Queens Daycare Under Scrutiny After Alleged Abuse of Nonverbal Child with Autism

Family Alleges Physical Abuse and Attempts to Conceal the Incident

In a distressing case that has raised serious concerns about child safety in daycare environments, the family of a nonverbal three-year-old boy with autism has accused Happy Dragon Childcare Learning Center in Corona, Queens, of both abuse and an attempted cover-up. The alleged abuse occurred in 2023 but came to light after the child’s parents noticed unexplained bruises on his arm.

The child’s mother, Sabrina Gentile, was alarmed by the bruises and immediately suspected foul play. “It looked like fingerprints to me. It was just too many bruises in one area,” she said. Initially, the daycare claimed the child had bitten himself. However, Gentile, who has an EMS background, did not accept that explanation. When the family requested to review security footage, what they found was deeply disturbing.

Surveillance Footage Contradicts Daycare’s Account

The footage reportedly showed teacher Heidi Velasco Munoz forcibly inserting hand sanitizer into the boy’s mouth. This directly contradicted the written accident report filed by the daycare, which omitted any mention of the sanitizer incident. The family believes the daycare deliberately misrepresented what happened in an effort to protect staff and avoid liability.

Velasco Munoz later pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child. The legal consequences, however, were minimal—she received only 15 days of community service.

Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Daycare for Alleged Cover-Up

Feeling that justice was not adequately served in the criminal court system, the child’s family has filed a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges not only abuse by the teacher but also a coordinated effort by the daycare administration to conceal the incident. The principal reportedly signed a false report, misrepresenting the events captured on surveillance video.

A spokesperson for the Happy Dragon Childcare Learning Center responded by stating, “The safety of children in our care was, is and always will be our first priority,” and confirmed that the teacher was terminated upon learning the facts. Despite these claims, the family remains traumatized. Gentile says she cannot even drive past the daycare without becoming upset.

Legal Accountability for Daycare Abuse in New York

This case underscores the importance of legal accountability in childcare settings. Parents rely on daycares to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. When abuse occurs, particularly to vulnerable children such as those with autism or communication challenges, the consequences are profound.

Families who believe their child has been abused in a daycare or similar institutional setting may be eligible to pursue civil litigation. A civil lawsuit allows families to seek financial compensation for emotional distress, therapy, medical costs, and other damages. It also plays a critical role in holding negligent institutions accountable and preventing future harm.

Survivors of Abuse NY Advocates for Child Victims and Their Families

At Survivors of Abuse NY, our legal team, led by Thomas Giuffra, Esq., is dedicated to helping families navigate these painful and complex situations. We represent survivors of institutional abuse and have significant experience handling cases involving daycare facilities, schools, and other youth-serving organizations.

“Our mission is to ensure that survivors and their families are heard, believed, and supported every step of the way,” said Thomas Giuffra, Esq. “No child should have to endure abuse, and no parent should be misled or silenced by institutions that prioritize reputation over responsibility.”

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If your child has been the victim of abuse at a daycare or other care facility in New York, it’s critical to act quickly. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, seek medical evaluation, and consult an experienced attorney.

Source:

ABC7