Advocacy Group Pushes for Daycare Cameras in Missouri After Child’s Death

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - A national nonprofit is calling for new legislation in Missouri that would require surveillance cameras in all licensed daycare facilities, following the death of 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft earlier this month.

The Uvalde Foundation for Kids announced its proposal for "Conrad’s Law" in honor of Conrad, who was autistic, who died while under care at Poppy’s Playhouse 2 daycare in Park Hills. The organization said the legislation would not only mandate the installation of cameras but also require additional training for staff who work with neurodivergent and special needs children.

According to state reports, Conrad was placed alone in a hallway after crying. A daycare worker reportedly swaddled him in a blanket and placed her legs over his, using a weighted blanket that weighed over 18 pounds. The Missouri Office of Childhood said the child was not discovered until his mother arrived for pickup hours later. The proposal is intended to ensure accountability and safety in daycare settings.

The group is calling for justice in Conrad’s case and says camera systems could serve as both a preventative measure and a tool for investigations into alleged abuse or neglect.

.As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with Conrad Ashcraft’s death.