Daycare Worker Charged After Infant Suffers Skull Fracture, Brain Bleeding

Key facts

• Alyssa Thompson, 30, faces a felony charge of aggravated child abuse.
• The alleged abuse occurred at Wee Care Too daycare in Lake City, Florida.
• An infant in Thompson's care suffered a skull fracture, detached retinas, and brain bleeding.
• Surveillance footage captured multiple alleged instances of forceful handling and physical abuse.
• The infant was hospitalized on April 20, 2026, and remained in pediatric intensive care.
• Medical professionals believe the infant may face lifelong medical issues.
• Thompson was arrested on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Infant Hospitalized After Alleged Abuse at Daycare

A Lake City daycare worker is facing a felony charge following disturbing revelations from surveillance footage that allegedly captured multiple instances of abuse against an infant in her care. The accusations have led to the arrest of Alyssa Thompson, 30, who has been charged with aggravated child abuse. The incidents came to light after an infant under Thompson's supervision at Wee Care Too daycare suffered a severe medical episode on April 20, 2026. The child experienced lethargy and seizures, prompting immediate transport to HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. From the hospital, the infant was transferred to a specialized pediatrics facility in Gainesville. It was during this critical period that the daycare's director, alerted by the child's condition, began reviewing security footage. What she observed prompted her to contact patrol officers, initiating a formal investigation.

Disturbing Footage Reveals Pattern of Abuse

Investigators obtained surveillance recordings from the week prior to the infant's medical emergency, focusing on footage from April 20 and April 13. The detective's review of the April 20 recordings detailed harrowing moments where Thompson allegedly handled the infant with extreme force. According to the arrest report, Thompson was observed forcefully tossing the infant into a bouncy chair, resulting in the baby's head striking a metal bar. Approximately twenty minutes later, the report states Thompson "snatched" the infant from a crib, dropping her onto a changing table from a significant height, causing the baby's head to impact the surface multiple times. The footage from April 13 revealed further alleged mistreatment. Thompson was reportedly seen hitting the back of the seat the baby occupied, shaking the infant’s arm with considerable force, and smacking and hitting the baby’s legs. In one instance, the seat was kicked with the bottom of Thompson's foot, actions investigators believe were attempts to elicit a response from the child.

Infant's Critical Injuries and Lifelong Prognosis

Medical professionals examining the infant confirmed the severity of the injuries sustained. A doctor identified as the Medical Director of the Child Protective Team, along with an emergency room physician at the Gainesville pediatrics hospital, determined the child had suffered a skull fracture, detached retinas, and significant bleeding behind the eyes and on the brain. Upon reviewing the surveillance footage provided by investigators, the doctor concluded that the physical abuse documented over the observed period was the direct cause of the infant's critical injuries. The medical assessment underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that "it is a very strong possibility that [the infant] will have lifelong medical issues stemming from these instances." As of May 4, 2026, the date of Thompson's arrest, the infant remained in the pediatric intensive care unit, receiving ongoing medical attention for the severe injuries inflicted.

Daycare's Response and Legal Ramifications

Following Thompson's arrest, Wee Care Too issued a statement via Facebook, confirming that the accused employee is no longer with the facility. The daycare stated that they had provided the surveillance footage to the Lake City Police Department, which played a crucial role in the investigation. Thompson was booked into the Columbia County Jail on Monday, May 4, 2026, on the charge of aggravated child abuse. This felony charge carries significant legal consequences for those convicted of harming a child. The arrest report, dated May 4, 2026, details the timeline of events, including the infant's hospitalization on April 20 and the subsequent review of evidence. The daycare's cooperation in providing video evidence was instrumental in the swift action taken by law enforcement.

The bottom line

• A Florida daycare worker, Alyssa Thompson, faces felony charges for allegedly abusing an infant.
• Surveillance footage documented multiple instances of forceful and abusive handling of the child.
• The infant sustained critical injuries including a skull fracture and brain bleeding.
• Medical experts believe the child may suffer lifelong health consequences.
• Thompson was arrested on May 4, 2026, and has been terminated from her position.
• The daycare facility, Wee Care Too, is cooperating with the investigation.