Salina Day Care Provider Arrested

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Posted: 1:43 PM May 13, 2008
Last Updated: 3:34 PM May 13, 2008
Email Address: news@kake.com

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A Salina Day Care Provider whose license was suspend last week by the state has been arrested. Officers arrested 24-year old Tiffany Axelson on Monday. Axelson operates a daycare out of her home.

Deputy Police Carson Mansfield said that officers and an ambulance, were
called to Axelson's home on April 28th regarding a report of an 8-month old boy who was unresponsive.

The child, who was under her care, was taken to Salina Regional Health
Center. He was later transferred to a Wichita hospital, to be treated for a
head injury. He has since been released.

Mansfield says that the child's injuries were consistent with being shaken.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an Emergency Order of Suspension against Tiffany Axelson's Day Care Home last week.

Axelson was arrested Monday and booked into the Saline County Jail on
charges that could include aggravated battery and child abuse.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Dallas, TX on May 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM
OMG!! People, what is it with everyone trying to judge others and situations they nothing of. Know one knows what happaned and only GOD himself can judge, who are we to place judgment when we ourselves aren't perfect. I don't know the day care provider and I wasn't there only GOD knows what happaned. So everyone who has their two cents to put in please save it, because you might know ther person or persons involved but no one was there to know exactly what happaned both parties need to stop bashing one another and pray for the little boy and live it to GOD. I can't say to leave it up to justice becuase sometimes justice is blind aswell. My prayres go out to mom and baby, i know a mothers pain of watching your child in pain and unable to do anything. Everyone just needs to stop pointing fingers and let the family be. I know that both sides of the family want to support their kin but pointing fingers isn't going to help, it could be niether - what do we know we weren't there.

Posted by: Erin Location: Kansas on May 16, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I forgot to add...I do a lot of work in my community trying to spread awareness of SBS. I am also working towards getting stiffer laws in place for the monsters that commit this malicious act against our children. I say, educate everyone, especially people wanting to open any sort of daycare. Make them take a class before being eligible for a license. Then, heaven forbid, when it happens again, charge them with attempted murder!

Posted by: Erin Location: Kansas on May 16, 2008 at 09:39 PM
First and foremost, I am praying for this little guy. Second of all, to everyone, let the police do their job. They would not have arrested Tiffany if they didn't have every reason to do so. My husband is a police officer and I know they don't just "pick" someone to arrest because someone has to go to jail! There is so much more that the police and the Drs know then we do about finding out what happened to this little guy. That is why they are the people doing that job. To everyone that supports Tiffany, good for you, she will need that while she sits her time out in jail.

Posted by: robert on May 16, 2008 at 04:11 PM
The police would not have charged her for aggravated battery with out probable cause. Thank you God that baby is going to be okay. If she is guilty, she will be punished.

Posted by: Jerry Location: Goodland on May 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM
We should let justice be served. We should not rush to judgment.

Posted by: Claudia Duran Location: Salina on May 15, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I know the mother and baby and the sitter and I don't think the police know what the hell they are doing. How do they know the child doesn't have an unkn own condition, because they I almost watched him that day. That could have been me he had a seizure if I had watched him that day, so stop jumping to conclusions and just pray for the family. None of you who made negative comments were there or were YOU?

Posted by: Elizabeth Location: Texas on May 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I am the step-sister of the babies mother. How dare you people criticise the mother for having her child in daycare. The mother is a very loving mother and would go to the extremes of the Earth to provide her child with what he needs and wants, and if that means putting her child in daycare so she can work to provide a good comfortable life for him so be it. Kuddos mom!! Why are you people so cruel? The mother is absolutely torn up because her child has sustained such an injury and all you guys can do is talk what ya'll don't know. She has to deal with media hounding her and all the while she just wants to take care of her child. BACK OFF!!! GIVE HER AND HER FAMILY THEIR PRIVACY!!! I don't know this Tiffany chick but I believe she is where she belongs...in jail. My thoughts and prayers are with the mother and her baby.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Aunt from Texas, If you feel so strong againist home daycares why aren't you up here watching this little child yourself?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Goodland on May 15, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I also know Tiff as a loving person and know the struggle to stay at home with your children. This situation is sad all around and my prayers are with everyone involved. My heart goes out to all of you. I have already seen the damage caused in reputation for both families. Next time you have juicy gossip you are going to spread remember this:"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." James 3:5 Maybe you will reconsider the news you are going to spread. Then again knowing the small town life maybe not.

