Bleach Sprayed in a Child’s Face. Tape Over Another’s Mouth: N.Y.C. Daycare Workers Accused of Abusing Toddlers

Three daycare workers from a prestigious New York childcare centre are facing accusations of child abuse. Evelyn Vargas, aged 47, Shakia Henley, aged 36, and Latia Townes, aged 23, have been arrested in connection with alleged incidents of abuse that occurred at a Manhattan branch of Bright Horizons, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The accused individuals are facing charges related to endangerment of children, with Vargas also facing additional assault charges.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has identified at least nine children, all between the ages of one and two, who were reportedly victimized while under the care of Bright Horizons. The allegations against the accused individuals include disturbing instances of abuse towards the toddlers in their care. Vargas is accused of using packing tape to cover a toddler’s mouth from ear to ear, causing distress to the child. Additionally, she allegedly dragged toddlers by their arms and hair, force-fed them ginger shots, and restrained them to chairs on multiple occasions.

Townes, another of the accused workers, is alleged to have struck three toddlers in the head with a metal bottle at the facility during specific instances between October 2024 and January 2025. Henley, the third individual facing charges, is accused of spraying a toddler in the face with a mixture of soap and bleach from a bottle in a separate incident.

Vargas has been charged with nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child, along with attempted assault, strangulation, and assault charges. While her lawyer declined to comment on the allegations, Henley’s lawyer stated that she will be pleading not guilty. At the same time, Townes’ attorney was not immediately available for comments. Bright Horizons at Columbus Circle, where the alleged abuse took place, did not respond to requests for comments from PEOPLE.

Cases of child abuse and endangerment are deeply concerning, especially when they involve vulnerable young children who are entrusted to the care of professionals. The safety and well-being of children must always be a top priority in any childcare setting, and incidents of abuse must be thoroughly investigated and addressed promptly to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The allegations against the daycare workers highlight the importance of effective oversight and vigilance in childcare facilities to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The disturbing nature of the allegations underscores the need for proper training, supervision, and monitoring of childcare staff to prevent any form of abuse or neglect. The emotional and physical well-being of children must always be safeguarded, and any signs of mistreatment should be taken seriously and reported immediately. The justice system must ensure that those responsible for harming children face appropriate consequences for their actions.

In cases of suspected child abuse, it is vital for individuals to report their concerns to the relevant authorities, such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. By speaking up and taking action, we can help protect vulnerable children and prevent further harm. It is crucial for childcare facilities to have robust policies and procedures in place to promote a safe and nurturing environment for children in their care. By prioritising child safety and welfare, we can strive to create a world where every child is protected and valued.