Natick Day Care Teacher Accused Of Abusing Toddler

NATICK, MA - A Natick day care teacher is facing a criminal charge after allegations of abuse of a child in her care.

WCVB-TV reported Tuesday afternoon that a criminal complaint was filed against Sophie Varatharasa, a teacher at the Community Montessori School at 13 Common St. She is accused of severely bruising both ears of a 3-year-old boy under her supervision last year.

The day care center is owned by her sister, Lucie Varatharasa, its founder and director.

The incident occurred in April 2021, WCVB-TV reported in March. When the boy's father picked him up at the Community Montessori School, he noticed that one of his son's ears "was severely bruised." The next day, both parents realized that both ears were bruised and shared pictures with a doctor, who urged them to seek emergency care and reported the suspected abuse.

"He said to me that she touched his ears, and he cried," the mother said about what her son experienced in an interview. "And I was so shocked and appalled when I heard that."

The parents asked to remain anonymous to protect their son's identity.

Court records show that Sophie Varatharasa will be arraigned on one count of assault and battery.

A search of the database of the state's Department of Early Education and Care showed that the facility has a history of violations. In one investigation report, the Community Montessori School was found to be in noncompliance when "a preschool teacher physically abused three children." The method of the alleged abuse was redacted. The corrective action plan showed the removal of a teacher on April 28, 2021.

"The program did not immediately notify the parents when a child suffered a significant injury," the report stated. "The parents were notified hours later at the end of the day."

What also frustrated the parents was that, despite a history of violations of daycare regulations and the owner's denial that abuse occurred, Sophie Varatharasa was allowed to open a second daycare center in Natick, Piccolini Care.

The parents charged that the state has not held the day care center accountable.

"It sort of seemed like basically an administrative slap on the wrist," said in a WCVB-TV report Tuesday night.

“We are glad to hear that the law enforcement agencies are taking action on this serious incident," the parents told WCVB-TV. "It’s an important step in protecting the children in our community.”

An attorney for Sophie Varatharasa declined comment.