Story Photos
 RaeAnna Larson, 4, of Kelso is safe in her mother's arms Friday after wandering away from her daycare center and crossing busy streets Thursday. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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4-year-old girl strays five blocks from Kelso day-care center
Friday, June 6, 2008 7:26 PM PDT
By Carrie Pederson
Printable version
E-mail this articleWhen Denise Bonds dropped her daughter off at Kelso Christian Academy day-care center Thursday morning, she wasn’t expecting to hear from the police an hour later.
Four-year-old RaeAnna Larson was running down the north side of Allen Street, about five blocks away from the day-care center, when a child welfare worker saw her at 7:15 a.m. and stopped her.
Authorities called Bonds 30 minutes later after they finally learned RaeAnna’s last name and tracked her mother down through birth records.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Bonds, who rushed over to pick up her daughter at Kelso Community Services Office on Vine Street.
“It’s a horrible situation,” acknowledged Kerry Sickels, director of Kelso Christian Academy, located 403 Academy St. She said the center is taking steps to prevent unattended children leaving again.
“We want to do everything in our power to rectified this situation,” she said.
Her mother dropped off RaeAnna at 6:45 a.m. Shortly later, she was allowed to go to a downstairs bathroom alone.
The childcare worker, whom Sickels said was fired over the incident, violated a policy by letting the child go to the bathroom alone. If there is no one else to accompany the child, the teacher must take the whole group, Sickels said. “You have to be within audio and visual range.”
“She wasn’t expecting (RaeAnna) would wander off,” Sickels said. “That would not be like her at all.”
But RaeAnna had decided she wanted to go home to see her older brother and sister, her mother said. She left the building and was spotted heading down the north side of Allen Street near Burger King.
“She had crossed a couple of intersections before she had made it there,” Bonds said. “She looked both ways across the street, and cars stopped for her.”
Justin Blackwell, a child welfare worker with the state Department of Social and Health Services, was just leaving Burger King after breakfast with co-workers.
“He decided to pull over, get out of the car and approach the child,” said Karen Lee, communications manager with DSHS. At the same time a man on a bike called 911. Authorities contacted Bonds at 7:41 a.m. and she came from Vancouver, where she works, to get RaeAnna, Lee said.
Bonds called caretakers at Kelso Christian Academy and “at that point (they) didn’t know she was missing,” Bonds said.
Sickels said the caretaker knew the child was missing five to 10 minutes after she was gone, but they didn’t know she had left the center.
“We all assumed she was wandering in the building,” said Sickels, who arrived at work to discover RaeAnna had disappeared. “We would have called 911 and then parent if we knew she wasn’t in the building.”
An alarm system will be installed on the doors at Kelso Christian Academy, Sickels said. They had “already been thinking about putting in the alarm system, but it was more out of concern for people coming in than for children going out,” she said.
“I think they took the right measures” with alarm installation, Bonds said. But, she added, “I think something should have been done six months ago.”
“I’ve always felt very comfortable having her there. That’s why I’m so disappointed,” she added.
Kelso Christian Academy is a preschool and childcare center for infants and toddlers. There are 175 children enrolled there and 27 staff members.
The case will be investigated by the Licensed Resources unit of Child Protective Services.
Amy Blondin, communications manager for the Department of Learning, said Kelso Christian Academy has a good record. “For a center of this size I wouldn’t say there an unusual number of complaints in the past,” she said, adding she did not know about complaints of children leaving.
Reality wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:54 PM:
" Give them a fine - they deserve it. Let the family sue if they will - they deserve the opportunity. Do not give the fired employee their job back - they do NOT deserve that. File civil suite against the fired employee - YES YES YES. "
director wrote on Jun 6, 2008 8:18 PM:
" Interesting how different centers are treated differently. This is a serious offense, I mean it takes awhile for a 4 yr old to get 5 blocks and still nobody there knew she was missing???
