Daycare shut down after abuse allegations

A private daycare in the Ste.Foy region of Quebec City has been shut down because of allegations of physical abuse and neglect by the staff.

About 20 children between one and four years old attended the daycare.

The youth protection agency for Quebec received the complaint from an employee last week.

Agency spokesman Christian Gosselin says once the accusations were deemed founded, the agency began to alert parents.

"Parents were shocked and surprised to hear the news," Gosselin said. "Some even questioned the quality of the evidence."

He says it didn't take long to convince them to move their kids elsewhere.

Quebec City Police constable André Turcotte says the investigation has turned up enough evidence to turn the case over to the crown prosecutors.

"Prosecutors will now examine the evidence, and will decide next week if there is enough for criminal charges."

A representative for the minister of child and family services says the daycare had no permit, and with more than six children, a permit was required.