TWO daycare workers were arrested after a baby in their care suffered a skull fracture and they allegedly tried to hide it from the boy’s mother.
The two women work at the Kiddie Academy branch in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and were booked on suspicion of child abuse and conspiracy.
Rudie Megan Maldonado, 29, and Felicia Ann Ferra, 50, were both arrested this week, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The injured child, an 8-month-old boy, was admitted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in September with a skull fracture, which sparked the investigation into the daycare.
KCAL reported that the child is recovering from the injuries.
Investigators looking into the case determined that the two women attempted to hide the child’s injuries and allegedly neglected his well-being.
Police said that they released photos of the women because they believe there may be more victims, and are asking anyone with information about wrongdoing at the daycare to come forward.
Several parents who wished to remain anonymous reportedly spoke to KCAL about how the news that the daycare is being investigated does not come as a surprise.
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Some of the parents the outlet spoke to said they pulled their children out of the daycare after witnessing questionable acts, including a teacher pulling a little girl around by her leg.
The person who witnessed this particular incident was said they were afraid to report it due to their undocumented immigration status.
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising released a statement in response to the allegations at the Rancho Cucamonga daycare, noting the company is cooperating with the investigation into the location.
“We are aware of the serious allegations against an assistant teacher and the director of the Kiddie Academy of Rancho Cucamonga, California,” the statement says.
“We are committed to working with the franchise owners to ensure full cooperation with local authorities. As an organization, there is nothing more important than creating environments where a child’s intellectual, emotional and physical development flourishes.
“We remain committed to ensuring all franchisees maintain our world-class standards,” the Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising statement read.”
Both women have been freed on bail and a court date has not yet been set.