Security camera footage has led to the arrest of a Spartanburg church daycare worker after allegedly capturing her throwing a three-year-old child to the floor twice during nap time. Karon Corbin faces criminal charges following the March 31 incident at First Baptist Church Spartanburg’s childcare facility, which wasn’t reported to authorities until mid-April when a parent filed a complaint after viewing the disturbing video.
Police say Corbin was seen picking up the toddler by the arm and throwing them to the floor, then adjusting the child’s nap mat before lifting the child again and throwing them face-down a second time. Officials report the child did not sustain physical injuries from the incident, according to FOX Carolina.
The Critical Role of Surveillance Systems
The case highlights how surveillance technology has become increasingly important in childcare settings, serving both as a deterrent to misconduct and a crucial tool for verifying concerns. In this instance, the video evidence proved decisive in both the termination of Corbin’s employment and the subsequent criminal charges.
“Video systems only work if someone is watching,” notes James Richardson, a security consultant specializing in childcare facility safety. “The best practice is to have regular review procedures in place, not just recording that sits unwatched until a specific complaint arises.”
The two-week gap between the incident and its reporting to police has raised questions about monitoring protocols at the facility and whether the surveillance footage was being regularly reviewed by supervisors. Many childcare centers now include routine video monitoring as part of their supervisory practices, rather than only accessing recordings when specific concerns arise.
Navigating Nap Time Challenges
Childcare experts recognize that nap time can be one of the most challenging periods in a daycare setting. Some children naturally resist sleeping or have difficulty remaining on their designated mats, creating potential frustration for caregivers managing multiple children simultaneously.
“Nap time can be frustrating for caregivers, especially when dealing with multiple children who have different sleep needs,” explains Dr. Maria Cantwell, a pediatric psychologist specializing in early childhood behavior management. “However, there are evidence-based approaches to handling resistance that maintain the dignity and safety of the child while still providing necessary structure.”
These approaches include providing quiet alternatives for children who don’t sleep, implementing consistent pre-nap routines, and using gentle redirection techniques—none of which involve physical force or aggression, according to NewsBreak.
Prompt Response from Facility Leadership
After the incident was reported and the video reviewed, the daycare director terminated Corbin’s employment and reported the incident to the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), as required by state regulations for licensed childcare facilities. Police were subsequently notified, leading to the criminal investigation and eventual arrest.
Corbin has been charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk of or causing harm to a child. She is currently being held in the Spartanburg County Detention Center without bond, according to WSPA 7News.
Beyond Physical Injuries
While authorities report the toddler did not sustain physical injuries from the incident, child welfare experts emphasize that rough physical handling can cause emotional and psychological harm even when no visible injuries result.
“Young children depend entirely on adults for their sense of safety,” explains Dr. Cantwell. “When a trusted caregiver responds with aggression or excessive force, it can undermine a child’s developing sense of security and trust, potentially affecting their relationship with future caregivers and teachers.”
The charge against Corbin reflects this understanding that harm to children encompasses more than just physical injury. If convicted, she could face significant penalties under South Carolina law.
Implications for Parents and Providers
For parents in the community, the incident serves as a reminder to ask detailed questions about supervision practices and security monitoring when selecting childcare providers. Many facilities now offer parents secure access to live video feeds of their children’s classrooms, though experts caution that such systems should complement rather than replace proper in-person supervision.
First Baptist Church Spartanburg, a prominent religious institution in the community, has not yet released a public statement regarding the incident. The church operates the daycare as part of its ministry to families, and many parents choose such faith-based childcare options specifically because they expect higher ethical standards and values-based care.
As the legal process unfolds, the case underscores both the importance of proper supervision and monitoring in childcare settings and the sacred trust parents place in those who care for their children during the workday.