Posted by: Aunt Location: Texas on May 15, 2008 at 03:14 PM
OKAY FIRST OF ALL I THINK THAT HOME DAY CARE SHOULD BE BANNED JUST FOR THE FACT THAT THERE ARE NO CAMERAS IN THE HOMES YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO IS WASHING YOUR CHILD NOT UNLESS IS A FAMILY MEMBER I SEEN ALOT OF ABUSES GOING ON IN DAY CARES SO 2ND OF ALL MOTHER WAS ALREADY INVESTICATED IF SHE HARM THE CHILD SHE WOULD BE THE ONE WHO WOULD BE IN JAIL SO TALK WHAT YOU KNOW MISS LITTLE TIFFANY IN THE OTHER HAD SHE HAD TO OF DONE SOMETHING CAUSE LOOK WERE SHES AT NOW COME ON NOW WHO CAN WACH 1 8 MONTH OLD BOY THEN HAVE 2 OF YOUR OWN & WACH MORE KIDS IF YOU ASK ME THATS TO DAM MANY FOR ONE PERSON & AT THAT PREGNATE.I FEEL IN MY HEART SHE HAD TO OF DONE SOMETHING TO BABY BOY I UNDER STAND THAT MOTHERS DONT HAVE A CHOICE BUT TO PUT YOU BABIES IN DAY CARE BUT WHEN YOU LIVE YOUR BAIES THERE THINK ABOUT WHO IS TAKEING CARE OF YOUR CHILD THEY CAN BE ALL NICE IN YOUR FACE BUT YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING BEHIND CLOSE DOORS..I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT MY BABY BOY IS DOING OKAY.SO LIVE MOM ALONE!!!!!

Posted by: Mother of the Baby Boy Location: Salina on May 15, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I am the mother of the baby boy. First things first, I would like to thank EVERYONE for their prayers and support in this unfortunate situation. Second, to the media - BACK OFF!! Our concentration right now is to care for our baby boy. PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR COME TO MY HOME. HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR MY HOME AND FAMILY!!! IT IS DIFFICULT ENOUGH TO BE EXPERIENCING THIS UNFORTUNATE AND HORRIBLE SITUATION, NOT ONLY FOR MY FAMILY BUT FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED. BACK OFF!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 12:24 AM
You know is it really pathetic to see how many of you can rush to judgement. To the person that says I hope she rots in jail I say to you that you are an idiot. I hope when you stand before your maker that there is more understanding for you than what you have for this person. A rush to judgement is never good and are we too blind as a society to see what happens when you don't know what you are talking about. What about looking at the home situation here, could this have happened before this little one went to the daycare? YES, did the provider do right by calling 911? YES. I can guarantee that this provider is nothing but a loving person, she has more to love to give than any of you who doubt and has only the utmost concern for all who she cares for. To all you who don't know the facts, you don't the story, you don't know anything. I say to you, be quiet. Be glad there are providers out there who truly love what they do and often children are safer with them than at home.

Posted by: shannon Location: salina on May 14, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I personally know Tiffany and I the person I know is a caring mother of 2, soon to be 3. My prayers go out to everyone involved.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Kansas on May 14, 2008 at 10:29 PM
How can someone like this harm an innocent child that can't do for him self. Sometimes we might know a person really well and in close door they can be the enemy.

Posted by: Amy Location: Goodland on May 14, 2008 at 06:30 PM
We are praying for you Tiffany, we know you didn't do this. You are a Godly woman, and you treasure children. I'm so sorry that you've been accused of these horrific things that someone else has committed. The Lord knows the truth, and whether it comes in our lifetime or not, justice will be served to the guilty party.

Posted by: Abby on May 14, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Tiff, you're hometown is behind you. We all KNOW dang good and well you didn't do this! We Love you!!!!

