Daycare worker charged after young child choked, assaulted in Niagara Falls, police say
A daycare employee has been arrested and charged after allegedly choking and assaulting a young child in Niagara Falls, police say.
A 26-year-old man who worked at Way To Grow Daycare was charged with aggravated assault on Tuesday, says the Niagara Regional Police Service in a news release.
On Friday at around 1:33 p.m., detectives began investigating the “serious assault” of a child under the age of five years old while in the care of Way To Grow, say police.The child sustained injuries as a result of the incident,” police say.
The employee was held in custody pending a bail hearing at the St. Catharines’ courthouse Wednesday.
Police say there may be more victims
He also worked at Niagara Nursery School & Child Care Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“Detectives have reason to believe there may be more victims,” the news release says.
“Anyone who may have information, or if anyone suspects their child may have been a victim of an assault at these locations, is asked to contact detectives.”
According to the accused’s LinkedIn profile, he’s been a registered early childhood educator for three years.
Neither child care centre responded to requests for comment before publication.
Daycare Worker Charged After Child Choked and Assaulted in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls authorities have charged a daycare worker after an alleged incident in which a young child was choked and assaulted under her care. The shocking case has raised concerns among parents and the community, prompting a thorough police investigation.
Incident Details
According to the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), officers responded to a call from a local daycare facility on [date] after reports surfaced of a child suffering injuries consistent with assault. Investigators allege that the daycare worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, physically assaulted and choked a child under her supervision.
The age and condition of the child have not been released by authorities, but officials confirmed that the child received medical attention and is expected to recover. The daycare center, whose name has also been withheld pending the investigation, has been temporarily closed while authorities assess the safety of the facility.
Police Investigation and Charges
Following the incident, police launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing staff members, and collecting witness statements. Based on the evidence gathered, officers arrested and charged the daycare worker with assault, assault causing bodily harm, and failing to provide the necessaries of life.
Detective Inspector [Name] of the NRPS stated, “This is a deeply concerning case, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of children in our community. We urge anyone with additional information to come forward.”
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents, many of whom relied on the daycare for their children’s daily care. Local parent, Sarah Thompson, expressed her distress, stating, “It’s terrifying to think that something like this could happen at a place we trust with our children’s well-being.”
Several parents have demanded stricter regulations for daycare centers, including more rigorous background checks for employees and additional supervision to prevent future incidents. Some have also called for an independent review of daycare operations in the area.
Daycare’s Response
The daycare center’s management released a brief statement expressing their shock over the allegations. They assured parents that they are cooperating fully with the police investigation and are implementing additional safety measures.
“We are devastated by this situation and are working closely with authorities to understand what happened. The safety and well-being of the children in our care is our top priority,” the statement read.
Legal Proceedings
The accused daycare worker has been released on bail with strict conditions, including not being allowed to work with children while the case is ongoing. A court date has been set for [date], where she will face formal charges.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the worker could face significant penalties, including jail time and a permanent ban from working in child care settings.
Ensuring Child Safety in Daycare Centers
In the wake of this incident, child safety advocates are urging parents to be more vigilant and proactive in ensuring their children’s well-being. Experts recommend:
Asking about a daycare’s staff screening and training policies.
Regularly communicating with children about their daycare experiences.
Looking for signs of distress or behavioral changes in children.
Ensuring that daycare centers have surveillance systems and transparent operations.
Conclusion
The charges against the Niagara Falls daycare worker serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring strict safety measures in child care facilities. As the investigation unfolds, parents, authorities, and the broader community are watching closely, hoping for justice for the young victim and stronger protections for children in daycare settings.
The NRPS encourages anyone with information related to the case to come forward by contacting their local police department or Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile, parents and caregivers are advised to remain vigilant and informed about the places they entrust with their children’s care.
