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Shocking Abuse at Happy Dragon Children Learning Center
Trusting a daycare to care for your child is a significant part of parenting, especially when your child is on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, for one family in Queens, New York, that trust was violated in a deeply troubling incident involving the Happy Dragon Children Learning Center.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
In March 2023, a teacher named Heidi Velasco Munoz allegedly bruised a 3-year-old non-verbal autistic boy’s arm and shocked onlookers by shoving hand sanitizer into his mouth. When arrested, Munoz had no explanation for her actions. The child’s mother, Sabrina Gentile, had come home to find bruises on her son's arms, sparking immediate concern. "I trusted them," she stated, reflecting the heartbreak felt by parents when such incidents occur.
The Cover-Up Attempt
The situation escalated when the daycare attempted to hide the incident. A false report was filed, claiming the child had bitten himself. Parents, both Gentile and father German Vasquez, encountered resistance when they sought clarity about the fractures in their child's care. The daycare withheld video evidence of the incident until police involvement was necessary. Such actions demonstrated a concerning lack of accountability and care.
Emotional Impact on Families
The emotional turmoil associated with this incident is profound. Parents expect daycares to ensure the well-being of their kids, especially those requiring special care. "It still causes pain to all of us," Gentile reiterated, indicating lasting trauma from this incident, both for the child and the family as a whole.
Legal Action and Justice
The family is now pursuing justice through a civil lawsuit against the daycare and Munoz. Attorney Sanford Rubenstein emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "The cover-up failed, and we intend to hold them responsible for their actions." This hope for justice is vital, not only for the Gentile family but also for ensuring that such heinous acts do not happen to other vulnerable children.
Support for Affected Families
As this case unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder to parents and guardians everywhere to remain vigilant about the care their children receive, especially in specialized settings. Awareness of such incidents can encourage conversations about safety, support, and the importance of accountability in childcare settings.
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