Daycare Workers Fired: Used Instagram To Mock Children

Two daycare workers were fired after posting children’s pictures on Instagram. Jena Ferrel posted photos and comments that mocked two children who attended A Heavenly Haven daycare. A manager was also fired for involvement in the incident.

Ethan Jordon, age two, was one of the children pictured. His mother, Melissa, expected the daycare to provide a loving and nurturing environment.

As reported by CNN, Ethan has struggled with delayed speech development. Despite the impairment, Melissa describes her son as energetic and always smiling.

In the Instagram photo, Ethan was not smiling. Melissa said her son looked “pathetic and miserable.” Even worse, the photo’s caption and comments mocked Ethan’s speech delay.

Ferrel’s caption to the photo said “‘I’m sick of this S***.”

The manager commented on the photo, stating “he is thinking cuz sure can’t talk.”

Melissa was heartbroken that the women were making fun of her son. She explains that she did not “pay them to humiliate [her] child.”

The daycare workers also targeted another student. His photo was posted next to a picture of a character from the animated movie Cars. Ferrel noted that the child’s teeth made him look like the animated car Mater.

Both daycare workers were fired for the incident.

As reported by WAVY, A Heavenly Haven’s operator Juanita Brown released a statement of apology:

“A Heavenly Haven, myself and the staff ask that you please forgive us… We would also like to take this time to publicly apologize to Ms. Jordan and her family. A Heavenly Haven’s position on the actions of the employees involved zero tolerance, and the employee’s have been terminated.”

The Virginia Department of Social services is currently looking into the incident.

Melissa Jordan worries that the fired daycare workers set a bad example for other children. She points out that workers should have a genuine love for children or consider other employment.

[Image via Flickr]