> At a Glance
> – A 1-year-old boy died after his head became lodged in a 5-inch gap on a toy slide at an unlicensed Missouri daycare
> – The child slipped through the opening, cutting off oxygen before deputies and medics could save him
> – The unlicensed home facility near Potosi was caring for four children at the time
> – Why it matters: Missouri law exempts providers watching ≤6 kids from licensing, leaving gaps in oversight that can turn everyday playground equipment deadly
A routine January morning at a small home daycare outside Potosi, Missouri, ended in tragedy when a toddler slipped through a narrow gap on a plastic slide and suffocated. The January 8 incident-first reported as “a child not breathing”-has reignited debate over the state’s exemption that allows unlicensed child-care homes to operate with minimal oversight.
How the Slide Became Deadly
The slide sat on a tiny platform “two or three steps up,” Sheriff Dwayne Reed said. Its side railings left a five-inch opening-just wide enough for the boy’s body to slide through, but too small for his head. Once trapped, his airway was restricted and oxygen was cut off.
- First responders: Two Washington County deputies began CPR
- Additional crews: Fire and EMS teams continued life-saving efforts
- Outcome: The child died from injuries at the scene
The daycare operator attempted her own rescue before help arrived.
Licensing Gap Under Scrutiny
Missouri rules let providers care for up to six children–three under age two-without a license. Because the home was watching only four kids, it operated legally without inspections, training mandates, or safety audits.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Washington County Sheriff’s Office | Lead investigation |
| Missouri State Highway Patrol | Assisting |
| Missouri Division of Family Services | Child-welfare review |
The sheriff’s office called the death “a tragic loss” and withheld further details while the investigation proceeds.
Sheriff Reed told local media:
> “I can’t imagine anything more terrible.”
Key Takeaways
- A 1-year-old died after his head wedged in a 5-inch slide gap at an unlicensed home daycare
- Missouri law allows unlicensed care for ≤6 children, leaving safety checks to parents
- Multiple agencies are now reviewing the incident for possible policy changes
The boy’s name has not been released, and officials say updates will come only after the joint investigation is complete.
