By: Liz Gelardi
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Police are investigating allegations of abuse at Children’s Choice Learning Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital Center. According to police a 4-year-old girl was molested by a staff member at the daycare.
Police took a male suspect into custody Friday afternoon. Detectives questioned him about the alleged incident. A police report states the child was allegedly fondled. According to the report the little girl told a parent about the incident and the parent took her to the emergency room at St. Vincent Hospital.
The daycare is managed by a company called Bright Horizons but is located on St. Vincent’s property. The center mainly provides childcare services for hospital employees.
At this point detectives believe this is an isolated incident but they encourage anyone with information to contact police.
“If you have any information, known anything talk to investigators they need to know and this is one of those instances where the victim is so young that they can’t speak for themselves so we have to be their advocate, we have to speak for them,” said Officer Chris Wilburn with IMPD.
A spokesperson for St. Vincent says the suspect has been suspended. He is employed by Children’s Choice Learning Center. The following statement was released by the hospital:
“We are committed to the health and safety of all children and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged incident at our independently contracted daycare facility, Children’s Choice Learning Center. Our hearts are with those who have been affected by this difficult situation.”
Children’s Choice Learning Center policy requires a background check, reference check and third party background check. A representative from the daycare released this statement:
“The teacher had a clear background and reference check at the time of hire. Like all teachers at the center, the teacher underwent an independent third party background check, in addition to what is required by the state of Indiana. No other teachers, parents or children have reported any concerns.”
“Our most important responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of the children in our care. As we would any time a concern was brought to us, we are taking this situation very seriously. As soon as it was brought to our attention, we placed the teacher on administrative leave. We also reported it to the appropriate children’s agencies. We will support the agencies and local authorities in any way we can as they look into what may have happened.”
