Baby Found at Waterford Daycare Center With Burn Marks

A 13-month-old boy is recovering after his family says he was burned at his Waterford daycare.

Police responded to  Ballestrini's Childcare Center, at 90 Rope Ferry Road in Waterford, at 1:01 p.m. on Tuesday and found Mateo with second-degree burns on his right arm from hot water, police said.

Rafael Luiz, of New London, said a staff member called to say his son was hurt and he was told Mateo pulled down a bottle warmer filled with hot water.

“I know this wasn’t on purpose, but who was the genius that said, 'Let’s put this hot water right here where the kids can pull a cord and it will fall on them?' It could have been worse. It could have landed on his face," Rafael Luiz, of New London, said.

The daycare tried to minimize the injury, Luiz said, but he asked that 911 be called.

An ambulance then transported Mateo to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London for treatment, police said.

Diana Lejardi, director of communications for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood said they were notified of an "event at the daycare" yesterday, but could not describe the report or what action they department took.

Luiz said he's had other problems with the daycare, including his son having diaper rash. 

State records show the child care center, which has two other locations, had violations in Waterford two years ago and a corrective plan was ordered.

NBC Connecticut stopped by the center and the owner did not want to comment, but the issues a statement on Thursday.

"We are very sad that a child in our care was injured. This was a very unfortunate accident and we hope and pray this wonderful child has a speedy and full recovery.

"We want the public to know that as recently as November 17, 2015, our Child Care Center had an unannounced inspection by The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and passed with no violations.

"When the accident occurred our staff took immediate and appropriate action to contact the family and get the child the medical care he needed. We also contacted the Department of Children and Families and The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood to report the incident. The appropriate State and local agencies will continue their investigations into this unfortunate accident, and we are and will continue to fully cooperate with these investigations.

"The Ballestrini's have successfully and safely operated Child Care facilities for over 28 years, and have cared for over 3,500 children during that time. We are committed to insure the safety and welfare of the children which we love to care for each day, and will do everything necessary to insure they are safe in our care.," Carol A. Ballestrini said in a statement.

Luiz said he’s not looking for anyone to be criminally charged and just wants to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Police said they began investigating after the Department of Children and Families contacted them and no charges have been filed.

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