LOS OSOS, Calif- A daycare center in Los Osos has been shut down amid allegations of child abuse. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office is investigating the claim at the Los Osos Early Care and Education Center.
On its website, the Los Osos Early Care and Education Center says its mission is to nurture a child in an environment where learning happens naturally.
"I come by here everyday when I'm walking my dog because I love to see those children be so happy", says neighboring resident Janice Young.
On Monday the classrooms were closed, the playground was empty. The Early Care and Education Center is a private, daycare center for children from six weeks to sixth grade. It leases space at the former Sunnyside School in Los Osos from the San Luis Coastal School District.
The SLO County Sheriff's Department says it took a report of alleged child abuse from the Center's director last month. The Sheriff's Department has since referred the case to the District Attorney's office.
Neighbors used to seeing the kids running around and having fun at the Early Care Center were surprised to learn it had been shut down. Even more surprised to learn about the abuse allegations.
"Yeah, they just all seemed real happy", says neighbor Carla Pool who visits the center frequently with her dog, "so I was real surprised."
It's unclear how long the Early Care and Education Center will remain closed.
No one was available at the center to explain its abrupt closing or the nature of the abuse allegation.
"I don't know, I've never even seen the children crying", says Allie Victorino.
"It breaks my heart to think that this won't be here", adds Janice Young, "I thought they were doing such a wonderful job."
