Two daycare workers in Grafton, West Virginia, are facing child neglect charges after a pair of 2-year-old boys slipped away from their facility during outdoor playtime — and no one noticed until a neighbor brought them back.
The incident occurred at Little Feet Daycare, where staff were bringing a group of toddlers inside from the playground. Amid the transition, two boys separated from the group undetected. By the time workers realized the children were missing, the rest of the group was already inside the building.
The boys were found near the edge of a neighboring property — close to a busy road and a nearby business — before a neighbor stepped in to help.
A neighbor spotted the toddlers on the edge of his property, which borders the daycare. When he called out, one boy ran off while the other stayed. Using the second child’s help, he was able to coax the first back, then walked both boys to the playground and returned them safely.
State troopers responded to the scene and interviewed staff. One of the workers, Abigail Paugh, 19, told troopers she had been at the rear of the group to ensure all children left the playground. She said once inside, she noticed the boys were gone, began searching, and alerted the manager. The other worker charged is Kelcee Allen, 30.
Adding to the concern, the mother of one of the boys told troopers she was not informed about the incident until after her son had already been returned safely to the daycare.
Both Paugh and Allen now face child neglect charges. Paugh posted bond following the incident. The bond status of Allen has not been confirmed.
The case raises serious questions about supervision protocols at the facility and what safeguards are in place to prevent children from leaving the premises undetected.
