Mount Laurel Daycare Owner Accused of Physically Abusing Six Babies in Her Care

New Jersey Authorities Investigate Shocking Allegations of Infant Abuse at Unlicensed In-Home Childcare Facility

In a disturbing case out of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, authorities have accused a home daycare owner of physically abusing at least six babies under her care, leading to multiple charges of child endangerment and cruelty.

According to police and prosecutors, Danielle Ingraham, who operated a daycare from her home on Evergreen Road, was arrested in March 2025 after a baby was hospitalized with a bruised eye. The child had allegedly been in Ingraham’s care at the time of the injury. As the investigation unfolded, even more alarming details emerged.

Police Say Daycare Owner Abused Infants, Leading to Hospitalizations

Mount Laurel police determined that Ingraham allegedly slapped the baby, as well as a toddler who was also being watched in the home. Based on the evidence, she was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of child cruelty.

Then, just weeks later, four more children were identified as alleged victims. Investigators said that:

• A 5-month-old baby sustained head, eye, and wrist injuries serious enough to require hospitalization.

• A 7-month-old was allegedly shaken.

• A 10-month-old suffered injuries to the cheek.

• A 13-month-old had visible injuries on the face and back.

Ingraham has since been released from custody following a court appearance, and her case is being prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

Legal Questions Surround Licensing and Oversight

A critical concern raised by this case is oversight of in-home childcare providers. According to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), only providers caring for six or more unrelated children are legally required to be licensed through the DCF Office of Licensing.

Ingraham’s home daycare is not listed in the state’s online licensing portal. While her attorney declined to confirm how many children she was caring for at the time, the case has prompted questions about how such facilities are monitored—and whether licensing regulations go far enough to protect children.

A spokesperson for DCF confirmed that family childcare homes operating under the six-child threshold are not subject to licensing or regular inspection, though they may voluntarily register for subsidy eligibility.

Ingraham’s Defense and Ongoing Investigations

Ingraham’s attorney, Gregory Shugar, issued a written statement claiming there is no evidence of wrongdoing, and accusing the state of attempting to fabricate a narrative. He stated:

“They are creating a story to fit a flimsy accusation regardless of facts. We look forward to exonerating Ms. Ingraham from these unsupported claims.”

The daycare is currently suspended, and DCF has not confirmed if they were involved in the investigation, citing client confidentiality rules.

Childcare Advocates Call for Vigilance

Advocates stress that licensing status alone doesn't guarantee safety or quality. Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Director of Early Learning at Advocates for Children of New Jersey, noted that while many providers are deeply committed professionals, parents must always be alert for changes in a child’s behavior or well-being.

“If your baby isn’t really sleeping at night or they’re starting to display signs that you’re like, ‘This is kind of new,’ it’s maybe time to start having additional questions with the childcare provider who’s been there with them throughout the day,” she said.

Legal Advocacy for Victims of Childcare Abuse in New Jersey

At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we are committed to protecting the rights of children and holding negligent or abusive caregivers accountable. Allegations of physical abuse in daycare settings must be taken seriously—and civil legal action is often the only way for families to obtain justice and create systemic change.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. is an experienced advocate for child abuse victims in New Jersey. He understands the emotional and legal complexities involved in confronting daycare abuse and can help families pursue compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and long-term trauma.

Contact Survivors of Abuse NJ Today

If your child has been harmed by a daycare provider or if you suspect abuse in any childcare setting in NJ, don’t wait. Contact Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. at Survivors of Abuse NJ for a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team is here to help you take the next step toward justice and healing.

Source:

NBC Philadelphia