BUFFALO, N.Y. — "It started as a parent coming into the classroom. The parent goes into the class, just wanting to get her son, and Miss Mary was yelling at the parent."
The daycare director at Mary's Little Lambs, 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 all that started," Clayton said.
The staff member is who Buffalo Police and Clayton say is a 17-year-old girl.
"The parent was angry at the teacher, but then became angry with Mary because Mary kept picking on her," Clayton said.
Clayton said the parent was upset after hearing her 2-year-old son was allegedly hit in the head by an employee.
"I got reports from other teachers. This one teacher did hit the child on the head, but I never saw it," she said.
However, Clayton does say this is the first incident she's aware of.
Buffalo Police arrested 52-year-old Mary Goodwill for endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. They say Goodwill was involved in an argument that got physical.
"She will scream at parents, scream at staff. This is nothing of a daycare that I've worked at before," Clayton said.
2 On Your Side: "Why didn't you quit?"
Clayton: "Because I was there for the kids and the parents."
2 On Your Side reached out to The Office of Children and Family Services. It sent us a statement saying, "The safety and well-being of all children in OCFS-licensed day care programs is our top priority. OCFS is actively investigating complaints registered 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 he was autistic.
"I know of a staff member who said all Black children have autism. I know Avion never got hit," Clayton said.
2 On Your Side tried to call Mary Goodwill twice on Friday, but she didn't answer.
"I will not be returning to the center. I found a new job, and I'm getting all my employees to find new jobs," Clayton said.
Clayton says about a dozen students have un-enrolled from the daycare. She says the center is approved by CPS to reopen on Monday but says the owner, Mary Goodwill, wants to keep it closed.