Posted by: Debbie on May 14, 2008 at 03:30 PM
MARGINAL DAYCARE...WHO ARE YOU TO MAKE THE ASSUMPTION THAT THIS WAS A MARGINAL DAYCARE. I am a personal friend of Tiffany's and KNOW what a caring person she is. When the facts are told, the charges will be released and all of you who have written such hateful things on this blog can live with your accusations. Tiffany's reputation has been ruined by the horrible media coverage who can wait to spill the blood and guts of America on it. Will they be as quick to write a recanted story on how the media affected them personally? NO, they are only out to destroy. I hope that each of you that have written hateful things about this wonderful daycare provider, find yourself in a situation in which people inaccurately judge you. Tiffany was raised in a loving home and provides one for her family as well as the children that she cares for. I do not know why anyone would open a day care after seeing what these allegations have done. There is no protection. Guilty until proven innocent.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 02:18 PM
First of all I would like to address Bruce from MO's comment.. Have you seen the price of gas lately? Have you noticed the rising cost of living that makes it virtually impossible for people to live on a single income? I find it personally offensive that you assume that children are 'mistakes' and paying for their parents 'selfish lifestyle decisions' just because they are in daycare. I would personally love to stay at home with my son, but it's just not possible. Be realistic... Second... People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! The majority of you, don't even know these people involved... you don't know their lives. Freak medical things happen. No one has been convicted! I would be proud to have my child in a daycare where they were attentive and got my child the attention he needs promptly! Innocent until proven guilty people! If you were falsly accused, and in this case I believe the daycare provider is, you would want people to be suportive not hateful!

Posted by: Crystal Location: Goodland on May 14, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I do believe Tiffany is innocent. She has 2 children and a baby on the way, that needs her. Has the family of the little boy been investigated. Why wasn't the parents of the baby arrested too? It is funny that everyone likes to jump to conclusions that the daycare provider did this act, when the mother could have done it herself. Tiffany and her family has my support.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Wichita on May 14, 2008 at 11:19 AM
First, I hope that little boy is ok. Second, I had a baby out of wedlock, and I am darn proud that I have NEVER had to use help for the government. My child was in a day care facility out of a private home, while I did work 40 hours a week. I had to work because I was the only one to make sure he had everything he needed. He depended on me and only me, and i coudl not let him down. I hated leaving him everyday, but I know he was in good hands. My babysitter did not raise my child. Yes, she had a influence on his life, but I raised him.You cannot call me selfish, nor can you tell me my child was being forced to pay for my mistakes. Yes, i have made mistakes, but I also make sure I take full responsibilty for mine, and do everything i can to make sure HE has the best childhood I can give him. Yes, i wish i could have stayed home with him, but I did the best I could and i am darn proud of what kind of mom I am. Daycare is not a bad thing, and i hate they get a bad rap.

Posted by: CS Location: SALINA on May 14, 2008 at 10:55 AM
FIRST OF ALL I KNOW THE MOTHER OF THE ABUSED BOY. SHE IS A SINGLE LOVING MOTHER THAT IS DOING THE BEST THAT SHE CAN FOR HER CHILDREN. YOU ARE ALL SO QUICK TO JUDGE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT SHE IS GOING THROUGH, HOW TIRED SHE IS, HOW WORRIED SHE IS ABOUT THE DAMAGE THAT HAS BEEN TO HER SON. WHAT ABOUT THE MEDICAL EXPENSES SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY. ON MOTHER'S DAY SHE THANKED GOD THAT HER SON WAS ALIVE. DID THE REST OF US MOTHER'S HAVE TO GO THRU THAT. I SAY DON'T POST JUDGEMENT UNTIL YOU DO KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. IF THE DAY CARE PROVIDER IS GUILTY SHE IS THE ONE THAT HAS TO LIVE WITH WHAT SHE HAS DONE.

Posted by: CHRIS Location: WICHITA on May 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
XCUSE ME KANDY, MY WIFE RAN OFF & LEFT ME WITH 4 GIRLS DONT GIVE ME THAT SINGLE MOTHER CRAP......I RATHER PAY 1 OF MY RELATIVES THAN HAVE AN SRS FUNDED DAYCARE WATCH MY CHILDREN.

Posted by: no name on May 14, 2008 at 09:22 AM
First of all I feel the daycare is innocent until proven guilty. There is just as much abuse at home as in a daycare!

