GREENSBURG, Pa. — Channel 11 has been working on this story for weeks after a viewer tipped us off, saying there were allegations of abuse coming from the inside of child care classrooms at the YMCA in Greensburg.
There is still no word as to what happened to the child care staff at the center of an investigation involving abuse allegations here inside one of the child care classrooms at the Greensburg YMCA, but we do know an investigation was launched, resulting in citations coming from the Department of Human Services.
Channel 11 spoke to one parent who wanted to remain anonymous, but said her son was in the toddlers' room, where these complaints came from.
“I was told it was a little bit of both, more so verbal and demeaning than, as far as I know, physical. Maybe some physical, and I’ll use the term emotional,” she said.
The Department of Human Services started investigating last month and released a statement on Thursday, saying, “The Greensburg YMCA cooperated with a recent complaint investigation, which has concluded. The Y received citations for violation of three child care regulations: physical discipline — ridicule or threat of harm — and harsh language.”
A spokesperson said DHS regulates Pennsylvania child care providers through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
The Greensburg YMCA sent Channel 11 the following statement:
“Please be advised that as soon as the serious allegations regarding the childcare center were made on 10/2/2020, the three child care workers who were accused were immediately suspended. After an internal investigation, each was terminated, and their supervisor was placed on leave. Now that we have received the DHS report, we will consider further action, and will cooperate with all entities to ensure that the children that are entrusted to us are safe. Nothing is more important to our mission than the safety of the children of our community.”
DHS said it’s now working with the Greensburg YMCA to develop a corrective action plan to address the violations, but the child care portion still remains certified and in compliance.
“I think any parent would be concerned it would happen again. I trusted these people with, not just one, but both of my children, and it makes your own to question your own gut instinct as a mom," a parent said.
DHS said it doesn’t have the authority to levy any monetary fines against the Y.
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