These things happen to everyone, and it is really scarey, but it definitely shows who has friends in the right places and how favorites are played. I wonder if they will be "red flagged" or put on probation....Obviously, they won't be closed down or have their name dragged through the mud. Everyone has a good record until they don't. "
These things happen to everyone, and it is really scarey, but it definitely shows who has friends in the right places and how favorites are played. I wonder if they will be "red flagged" or put on probation....Obviously, they won't be closed down or have their name dragged through the mud. Everyone has a good record until they don't. "
Just my opinion wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:10 PM:
" What an absolutely sickening story. This daycare has been crossed off of my list. I cannot believe that someone would allow a 4 year old to be out of ear shot, let alone go to another level of a building by themselves. I supposed I can understand not immediately calling 911, but just assuming the child is still in the building was wrong. Hasn't this school/daycare heard of a lock down? Thank God she was found safe, albeit 5 blocks away. Good thinking on Justin's part, he was RaeAnna's hero that day. "
who am I? wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:39 PM:
" I agree this is a terrible thing to have happen. The child is very lucky to be found safe and sound.
the day care had policies that should have prevented this from happening. HAD the employee followed those policies this would not have happened. that employee is now gone because she chose to not follow the strict policies set up for the protection of the children.
they also are taking it further to prevent something like this from happening again with the alarms along with the policies of not letting the kids be unsupervised. the policy should have been enough in this case but at least the center immediately took care of that and is taking steps for further protection. "
the day care had policies that should have prevented this from happening. HAD the employee followed those policies this would not have happened. that employee is now gone because she chose to not follow the strict policies set up for the protection of the children.
they also are taking it further to prevent something like this from happening again with the alarms along with the policies of not letting the kids be unsupervised. the policy should have been enough in this case but at least the center immediately took care of that and is taking steps for further protection. "
me1978 wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:17 PM:
" This is scary. Where are we supposed to take our children? My family has had serious issues with using private childcare givers but the day care centers aren't any better. Lucky for me, my daughter has been able to stay home or with family; but this won't always be the case. What are working parents supposed to do? "
Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 6, 2008 11:08 PM:
" I was really impressed with Longview Christian's daycare center...several years ago they installed cameras and bells on every exit and someone sits there watching them. I always felt comforted knowing that strangers couldn't get in without being detected...it never crossed my mind that a child could wander off. What a happy ending to what could have been a tragic story for this family. "
what i think wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:18 AM:
" i totaly see both sides of this story i had my little girl in kelso christan for a two years she loved it and so did i there were no problems infact i liked it better than what i have my 4 year old in now but i live in longview and its to far i can say many many mnay great things about kelso christian but as far as this situation it scars me so much i have a 4 year old and i cant even imagine her walking alone down allen street all the way to burgerking thats far away for kelso christion that little girl must also be thaught that you dont do thought kind of things i am not saying anything bad about the parents infact i have a store behind my house and i ran over there leaving my 4 year old at home with my hubby and while i was in the store all of a sudden here she comes all alone walking in the door of the store i can see how this can happen and i had to explane to her never to do anything like this again so you see it can happen to anyone but learn from your mistakes for a better future we need to teach our children what is safe and not as far as the teacher yeah she should loose her position she knew the rules and let her go alone anyways then did not contact anyone "
what i think wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:25 AM:
" yes let us all think god for the man who saved this little girls life i say life because you never know what could of happed if mr blackwell was not there i mean the freeway is just a mear block away from burger king there are a lot of what ifs that did not happen thanks to this guarden angle we call justin blackwell god bless you the city should reward you for what you have done as for me it makes me feel a little safer knowing there are kind and honest people in this town other than tweekers and child molester god bless you and keep up the good work "
tharris82405 wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:53 AM:
" Re: Reality
Why do so many people need to resort to suing other people? Why do we have so many "sue happy" people in our society nowadays?
This is obviously a tragic event that could have ended much differently than it did. And, for everyone's sake, thank-god it went the way it did.
Sounds like to me, the acadamy has done what they should've with firing the individual that violated the policy and will now install an alarm system. They probably will get a fine and will be "red-flagged" regardless of their actions as a result of this. That's pretty much a no brainer. Nothing is 100%.
I think this is a big wake up call for all involved, including the little girl. She is 4-years old and I'm sure she is well aware to not do what she did, but as with all of us, we make mistakes. I'm sure her mom will take this opportunity to educate her even more about choices and consequences and what could have happened.
