Buffalo City Daycare Closed After Alleged Child Abuse Charges Filed
Authorities closed Buffalo City Lil Explorers Daycare following an investigation that found evidence two employees allegedly mistreated children, prompting felony charges. The case matters to Stutsman County families because it raises questions about child safety, regulatory oversight, and access to trustworthy childcare options.
Stutsman County authorities closed Buffalo City Lil Explorers Daycare on November 12, 2025 after investigators said they found evidence that two employees allegedly mistreated children in their care. Owner Karen Schempp and employee Kaylee Cumber were each charged with two counts of felony child abuse and neglect. Formal charges were filed in Stutsman County on November 10, 2025 and an initial court appearance is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video and licensing inspection materials as part of the inquiry. Court records and witness statements detailed multiple alleged incidents, including rough handling, force feeding, children left unattended and use of melatonin gummies to induce sleep. The probe was prompted in part when an eight year old was treated for a head contusion and parents reported other concerns about care practices. Authorities said evidence was recovered during their review, and Schempp surrendered the daycare license to state regulators.
State licensing inspectors provided background documentation that fed into the investigation, and both Schempp and Cumber will be placed on the Child Abuse and Neglect Index for three years. Placement on the index restricts their ability to work in childcare settings and is intended to protect other children while the criminal case proceeds.
The closure and charges have immediate implications for families who relied on the center for daily care and for the broader childcare ecosystem in Stutsman County. Parents must now scramble to find alternate arrangements, a challenge in a rural county where licensed childcare slots are limited. The incident also strains trust between families and local childcare providers, and may increase demand for oversight, training and mental health supports for both children and staff.
From a public health perspective, alleged physical injuries and potentially traumatic experiences in early childhood can have lasting consequences for development, behavioral health and school readiness. Local pediatric and mental health services may see increased need for assessments and counseling for children involved in the case. The allegations also underscore the role of routine inspection, adequate staffing levels, and training in preventing harm and ensuring safe environments for young children.
Policy questions raised by the case include whether existing inspection frequency, licensing requirements and reporting mechanisms are sufficient to detect and deter misconduct, and how to support families who face sudden loss of childcare. As the criminal process moves forward, community leaders, public health officials and regulators will need to weigh reforms that protect children while addressing systemic gaps in affordable supervised care.
The charges against Schempp and Cumber now proceed through the Stutsman County court system, with families and neighbors awaiting further developments and answers about how the alleged mistreatment occurred and what steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
