were harmed as well. One mother claimed that her three-year-old daughter was a victim, while another reported similar troubles for her four-year-old daughter.
Past Allegations and Supervisor’s Actions
In Cooke’s latest case, she argues that Allabaugh was fired from the daycare on February 16, two days after incidents leading to her arrest. The complaint stated that the center informed parents about the termination during an emergency meeting, emphasizing the seriousness of the abuse claims. Allabaugh, who was arrested on March 4, faced multiple charges connected to unlawful behavior towards children, with police reports detailing disturbing acts including kicking and shoving kids, as well as throwing shoes and pulling mats from beneath them while they slept.
As part of a plea deal, Allabaugh ultimately pled guilty to three counts of third-degree assault and battery, earning her a sentence of three years, which was suspended down to two years of probation. Additionally, she was added to the state’s child abuse and neglect registry and required to undergo mental health counseling.
Parents React to Worrying Discoveries
The My Sunshine Child Development Center operates locations in both Socastee and Pawleys Island, and it’s at the Socastee branch where C.B.C. attended school. After learning about the alleged abusive behaviors, Cooke was understandably gravely concerned and quickly decided to withdraw her nephew from the daycare. The complaint asserts that the daycare did not adequately monitor or provide proper training and supervision for Allabaugh.
In her lawsuit, Cooke is seeking unspecified monetary damages, indicating that she believes the emotional and physical turmoil her nephew experienced should not go unchecked. The accusations levelled against Allabaugh and the daycare have raised significant concerns within the community, compelling parents to reconsider the safety of their children in such environments.
Community Impact and Future Steps
As the community watches these cases unfold, questions about safety standards at local daycare centers are becoming increasingly urgent. Parents in the Myrtle Beach area are understandably worried, as they want the best for their children and expect that daycare facilities will offer a safe haven while they are away at work.
Though My Sunshine Child Development Center has denied wrongdoing in the previous lawsuits, the center continues to face scrutiny amidst escalating lawsuits and public pressure. The balance between childcare and a safe environment is a delicate one, and it seems everyone in the community is hoping for resolution and improvement in the days to come.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