If her mother chooses to keep her daughter enrolled at the acadamy, I would hope Kelso Christain would compensate her in some way as a result of this incident. "
Why do so many people need to resort to suing other people? Why do we have so many "sue happy" people in our society nowadays?
This is obviously a tragic event that could have ended much differently than it did. And, for everyone's sake, thank-god it went the way it did.
Sounds like to me, the acadamy has done what they should've with firing the individual that violated the policy and will now install an alarm system. They probably will get a fine and will be "red-flagged" regardless of their actions as a result of this. That's pretty much a no brainer. Nothing is 100%.
I think this is a big wake up call for all involved, including the little girl. She is 4-years old and I'm sure she is well aware to not do what she did, but as with all of us, we make mistakes. I'm sure her mom will take this opportunity to educate her even more about choices and consequences and what could have happened.
If her mother chooses to keep her daughter enrolled at the acadamy, I would hope Kelso Christain would compensate her in some way as a result of this incident. "
kelso mom1 wrote on Jun 7, 2008 1:37 AM:
" I am so grateful that Justin Blackwell approached the child, who knows what could have happened if he did not do that. Thank god you were there for the sweet little girl and she was able to be back in her mom's arms again. That is a true story book ending!!! "
longviewmom wrote on Jun 7, 2008 1:55 AM:
" First off I just want to tell RaeAnn and her family, that I am very happy she is safe and sound and ok at home, and for the daycare center, that is absolutly wrong that they just allowed a four year old to go to the bathroom by herself, thank god that Justin Blackwell was in the right place at the right time, because who nows what could have happened, thank god Justin and his co-workers were having breakfast. This is why people don't trust daycare centers, and why I will never trust a daycare center, if a four year old can escape without anyone know she is gone, who knows how many other kids may have attempted, but just got scared!!!! That is very scary, especially in the type of society we live in now!!!!! "
SUGAR wrote on Jun 7, 2008 6:59 AM:
" I am a parent of a child that goes to Kelso Christian.It was hard for me to read the letter then later the news report.For the people who do not have children going there and thoes that do, please do not throw away the school for the actions of one Teacher.The school is the best in town and I plan on having my child go there as only as he can.Because of this, I am now going to work at home with my child on teaching him to not leave school with out me, and to learn him phone number.I feel safe in knowing the school is doing all they can do to make sure this nevery happens again.As parting words; One bad apple does not mean the whole basket of apples are bad.Love you KCA "
confused? wrote on Jun 7, 2008 7:29 AM:
" Children will surprise you. I'm a substitute teacher and I don't know how many times my life has flashed before my eyes because a student didn't come in from recess, or by some fluke another student points out they're missing. (Remember, a substitute teacher doesn't always know everyone's names.) And yes, usually we find out they're at a counselor's office or somewhere else in the building. This day care is taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again. The alarm system is a good idea and I don't see why it won't solve the problem. Remember, it wasn't the daycare's policy to allow the 4 yr old to go to the bathroom by herself. "
sher52 wrote on Jun 7, 2008 7:54 AM:
" This story could have had a tragic ending...What if Justin had been some sort of child molester? What if cars hadn't stopped to let the child cross the street? Didn't any of those cars wonder what a little girl was doing there all alone? I don't normally advocate court cases, but this is one time I feel Rainy and her family deserve some sort of compensation. "
who am I? wrote on Jun 7, 2008 8:27 AM:
" I'm glad that they are getting alarms installed, but it's the employee's fault this whole thing happened. the centers policies are in place that would have prevented this if the now EX employee would have followed them. the policy on supervising them to the bathroom is clear. that employee is really who to blame and she was fired immediately because of it. but again, I'm glad that the incident ended with the little girl back home and the center adding more security along with the policy they already have. you can never be too safe with our children's lives. "
Teresa wrote on Jun 7, 2008 8:44 AM:
" Nobody will ever love or care for your child the way you do yourself despite how they advertise themselves. When you dump them off in the care of someone else, those are the chances you take. Sad but true. "
pilaf wrote on Jun 7, 2008 8:56 AM:
" Thank goodness this ended happily, but the daycare needs to restructure its policies. I feel bad for the teacher who has to take all the kids down to a different floor every time one has to go to the bathroom. Depending on how many kids are there at the time, they must spend all morning going up and down the stairs together. With bathrooms on a different floor, there should never be only one teacher present. to me that seems like inadequate staffing. "
who am I? wrote on Jun 7, 2008 9:12 AM:
" just so you know, there actually ARE bathrooms in every floor in that building.
