Buffalo Daycare Director Speaks Out Following Child Abuse Allegations

BUFFALO, NY — “It started when a parent walked into the classroom. The parent walks into the classroom, just wanting to have their son, and Miss Mary was yelling at the parent.”

Mary's Little Lambs Daycare Director Kathy Clayton told 2 On Your Side what happened Tuesday.

“One of the staff members asked Mary a question, and Mary pushed the staff member out the door, so that’s where it all started,” Clayton said.

The staff member is who Buffalo and Clayton police say is a 17-year-old girl.

“The parent was angry at the teacher, but then got angry at Mary because Mary kept picking on her,” Clayton said.

Clayton said the parent was upset after learning her 2-year-old son was allegedly hit in the head by an employee.

“I received reports from other teachers. This one did hit the child in the head, but I never saw it,” she said.

However, Clayton says this is the first incident she is aware of.

Buffalo Police arrested Mary Goodwill, 52, for endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. They say Goodwill was involved in an argument that turned physical.

“She'll yell at parents, yell at staff. That's unlike any daycare I've worked in before,” Clayton said.

2 For your part: “Why didn’t you stop?”

Clayton: “Because I was there for the kids and the parents.”

2 On Your Side contacted the Office of Children and Family Services. The organization sent us a statement saying, “The safety and well-being of all children attending OCFS-licensed child care centers is our top priority. OCFS actively investigates complaints filed with the agency. »

2 On Your Side asked Clayton about Avion, the 3-year-old who had a bruise and was allegedly hit in the head and told him he was autistic.

“I know a staff member who said all the black kids were autistic. I know Avion was never touched,” Clayton said.

2 On Your Side tried to call Mary Goodwill twice Friday, but she did not answer.

“I will not be returning to the center. I have found a new job and I am asking all of my employees to find new jobs,” Clayton said.

Clayton says about a dozen students have unenrolled from the daycare. She says the center was approved by CPS to reopen Monday, but owner Mary Goodwill wants to keep it closed.