Local

Brevard daycare's license may be revoked amid child abuse allegations

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV found out that children may have been abused inside a Brevard County day care. The Department of Children and Families records show that it's making a rare move to revoke the license at Bethlehem Baptist Child Care in Titusville and shut it down.

The daycare's director is at the center of this investigation. Her lawyer sent a letter disputing all the allegations against the day care.

People who live in the Titusville neighborhood said the Bethlehem Baptist Child Care facility has been a staple in their community for years.

"The agency received allegations that children were being physically disciplined and possibly abused by staff at the facility," said Kristi Gray of DCF.

One complaint shows that DCF received the allegations to their abuse hotline.

DCF's investigation revealed a young child had bruises on her legs from being hit with a ruler that she claimed was by the daycare's director, Evelyn Bell.

DCF verified those claims, and investigators said several children corroborated the story.

One child even said she saw other children being held down by another day care worker while the director hit them.

"I think when parents are working to support their families they're really dependent on people to provide appropriate safe care for their kids. And, when something like this happens, that trust is just gone," said Gray.

No one was at the day care when WFTV stopped by, but it appeared to be still up and running.

WFTV has not been able to get in touch with Bell.

Bell's lawyer told said she's appealing DCF's move to revoke the daycare's license and has every intention to keep it open.

Police said they investigated and recommended charges against three employees, including the director for child abuse.