I also know that they DID know the girls was missing sooner than the paper said they did and were looking for her.
pilaf, they have a good policy: NEVER let the child go unsupervised. the problem wasn't the policy, it was the now EX employee that was the problem. and if you read the story you know that not only is that the policy but they are adding alarms to heighten security also.
I've had kids go through this school and I would trust them again if I needed. I agree with Sugar, one teacher made a bad choice, that doesn't mean the whole school is bad. they handled that one teacher appropriately by letting her go after she went against school policy that is in place that would have prevented the whole thing.
1 person (who is now not there) doesn't make the whole school bad. "
I also know that they DID know the girls was missing sooner than the paper said they did and were looking for her.
pilaf, they have a good policy: NEVER let the child go unsupervised. the problem wasn't the policy, it was the now EX employee that was the problem. and if you read the story you know that not only is that the policy but they are adding alarms to heighten security also.
I've had kids go through this school and I would trust them again if I needed. I agree with Sugar, one teacher made a bad choice, that doesn't mean the whole school is bad. they handled that one teacher appropriately by letting her go after she went against school policy that is in place that would have prevented the whole thing.
1 person (who is now not there) doesn't make the whole school bad. "
Emmiecubed wrote on Jun 7, 2008 9:15 AM:
" I am pretty sure no one "dumps" their child off in the care of someone else. Most parents that use daycare don't have another option. In my case, it is daycare so I can work, or no food, clothes, electrcity, etc... "
pirate wrote on Jun 7, 2008 9:43 AM:
" I have worked at this school and had children there. This school has been in opperation for appx. 30-40 years and NOTHING like this has happened before. They have a very good reputation. This is a very scarry thing that happened but it was a bad judgement on the teacher NOT THE SCHOOL. I know the rules about viual & ear range at all times and it is enforced. So please do not give the school a bad name because a teacher made a mistake. I'm sure she feels terrible and will have to live with this for the rest of her life.
The school will make things safer now and it will never happen again I am sure. "
The school will make things safer now and it will never happen again I am sure. "
nattanner wrote on Jun 7, 2008 10:30 AM:
" I am a parent of a 4 year old child who goes to Kelso Christian, I was shocked as well to read that letter about what happened. I think that installing alarms is a great idea too. IF people read that article correctly they would see that the teacher realized the child was missing and they did start a search of the building immediately, they (AND the teacher who was let go!) would have NEVER imagined that that child would leave the building! I feel the need to say that I will and my child will miss that employee VERY much and that I would TRUST her more than anyone to watch my child at ANY time! Everyone makes mistakes and makes a 'bad' choice. I work as a daycare teacher as well and have for 8 years and I know that there are rules and strict guidelines, but EVERY daycare and EVERY daycare employee has had their moment of making a 'poor' choice and it is VERY unfortunate that something like this happened (for EVERYONE involved). "
Ms. Z wrote on Jun 7, 2008 11:07 AM:
" Teresa, what is sad but true is the shocking eye opener you will receive if that pious pedestal you sit upon ever crumbles. Nobody chooses to "dump" their children in daycare and for most it is an agonizing decision to leave their children with virtual strangers. The sad but true part is that so many cannot afford the luxury of staying at home with their children and must work to survive. "
somedude wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:30 PM:
" I feel bad for the Mother, she will always be stressed out about her daughter and if she is safe no matter what daycare she chooses from this point on. Absolutly horrifying! "
beermanyoder wrote on Jun 7, 2008 1:28 PM:
