​In a recent report by WLNS, a mother has come forward with allegations that daycare workers made racist remarks about her child. According to the report, the mother claims that staff at the daycare center referred to her child using derogatory language, including calling the child a "monkey." She also alleges that the workers made comments about the child's hair and skin color, suggesting that the child was "dirty" because of their race.​

The mother, Kendra Smith says she’s furious and is speaking out against the racist comments and actions Okemos, Oklahoma daycare center tinkrLAB committed.

Smith is asking for justice after she says her then-18-month-old daughter faced racial discrimination.

The mother expressed deep concern over the impact of these remarks on her child's well-being and development. She stated that she trusted the daycare to provide a safe and nurturing environment, and these allegations have shattered that trust.​ 

“That was really hard to handle as a parent,” Smith told WLNS. “You don’t ever want to have to deal with your child.”

The daycare center in question has not publicly responded to the allegations at this time. Local authorities are reportedly investigating the claims to determine the appropriate course of action.​

This incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for increased oversight and accountability in childcare facilities to prevent such occurrences in the future.​

Smith told the outlet that in February 2023, she was reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) about her daughter, Braelynn.

“They informed me that they received a report from the facility that we had Braelynn enrolled in, Tinkrlab, and the report stated that there was some discrimination the day prior,” says Smith. “One of the providers in the facility said that Braelynn stinks because she’s Black, and it’s probably because of the Black products that we use in her hair,” says Smith.

The outlet also reported that one of the daycare workers also told investigators that another staffer refused to feed or hold Braelynn and would wipe her hand after touching the child.

“She was also the one that made a comment about how well she probably stinks because Black people use cooking grease in their hair,” says Smith. “CPS had a portion of the case that they investigated because there were points of neglect. Braelynn not being fed, provider not wanting to change her.”