Former Forsyth School Owner Faces Trial Over Daycare Abuse Reporting

On December 8, a judge confirmed that the former owner of Cornerstone Schools will face trial this month on charges tied to her handling of abuse allegations at the private school daycare. Prosecutors allege failure to report suspected child abuse as required under Georgia law, and they say actions or omissions by the owner contributed to the closure of the Cornerstone daycare while the matter was investigated.

State regulatory involvement followed complaints to authorities. The Division of Early Care and Learning took licensing action against the facility after its review of the circumstances surrounding the allegations. As a result, the daycare ceased operations pending the outcome of the criminal case and any separate administrative proceedings. The licensing action highlights how state oversight can intersect with criminal investigations into child safety.

Court filings presented by prosecutors outline mandatory reporting responsibilities in Georgia and contend that the former owner did not meet those responsibilities when concerns about possible abuse were raised. The defense has filed pleadings in court and signaled it will contest the charges at trial. No testimony has yet been heard on the central facts alleged by prosecutors and defense attorneys will have the opportunity to present their case during the upcoming trial.

The case has rippled through the Forsyth County community. Parents and local childcare workers have reported anxiety about gaps in supervision and the potential for similar incidents at other centers. The closure of the Cornerstone daycare has also had practical consequences for families who relied on the center for child care. For some households the sudden loss of a nearby childcare option has meant difficult choices about work schedules and alternative care arrangements, raising broader questions about access to affordable and reliable childcare.

Public health and safety officials note that timely reporting and robust oversight are essential to protecting children. The prosecution of alleged failures to report aims to reinforce legal duties and deter lapses that can endanger young children. The case also underscores equity issues in childcare access, as disruptions tend to fall hardest on lower income families and single parent households.

As the trial proceeds this month residents will be watching for how the court evaluates the evidence, what administrative steps DECAL may take next, and what reforms local providers and regulators pursue to restore trust and strengthen protections for children in Forsyth County.