" what if justin blackwell would of turned out to be sex offender # 1 down the street?luckily this child was not injured or worse.glad to hear that justin blackwell was in the area and saved this little girl from who knows what.i think this is is a very serious issue and i feel that for safety reasons this place should be fined very heavily,or even shut down.you might not agree and say wow"it was an accident"these people are hired to care for other peoples children.shouldnt someone be held responsible?oh the worker was fired ,big deal.i can just say one thing,they are lucky it was not my child. "
who am I? wrote on Jun 7, 2008 1:49 PM:
" beermanyoder, I do agree that investigation from the state and consequences should be there BUT I don't think they should be shut down at this point. they have appropriate policy and are improving upon security. the whole center didn't break the rules, the employee did and she has been dealt with. yes, I realize she works for the center and they are held accountable. but they are taking appropriate steps to further improve upon what should have kept this child safe in the first place had the policy been followed by the employee. so, yes, warn them, fine them, whatever the state deems appropriate at this point from a center with good history. follow up on them to make sure they are following through with the steps they have said they are taking. but I really don't think they should be completely shut down at this time. they have a very good track record and are a good center. "
beermanyoder wrote on Jun 7, 2008 2:06 PM:
" also to you people that think daycare is not a dumping for kids think again.there are lots of people using daycare because they need it,however there are lots of people that take the kids to daycare and go back home to sleep or go have lunch or whatever,and they are paid for by the state...to those of you that dont know that means we as taxpayers pay so they can go play or whatever instead of caring for their own child.is this right or fair? no ,but the state sure doesnt seem to crackdown on them. we working people that need help cant get it,but if you lie you get all the help you need...thats really fair.just like in childcare,im sure the state has their favorites that do nothing wrong. "
valley thorn wrote on Jun 7, 2008 3:40 PM:
" re: Teresa comment, not all parents are good parents, some children are better being dumped off, as you phrased it, than being home with a lousey parent. With some of the comments posted here, alot of children will benefit from attending a daycare or pre-school, at least they will be learning something. "
Teresa wrote on Jun 7, 2008 6:57 PM:
" I apologize for using the word "dumped", that was insensitive of me. I know that most mom's don't think of it that way, and there's sometimes guilt associated with using daycare so I'm sorry if I hurt anyone by my comment.
The woman in the article clearly cares very much for her little girl and I'm very sorry that this happened. What a nightmare for her.
I didn't mean to come across as being on a pious pedestal. I applaud the single mom's who work hard and support a family. I was thinking more of all the women who work by choice for egotistical reasons and say "I could never stay home with my kids, they drive me nuts!" and the selfishness of that upsets me. Yah, kids can be annoying, but I'd rather be annoyed than find out my child was left cooking in a van or molested by some perv. Just my opinion, we all seem to have one and I don't mean any offense.
Again, I applaud and respect the single moms out there for what they do. "
The woman in the article clearly cares very much for her little girl and I'm very sorry that this happened. What a nightmare for her.
I didn't mean to come across as being on a pious pedestal. I applaud the single mom's who work hard and support a family. I was thinking more of all the women who work by choice for egotistical reasons and say "I could never stay home with my kids, they drive me nuts!" and the selfishness of that upsets me. Yah, kids can be annoying, but I'd rather be annoyed than find out my child was left cooking in a van or molested by some perv. Just my opinion, we all seem to have one and I don't mean any offense.
