A Stark County judge on Monday sentenced Dickinson daycare operator Jennifer Eilts to a two‑year ban from working with children after a 7‑month‑old infant was found with multiple bite wounds on her back. The injuries, which required emergency medical treatment and several days of hospitalization, occurred in January at Tiny Toes Daycare, a facility Eilts ran without a proper license.
Guilty plea and sentencing
Eilts pleaded guilty to child neglect and operating a family childcare home without a license. The judge imposed the prohibition on her ability to care for children for two years, emphasizing the seriousness of operating an unlicensed childcare setting and the duty to protect vulnerable children.
Family’s perspective
William Craig, the father of the injured infant, told KFYR that the family believes the bites were caused by another child at the daycare. While his daughter has recovered, she bears a scar from the incident. Craig said the experience has fundamentally altered his trust in others: “Nothing was the same that day. What happened at the daycare under Jen’s watch and supervision changed everything on how I look at people around my family. I no longer trust anyone.” He added that the family now keeps their child at home and refuses to place her in any other daycare.
Impact on the community
The family’s statement underscored a broader concern: the incident exposed a serious gap in North Dakota’s child‑safety system. They argue that children remain unprotected while allegations are investigated and the legal process unfolds, especially when an unlicensed facility continues operating during court proceedings.
State oversight and licensing
North Dakota law requires all family childcare homes to be licensed and regularly inspected to ensure the safety and well‑being of children. Operating without a license not only violates state regulations but also deprives families of the assurance that a facility meets basic health and safety standards. This case serves as a reminder to parents to verify licensing status before entrusting a provider with their children’s care.
What parents can do
Parents are encouraged to check the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ online registry for licensed childcare providers. If a provider is not listed, families should inquire directly about licensing status and request proof of compliance. Community vigilance and reporting suspected violations to local authorities can help prevent similar incidents.
Looking ahead
While the sentencing sends a clear message about the consequences of operating without a license, advocates say more proactive measures are needed. Strengthening enforcement, increasing random inspections, and improving public awareness of licensing requirements could help close the safety gap highlighted by this case.
For now, the Dickinson community watches closely as the legal process concludes, hoping the outcome will reinforce the importance of licensed, accountable childcare and restore confidence among families seeking safe environments for their children.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
