Day care workers who took turns striking child receive prison sentences

DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY/Gray News) - Former day care workers who pleaded guilty to abusing children at a Christian learning center will spend several years in prison.

Kailey Gilley and Magan Koker received sentences of five years in prison as part of a 20-year split sentence, followed by 36 months of probation.

The two were arrested after being accused of abusing kids at Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare in Daleville.

They will also not be eligible for parole or early release.

Dale County Circuit Judge Bill Filmore handed down the punishment after hearing from family members of the abused children.

One of the mothers described the anger and heartbreak she felt after watching surveillance footage that investigators say showed the workers taking turns striking her child.

That child’s injuries included bruising and swelling that prompted the initial hospital referral and subsequent police inquiry.

During the sentencing hearing, an investigator testified that multiple children suffered mistreatment at the day care, with one of the kids bearing the brunt of the alleged abuse.

Parents who testified recounted ongoing effects on their children, including difficulty adjusting to new childcare settings and episodes of night terrors.

Several witnesses noted that many of the victims were too young to speak at the time, leaving them unable to ask for help.

Happy Hearts closed following the workers’ arrest.