Posted by: KK Location: Norton on May 14, 2008 at 09:19 AM
You are all so quick to judge. I’m sure there is more to this story than you heard on the news. Were you there? Did you see her shake this baby? Tiffany is a wonderful mother and caregiver and she has a lot of support standing beside her. What ever happen to innocent until proven guilty?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 09:51 PM
We have also seen alot of news stories of stay at home mothers abusing and even killing their own children. The newstory does not say if this woman has children of her own, but she might. Cathy, I would like to see the statistics you have that show that most working mothers are only seeking material possesions. I am happy for you that you can stay at home with your children. Please, don't make allegations against working mothers regardless of their intentions. The couples that you refer to that work and have nice cars and homes probably also take their children to quality daycares, so really that argument doesn't make much sense. I think the real problem lies in the availablity of affordable quality childcare. How do you know that the mother of this child is a materialistic narcisist? Thats a large assumption, when its likely that the opposite is true. Enjoy your kids! And to the mommy of this baby, I hope he's doing much better soon!

Posted by: Bruce Location: MO on May 13, 2008 at 09:13 PM
It is my opinion that far too many children are in childcare for reasons other than reasons of necessity. A primary reason is because of the parents desire to have a better and higher standard of living. There is nothing wrong with that unless it comes at the expense of their children. Believe me, children would rather have their mom and dad rather than a new car, bigger boat or plasma TV. Also, many children are in daycare because they are being forced to pay for the foolish mistakes of the parents. For instance, premarital sex, births out of wedlock, dropping out of school, and many other "lifestyle" choices that the little children are being forced to pay the consequences for. Divorce is a major reason children are in daycare. Usually moms and dads too self-centered, self-absorbed and self-infatuated to put the kids over their little likes and dislikes. Cathy has the right take on all of this – I am amazed more don’t agree.

Posted by: anonymus on May 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
What happened to the fact that a person is inocent until proven guilty? A lot of these comment are directed as if the daycare provider has been convicted, but has only been charged with the offenses. It could be possible that the child had been mistreated, or abused at it's home and brought to the daycare and developed the symptoms while in the daycare prividers home.

Posted by: working mom on May 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Okay, first of all...WHO HAS PROOVED THAT THIS WAS FROM THE ACTS OF THE DAYCARE PROVIDER AS OPPOSSED TO THE PARENT/PARENTS??? HOW ABOUT WE LET HER HAVE HER DAY IN COURT AND IF THE COURTS FIND HER GUILTY, THEN WE CAN SCORN HER...BUT UNTIL THEN...SHE HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND HERSELF IN COURT AND CONTEST HER INNOCENCE. THAT IS THE LAW. LETS NOT BRUTILLY ATTACK A YOUNG MOTHER WHOM TAKES OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN INTO HER HOME AS A MEANS TO BE ABLE TO STAY HOME WITH HER OWN CHILDREN WHEN WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. I PRAY FOR THE CHILD BY ALL MEANS...HIS WELL BEING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. BUT, IT WOULD BE EASY FOR ABUSIVE PARENTS TO PASS THIS OFF ONTO THE DAYCARE PROVIDER TO "SAVE THIER OWN SKIN". BY NO MEANS AM I ACCUSSING THE PARENTS....IM JUST SAYING...WHY ARE WE AUTOMATICALLY GRANTING A GUILTY JUDGEMENT ON SOMEONE WHEN WE DONT KNOW THE FACTS? JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Posted by: superb Location: Wellington on May 13, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Why some other people easy for them to judge right away the story? Do you think to care a baby is an easy job?..

Posted by: Cathy on May 13, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I don't see how my opinion is so offensive--I said in both of my comments that I know not everyone can stay home. I get that. My point was that a lot of children are in daycare simply because of messed up priorities. Some women have to work, and I think they should get all the help they can get, and I hope they are able to find day care providers who truly love the children and give them exceptional care. It just seems to me that there are a lot of news stories where children are abused in day cares, and I don't think that's worth it--ever. Our children are our future, and they deserve everything we can invest in them. For the record, my sister was one of the best day care providers I have ever seen, but she still wasn't those children's mother, and you can't pay someone to do what a mother does for free. For those who have to work, there is no choice,and my heart goes out to those mothers and children. But for many, that's not the case, and all too often the children suffer.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita on May 13, 2008 at 06:01 PM
First of all, you can't lump someone's bad behavior to all daycare homes. My kids go to a licensed home daycare and she is wonderful. Not only does she take good care of my kids, she does lots of academics and teaching and my kids will be more than ready for Kindergarten. Cathy- Your situation does not apply to all and it's very offensive to those that have no choice but to work unless they want to be on welfare. And SRS doesn't license daycares, Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment licenses them.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 05:52 PM
You go, Cathy! I agree completely.

