The owner of an east-end day-care centre has been charged with criminal negligence after a boy was allegedly bitten 18 times by another child at the facility.
Vaughan resident Gloria De Melo, the owner of Happy Child Care centre located at 173 Withrow Ave., was to appear in court on Tuesday.
Police allege that a 22-month-old boy at the centre was bitten more than 18 times by another child last Monday.
Some of the bites broke the skin and caused prominent bruising and swelling, police said.
Investigators began an investigation last week after receiving a report of a child suffering injuries.
Police said the centre did not have a license. Detectives added the facility had "several infractions" that would have prevented the facility from being licensed.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Community and Social Services ordered the private-home day-care centre closed.
Parents were shocked to learn of the allegations. Some of them said the facility was well-run and that their children received excellent care.
Police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Ann-Marie Tupling at 416-808-5505, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.222tips.com.
