OCALA, Fla. – The All Stars Learning Academy on West Silver Springs Boulevard was closed Wednesday following the arrest of a daycare worker.
Karla Penalverty-Gonzales was taken into custody Monday on charges of child abuse. Authorities say the investigation uncovered multiple incidents of abuse involving infants aged between 4 and 9 months over several months, from March through July.
Parents expressed deep anguish and betrayal. Penalverty-Gonzales was entrusted daily with the care of 1-year-old children, including Amanda Fuentes’ daughter.
“I handed her my child every morning,” Fuentes said. “Not only do I pay you to watch my child, but I’m trusting you. I’m bringing you my baby, my life. I birthed this human, and I’m handing her over to you to know that you’re literally here knocking her over and pushing her over. It’s just that she couldn’t ask for help. She couldn’t tell anybody.”
Investigators have detailed several alleged acts of physical harm, including forced feeding and violent shaking. In one heavily troubling incident caught on video — provided by another employee, the suspect reportedly grabbed an infant by the back of the head, laying the child face down in a crib and pressing their face against the mattress to muffle their cries.
Another parent, whose son attended the academy, shared feelings of unease despite a lack of proof.
“You think you can take your kids to a safe place, and it’s not safe.”
Fuentes’ child has since been evaluated by medical professionals, with further doctor’s appointments scheduled as the family seeks trauma treatment.
Ocala police have urged anyone with knowledge of further incidents to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.