Baltimore, MD — The Snyder Law Group, LLC has initiated a civil lawsuit seeking $500 million in damages against Kiddie Academy of Kent Island and related parties, alleging a disturbing pattern of infant and toddler abuse, deliberate concealment by management, and retaliation against an employee who attempted to expose the misconduct.
According to the complaint, multiple young children were subjected to repeated physical mistreatment while enrolled at the daycare facility. The lawsuit asserts that surveillance footage documents incidents in which a caregiver allegedly handled infants with extreme force, including grabbing, shaking, dragging, and kicking, all of which are conduct that plaintiffs contend posed serious risks to the children’s safety and well-being.
Attorney Scott A. Snyder described the allegations as unprecedented in his career. He stated that the claims are supported by video evidence and that, despite knowledge of the abuse, those in charge allegedly failed to intervene. Instead, the lawsuit contends, leadership chose to suppress information rather than take action to protect vulnerable children.
Allegations of Suppression and Retaliation
Court filings assert that concerns about the caregiver’s conduct were first raised internally in mid-December 2024, when a staff member reported the abuse and provided video documentation to on-site ownership. Rather than removing the caregiver from contact with children, notifying parents, or alerting authorities, management allegedly instructed employees to remain silent and allowed the caregiver to continue working in the infant classroom.
The situation escalated in February 2025 when an Assistant Director contacted the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office after her repeated internal reports went unaddressed. She provided law enforcement with surveillance footage showing an alleged assault on a child. The lawsuit claims that once management learned authorities had been contacted, the reporting employee was terminated.
Video Evidence and Scope of Harm
Investigators were able to review only a limited window (approximately twenty days) of preserved surveillance footage. Even within that narrow timeframe, authorities identified multiple instances of abuse involving four different children. Each family that pursued criminal charges reportedly had a child who appeared in the footage more than once. The complaint alleges that the true scope of misconduct was likely far broader, but earlier recordings were not retained.
Prior Warnings and Alleged Systemic Failures
The lawsuit further alleges that the franchise owners were aware of prior incidents involving the same caregiver, Wendy Jones, years before the events captured on video. In 2021, Jones allegedly admitted to shaking a toddler and received only a short suspension and a requirement to complete anger-management training. In 2023, a child under her care sustained notable facial injuries that were characterized as accidental, with parents allegedly not informed until pickup.
Despite these incidents, the caregiver remained assigned to work with infants. The complaint asserts that franchise owners Dana and Scott Barnhart failed to remove the caregiver, implement adequate safeguards, or take meaningful corrective action. It also alleges broader failures by the franchisor and parent company, including inadequate training, poor oversight, and unsafe employment practices, that contributed to the harm.
Defendants and Legal Claims
The lawsuit names the following defendants:
- Kiddie Academy of Kent Island
- D. Barnhart, LLC
- Dana Barnhart and Scott Barnhart
- Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC
- Essential Brands, Inc.
- Wendy Jones
Filed on behalf of two families, the action includes alleged claims for fraud and fraudulent concealment, constructive fraud, battery, negligent hiring and supervision, negligent retention, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and gross negligence.
Related Criminal Proceedings
The civil case follows a criminal investigation that resulted in charges against both the caregiver and the facility’s owner/on-site manager. Wendy Jones ultimately entered a guilty plea and received a substantial prison sentence. Charges against Dana Barnhart were placed on the stet docket with conditions, including prohibitions on direct childcare or supervisory duties and mandatory monthly compliance visits by the Office of Child Care. The lawsuit alleges that, despite these restrictions, Kiddie Academy’s corporate entities have allowed Barnhart to continue owning and operating the franchise.
Media and Public Information
Attorneys Scott A. Snyder, Michael B. Snyder, and Matthew J. Plessinger of The Snyder Law Group can be contacted for more public information about the case. Individuals with information related to alleged abuse at Kiddie Academy facilities are encouraged to contact The Snyder Law Group.
Case Information
Baltimore City Circuit Court
Nicholas Peter, et al. v. Kiddie Academy of Kent Island, et al.
Case No. C-24-CV-25-010255