Posted by: Cathy on May 13, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Anonymous, you asked what material possessions have to do with childcare. What I meant was that there are too many women who have babies and then let other people raise them because they refuse to make the sacrifices necessary to stay home. We live in a society where a lot of people put way too much emphasis on possessions, rather than on relationships with their children. I know that some women have to work--it can't be helped, but a lot of women CHOOSE to allow other people to raise their children so that they can persue careers to pay for nicer possessions. I have friends who work 40 hours a week and have their children in daycare because they want the new house and the nice car, and that's the only way to get it. Someday, those children will be grown and gone, and you don't get a second chance to raise them. You've allowed someone else to do what can never be done again, and in the end, you've lost valuable time that can never be made up. Nicer things aren't worth that.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Wichita on May 13, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I don't think that all home daycares should be banned. Why should I be punished because of some careless human being? I do think that ALL home daycares should be investigated or check on more than twice a year WITHOUT NOTICE!! Look into the person who is caring for your children! Pop in unexpected. I allow my parents to come anytime they'd like. If you even dare since something is going on, ask the provider or you can always call the state and they will do a random check. I do think that daycare providers who do harm children should get tougher sentences. I pray for the baby who was hurt and for the whole entire family. May God Bless You All!

Posted by: Kandy on May 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Boy...if only every mother could be a stay at home mom...but some of us are single mothers who's ex-husband has run off and avoids paying child support whenever possible. Hmm..if I didn't work, then we'd be another SRS welfare case that someone else was complaining about. The problem here is that someone wasn't paying attention to this provider somewhere. I'm sure there were warning signs or previous incidents that should have been reported and investigated.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Cathy, what does having material possessions have to do with childcare? I'm sure that if possible, every mother would LOVE to stay home with their kids...but that's not the reality to most people. Get a clue.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 04:50 PM
This society is horrible SRS doesnt require alot to run a day care and thats why so many babaies are getting hurt and killed i kinda disagree w the ladys staement below some moms dont have a choice and aren't blessed to have a husband who lets them spend money and sit at home neways im very glad the little boy is ok and survived its very sad. I think home daycares s hould be banned period notice all the tradegies are at home daycares and not licensed facilities

Posted by: Cathy on May 13, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Ok...I'll catch a lot of slack for saying this, but by golly it needs to be said. If more moms (I know--it doesn't pertain to everyone, but it does pertain to most) would sacrifice some of thier nice material possessions and take more responsibility for their children's care, they wouldn't need to be in day care in the first place. Do you NEED those nice clothes, new shoes, expensive car payments, big house, etc? Shop garage sales, quit eating out, stop buying your children off with toys and junk, and perhaps a majority of these working mothers could quit their jobs and stay home with their children instead of entrusting what should be their most prized possessions (their children) to strangers. I know money would be tight, but it can be done. We drive a used car, live in a small house, buy second hand clothes, and I learned to cook, and you know what? I saw the first steps and heard the first words. I get my kids up and tuck them in at night. I'm their MOTHER, not their babysitter.

Posted by: CHRIS Location: WICHITA on May 13, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I SEE NOTHING BUT SRS/TAFT & SSI PEOPLE STARTING DAYCARES ALL OVER KANSAS FOR EXTRA INCOME....THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED AT ALL..

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Wow another home child/daycare victim. I hope she rots in jail.God bless the little baby that he is okay.

Posted by: maria Location: garrett on May 13, 2008 at 02:15 PM
This is what can happen when we have such acceptance of marginal childcare. We need to step up to the plate and provide better education and training and pay to those people with whom we entrust the care of our children. How do we think these situations occur? Lack of understanding regarding child develoment and proper oversight.