News Summary
An employee at Maranatha Childcare in Spartanburg has been charged with child abuse after parents reported harmful treatment of their children. Cedric Ann Henderson faces three counts of cruelty to children related to alleged incidents involving toddlers at the facility. The investigation exposed inadequate management practices at the daycare, notably the failure to report allegations to the Department of Social Services. Community concerns about childcare safety are growing as legal actions proceed against both the employee and the daycare.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – An employee at Maranatha Childcare has been charged with child abuse following allegations of harmful treatment reported by parents. The Spartanburg Police Department initiated an investigation into the claims in August 2025, leading to serious legal repercussions for the involved employee.
Cedric Ann Henderson, the daycare staff member, faces three counts of cruelty to children after police determined she inflicted unnecessary pain and suffering on a minor. Henderson voluntarily turned herself in at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on a recent Friday and has since been released on a $2,100 personal recognizance bond.
The charges against Henderson stem from two separate lawsuits filed by parents of children attending Maranatha Childcare. One lawsuit alleges that on May 27, 2025, a toddler had a significant injury where “a chunk of hair” was ripped from her head. Staff members at the daycare claimed the child caused the injury by getting her hair caught in a “hook of the dramatic play area.” This defense has been met with skepticism from the child’s parents.
The second lawsuit concerns a separate incident on August 15, 2025, in which another toddler reportedly suffered physical abuse at the hands of daycare employees. Eyewitness accounts from former employees support these claims, and surveillance footage has captured the incident, leading to further scrutiny of the daycare’s practices.
Aside from the criminal charges against Henderson, the investigation has raised serious concerns about the daycare’s management. It was revealed that the program’s director failed to notify the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the allegations, a requirement that could have prompted earlier intervention and oversight.
On September 25, 2025, the parents of the injured toddler filed their lawsuit against Maranatha Childcare. In the wake of the allegations, current staff members at the daycare have maintained that they do not recall the incidents in question and are awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation before making any further statements.
The case has sparked significant concern among parents and the community regarding the safety standards maintained at childcare facilities. The allegations against Henderson and the subsequent lawsuits highlight the importance of accountability and transparency within such institutions, especially those responsible for the care of young children.
The Spartanburg Police Department continues to investigate the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the claims made against daycare personnel. As the cases progress through the judicial system, many parents are left wondering what measures will be taken to improve child safety in local daycare programs and ensure such incidents do not occur again in the future.
Parents in Spartanburg are urged to remain vigilant and proactive regarding the well-being of their children in childcare settings, paying close attention to any unexplained injuries or changes in behavior that might indicate mistreatment. The local community is watching closely as this case develops, with the hope that necessary reforms will be implemented to protect vulnerable children in their care.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF 4 News
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fox Carolina News
- Google Search: Spartanburg daycare lawsuit
- WBTV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Protection
- Local 12 News
- Google News: Spartanburg daycare child abuse
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
