Iowa Court Rules Home Daycare Provider Committed Child Abuse After Infant Death

Daycare operator's license revoked following Supreme Court ruling on 2023 incident

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that a home daycare operator committed child abuse in the 2023 death of a 5-month-old infant under her care. The court found that the daycare provider, Amanda Cooke, failed to follow safe sleep practices required for licensed childcare facilities, leading to the infant's accidental death by suffocation. Cooke's daycare license has been revoked, and the infant's family has filed a lawsuit against her.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of strict safety protocols in childcare facilities, as well as the legal consequences providers can face for failing to uphold these standards. The ruling also underscores the need for comprehensive training and oversight to ensure the wellbeing of children in daycare settings.

The details

On October 9, 2023, Amanda Cooke, the operator of a home daycare in Iowa, placed a 5-month-old girl in a Pack 'n Play portable crib for a nap. When Cooke checked on the infant about an hour later, she found the child's face pressed against a blanket in the crib. Cooke performed CPR, but the infant died the next day. An autopsy determined the cause of death was lack of oxygen due to the infant's body position and smothering by the blanket. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services found that Cooke had failed to follow safe sleep practices required for licensed childcare facilities, and revoked her license. Cooke appealed the decision, but the Iowa Supreme Court ultimately sided with the department, ruling that Cooke's actions constituted child abuse since she had received specific training on safe sleep guidelines.

  • On October 9, 2023, Amanda Cooke placed the 5-month-old infant in a nap.
  • The infant died the day after the incident, on October 10, 2023.
  • In 2026, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled on the case.

The players

Amanda Cooke

The operator of a home daycare in Iowa where the incident occurred. Cooke's daycare license was revoked following the Supreme Court's ruling that she committed child abuse.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that revoked Cooke's daycare license after determining she failed to follow safe sleep practices required for licensed childcare facilities.

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What’s next

A jury trial is scheduled for January 2027 regarding the lawsuit filed by the infant's family against Amanda Cooke.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of strict safety protocols and proper training for all childcare providers, as even a single lapse can have devastating consequences. It serves as a sobering reminder of the heavy responsibility entrusted to those caring for our most vulnerable.