Millsboro day care employee arrested after striking 2-year-old in face: Police

A Millsboro woman has been charged with felony child abuse after she struck a child in the face at a day care, Delaware State Police said Friday.

The Delaware Division of Family Services notified police on June 3 that a 47-year-old employee of Bright Beginnings Daycare had abused a child in her care, police said in a news release. Veronica Ayres struck a 2-year-old in the face on May 31 at the facility, located at 29735 John J. Williams Highway, according to police. Her employment was terminated that day, police said.

Ayres turned herself in Tuesday and was charged with third-degree child abuse. She was released on her own recognizance, pending a court date.

More reports of child abuse in Delaware

Child abuse has frequently made headlines in Delaware this month.

Also on Friday, New Castle County police announced a Brandywine School District therapist was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, and July 3, days after Delaware Online/The News Journal published an investigation into abuse concerns at Holly Oak Child Care Center in Wilmington, the state shut the facility down.

More: Child safety in Delaware day cares is again under the spotlight. What should parents know?

To report child abuse or neglect, call Delaware’s Abuse and Neglect Report Line at 800-292-9582 or visit kids.delaware.gov.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.