Myrtle Beach daycare worker arrested for ‘unlawful conduct toward a child’

The Director of Communications and External Affairs for the Department of Social Services, Connely-Anne Ragley, gives tips about what to look for when searching for a new childcare facility.

The Horry County Police Department arrested Megan Nicole Sallee, 22, Wednesday and charged her with unlawful conduct toward a child.

The report gathered by the Horry County Police Department says on July 12, a witness saw Sallee leave two children in bouncy seats for half a day, far longer than the KidZone Day Care permits, causing bruising to their backs.

The warrant states on July 15 while working at the KidZone Day Care, Sallee violently shook the crib the victim was laying in, causing the child to hit his head against the crib railing. It also states Sallee pushed the child down in the crib, causing the child’s head to slam into the crib rails.

The report stated Sallee also put a blanket over the child’s head several times.

According to the report, these incidents happened throughout the day while the child was in Sallee’s care.

Signs your child may be experiencing abuse at daycare, according to Stanford Medicine.

WMBF News reached out to KidZone Day Care and was told the business was closed in late July.

The space is currently occupied by The Learning Station. The two businesses are not connected. The Learning Station said it never employed Sallee.

The Learning Station released the following statement to WMBF News:

“Our team at The Learning Station is saddened to hear of a child care worker being arrested. This is a serious and unfortunate incident. We would like it to be clear that Kidzone is no longer in existence and is not our program. Kidzone Child Care Center was run by different owners under a different license number. We purchased the real estate upon closing of their center and reopened as The Learning Station on July 25, 2022.

“The Learning Station has NO AFFILIATION with Kidzone at all. We began operating on July 25, 2022 after this incident occurred. The worker in question was not an employee of our center. We are proud of the fact that we work with SC Program for Infant and Toddler Care, SC ABC Quality and SC First Steps to be sure that children are receiving high-quality care. When we purchased the Kidzone property we began to completely renovate it, which included REMOVING ALL RESTRICTIVE equipment with the exception of cribs. We do not use high chairs, bounce seats, swings or activity centers. Our staff is trained properly on caring for young children which includes ample tummy time and floor play, holding while feeding or using small tables and chairs. We look forward to making a difference in the lives of children and their families at our newest location.”

The Director of Communications and External Affairs for the Department of Social Services, Connely-Anne Ragley, gives tips about what to look for when searching for a childcare facility.

“Ask about cameras in the classrooms are there cameras in the facility of the buildings,” said Ragley. “Ask questions about security, are all exits locked? Is there a certain access point or code or key that you need to access the facility?”

For more information about how to research childcare facilities, Ragley encourages parents to check out the SC Child Care Services website.

Since the case involving Sallee is active, Ragley can’t comment on it specifically but said it’s important for parents to stay vigilant when choosing daycare services for their children.

Sallee’s bond is set at $10,000. She remains at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

This is a developing story. Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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