Again, I applaud and respect the single moms out there for what they do. "
lola*in*longview wrote on Jun 7, 2008 9:26 PM:
" I can't beleive that cars stopped to let her cross but only one man on a bike stopped her and called the poloce vefore the cps worker arrived. What is wrong with people today? "
TK wrote on Jun 7, 2008 10:02 PM:
" While the teacher certainly did the wrong thing and was lucky to just lose her job over this, I also hope the little girl faced some consequences for HER actions. Four years is plenty old enough to know that you STAY where you're SUPPOSED to be. If she's old enough to know "look both ways before crossing" she's old enough to understand that. She got lucky this time; next time she might not. Sad but true. "
BJMom wrote on Jun 8, 2008 10:21 AM:
" I am a KCA Parent and yes I am very concerned about this issue. But this forum is sounding more like an opportunity to bash the state system and parents who use daycare. I am a mother with a 2 year old son and I work very hard to provide for my son. So yes - there is an immense amount of guilt associated with leaving my son a few days a week at daycare. But - they love him and he loves them. I agree that a fine and investigation is totally justified - but changing policies to protect the kids is also a positive outcome from this tragic event. But - urging a close to this daycare is not the answer. Yes - there was wrongdoing of an individual employed at KCA. With the firing of that employee, the new safety measures taken - KCA will probably be the safest daycare in the area. We need safe places for children to thrive - that should be our focus. "
proudparent wrote on Jun 8, 2008 10:52 AM:
" My 18 month old son attends KCA and my niece has attended for approximately 6 years, nothing like this has ever happened. Bad decision made by 1 teacher! I am very happy my son can attend this daycare. The policies set by KCA are strictly enforced! I know doors are remained locked to entry during school hours for the safety of the children, who would have thought that a child would leave. I am very happy to hear that they have taken appropriate precautions by installing an alarm system. "
Ms. Nikki wrote on Jun 8, 2008 1:08 PM:
" So let me get this straight....one teacher makes a mistake at this daycare and THEY aren't shut down but months ago ONE TEACHER made a mistake at another center and THEY had to shut down? That doesn't seem fair. Kelso Christain didn't have a perfect record before this happened. Why wasn't the teacher's name given? "
Bounder wrote on Jun 8, 2008 3:41 PM:
" TK, I agree. I was thinking the same thing. If she was old enough to find her way home to see her brother and sister. She should be old enough to know not to leave the day care center alone. I agree The childcare worker should be held accountable for letting her go to the bathroom alone, but parents need to teach their kids to stay at the day care center, baby sitters or schools. Before anyone says anything about me being hard on the mother. Just to let you know, my kids NEVER wandered away from a day care center or their school on their own. I taught them not to "
Mom of four wrote on Jun 9, 2008 12:23 AM:
" First off great news the child is safe and well. Second, why would the daycare lady have to take all the children down to the bathroom if one child had to go.....leading to why isnt their more teachers/daycare workers? I personally would be very very upset. Also, thinking of installing an alarm and doing so are two diffrent things. It should have been required. Also, it is a fire safty issue for"lock down". I would be so mad if they had done that too. So many things can be avoided when working in that enviroment. The only thing that was really wrong here is not enough workers, the woman in charge should have had all the children go to the restroom at once and so that way it could have been avoided. Things happen and thank God that she didn't get snached by some creep. Good luck to your family. BTW the paper is only putting it in "their" words. "
Debbie Merz wrote on Jun 9, 2008 10:56 AM:
" My heart goes out to the KCA director Karry and the staff at the school. 2 of my grandchildren attend and I occasionally pick them up. They love the staff AND they both have had the teacher that was fired. THEY LOVED HER AND WILL MISS SEEING HER. She has made a huge mistake and will have to live with it. Installing the door alarms are a wonderful idea. Along with it being the most caring daycare in this area it will also be the safest. My prayers are with all of you as you work thru this difficult time. "
KCA PARENT wrote on Jun 13, 2008 6:42 PM:
" I am a parent of children that attend KCA. This past week has been pretty stressful because of this event. I sat down with my children and we discussed what happened. First off, Rainy I am glad you’re safe. Secondly, I worry about all the talk this causing a school shut down, my children have gone there all their lives, it is such a loving caring environment and the idea that they would close the center breaks my heart as this place is like a second home to my children -they have grown up there…this event was an eye-opener to all and now with the alarms it is now possibly the safest daycare in the area...Our love goes out to all the teachers at KCA, but most especially to THIS TEACHER - WE WANT HER TO KNOW WE LOVE AND MISS HER AND OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER AND HER FAMILY. REMEMBER GOD DOES NOT SHUT A DOOR WITHOUT OPENING ANOTHER. "
kca mom wrote on Jun 13, 2008 10:55 PM:
" I am a parent that has children at KCA and I can say that although there may be a policy in writing somewhere it isn't stated in the parent handbook ,so how were we as parents to know that it was being broken. As for it being strictly enforced thats not true for I have gone to pick up my children many times and found them not in the classroom, but in the bathroom unattended and it wasn't the EX-teacher who sent them to the bathroom, the EX-teacher wasn't even my children's teacher and to make it seem like this Ex teacher is the only person who didn't follow policy is a lie (Isn't there a commandment about that hmmm?)...every teacher in that building should be thinking "THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I." "
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