Abuse Scandal Rocks Brooklyn Daycare as City Launches Investigation
The Eva Crèche Day Care center in Prospect Lefferts Gardens has been shut down amid horrific allegations of child abuse and neglect, leaving dozens of families without a safe haven for their children. The daycare, which was licensed to care for 10 kids but reportedly had over 14 on site at one point, saw its license revoked after several parents came forward with disturbing videos showing their children being physically mistreated.
The whistleblower, an employee who took the videos, reported the incidents to city officials and is currently under investigation. The videos, taken between September and October last year, show an employee grabbing a child by the clothing and tossing them around, as well as workers pointing brooms at kids in high chairs and leaving toddlers unattended in bathrooms.
Parents claim that the daycare enrolled their children without permission and even took them on unauthorized outings, including what appeared to be a "neighborhood walk" - a daily activity tracked on an app used by daycares. The center's owner, Shareese Dukes, has denied any wrongdoing, saying she cooperated with the investigation and fired the employee accused of neglect.
However, city officials say the allegations are "horrific and unacceptable" and have vowed to support the ongoing investigation. They also claim that the daycare will face penalties if it attempts to reopen under a new name or license.
The scandal has left many parents shaken, including Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who says she's "heartbroken" by the situation. "When we send our kids to day care, we don't expect these things to happen," she said.
While the daycare had some minor violations in the past, city officials say they were unaware of the serious issues at hand. Inspectors found no indication of problems during routine visits, and the center was licensed with a good standing until its closure earlier this month.
The Eva Crèche Day Care center in Prospect Lefferts Gardens has been shut down amid horrific allegations of child abuse and neglect, leaving dozens of families without a safe haven for their children. The daycare, which was licensed to care for 10 kids but reportedly had over 14 on site at one point, saw its license revoked after several parents came forward with disturbing videos showing their children being physically mistreated.
The whistleblower, an employee who took the videos, reported the incidents to city officials and is currently under investigation. The videos, taken between September and October last year, show an employee grabbing a child by the clothing and tossing them around, as well as workers pointing brooms at kids in high chairs and leaving toddlers unattended in bathrooms.
Parents claim that the daycare enrolled their children without permission and even took them on unauthorized outings, including what appeared to be a "neighborhood walk" - a daily activity tracked on an app used by daycares. The center's owner, Shareese Dukes, has denied any wrongdoing, saying she cooperated with the investigation and fired the employee accused of neglect.
However, city officials say the allegations are "horrific and unacceptable" and have vowed to support the ongoing investigation. They also claim that the daycare will face penalties if it attempts to reopen under a new name or license.
The scandal has left many parents shaken, including Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who says she's "heartbroken" by the situation. "When we send our kids to day care, we don't expect these things to happen," she said.
While the daycare had some minor violations in the past, city officials say they were unaware of the serious issues at hand. Inspectors found no indication of problems during routine visits, and the center was licensed with a good standing until its closure earlier this month.
I'm not surprised to see another daycare scandal rock Brooklyn - it's like a never-ending nightmare for parents trying to leave their kids in someone else's care 
. The fact that the owner, Shareese Dukes, is denying any wrongdoing while the employee accused of neglect is under investigation just doesn't add up 
. I mean, come on, if you're going to enroll your kids without permission and take them on unauthorized outings, don't expect parents to trust you completely 
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. It sounds like the daycare was more interested in monitoring their activities than actually providing care and support for those little ones 
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. Can't we trust that they're doing what's best for our kids? 
I'm literally shaking thinking about all those innocent babies going through what they did... my heart goes out to those families who lost their trust in the system 
. And the whistleblower? They're kinda heroes, imo 
. Councilmember Hudson is right, though, when u send ur kid to daycare, u expect them to be safe and happy, not traumatized 
The fact that they had 14 kids in a facility licensed for 10 is just crazy. And those videos? No words... 
I mean, they're the one who came forward and risked everything. It's kinda suspicious that city officials are saying they'll support the investigation but also vowing to punish them if they reopen under a new name... 
The fact that they were able to get away with it for so long is disgusting... and the owners are denying everything? 
That's not good enough, share the blame! 
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inspectors just didnt know something was off until it was too late 