An Abbotsford daycare operator has been charged with six counts of assault related to children ages two to six.
Const. Jody Thomas, media officer with the Abbotsford Police Department (APD), said police began their investigation last October after receiving reports of the alleged assaults.
Indu Takhar, 60 has now been charged with six counts of assault in December 2021 and January 2023, according to court records. Thomas said Takhar has been released from custody under court-ordered conditions that include not going to any daycare centres and not having any contact with kids under the age of 16.
Police provided no further details, including the specific nature of the assaults, but online searches indicate that Takhar is a mother of two who opened Smile 'N' Play Daycare in 2019.
"This compassionate soul, with decades of life experience under her belt, envisioned a place where children could flourish and thrive," the website states.
The website indicates that the daycare has three locations in east Abbotsford – two on McKinley Drive and one on Cardinal Avenue – offering care for kids from newborn to age 12.
A Reddit post from two years ago warned parents to not enrol their children at Smile 'N' Play Daycare.
"I had to leave that centre after a month of working there as an Early Childhood Educator bc of the deplorable and inappropriate behaviours I watched the director target towards the children, as well as fellow employees. I beg of anyone to not allow their child to attend that centre, it is an unsafe and damaging environment," the post states.
Fraser Health conducts routine inspections of daycare centres and follows up on any complaints.
Records for Smile 'N' Play Daycare posted online do not show any reports of physical abuse, but an inspection report from May 2020 indicates that Takhar told kids who said they were finished eating that "they could go to bed or that she would call their mom and dad" if they didn't finish their food.
"Children would cry and take another bite of food," the report stated.
"Children who did not rest were physically turned to face the wall, manager (Takhar) asked what is your problem today, go to sleep and be quiet (in a) louder tone."
The inspector told Takhar that her actions were inappropriate, and she responded that "this is to scare the children and that way they listen," the report added.
Fraser Health indicated in the report that it would set up a further meeting with Takhar to "discuss these concerns and provide education and support."
The report states that a follow-up inspection was to occur approximately two weeks later, but nothing pertaining to that is included in the online files.
The Abbotsford News reached out to Smile 'N' Play Daycare for comment, but has not received a response.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the APD at 604-859-5225.
