The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has issued a license revocation for Bright Beginnings of Jefferson following an investigation into the alleged molestation of multiple children at the preschool by one of its employees.
DECAL issued the license revocation on Monday after an investigation determined that the preschool allegedly broke several rules in the wake of the criminal acts by Alexander Tredway, 18. DECAL has only investigated the operation of the preschool during the incident. The Jefferson Police Department has handled the criminal investigation related to Tredway.
Bright Beginnings has appealed the revocation, which allows them to continue operating until a judge has made a ruling on the appeal.
Tredway was first arrested on Jan. 12, 2022, by the Jefferson Police Department for the alleged molestation of two children enrolled at the preschool. Reg Griffin, spokesman with DECAL, said the number of victims had risen to five at last report.
The letter of revocation from DECAL listed six rules that were allegedly broken by Bright Beginnings during the incident. For example, the letter reads one rule that was allegedly broken related to a "non-correctable abuse, dereliction or deficiency," in the operation of the preschool. DECAL said this rule was broken because Tredway was allegedly allowed to continue working at the preschool two days after law enforcement was first notified about the allegations.
DECAL said children at a preschool are to be supervised at all times, which was also allegedly broken by Bright Beginnings.
"During a Complaint Investigation, it was determined based on investigative findings that a center staff member did not provide
watchful oversight to the children in care when the staff member engaged in the sexual abuse of individual children in care
and was reported to send the other children in care “away” during the abuse, resulting in a break of supervision," the letter reads.
Another rule requires personnel to not physically or sexually abuse a child. The letter claims Tredway admitted that he committed the crime during his arrest.
Parents impacted by this situation can visit www.qualityrated.org or call 1-877-ALL GA KIDS for child care resources. DECAL will assist parents in locating child care options.
