Daycare Owner Accused of Sexual Abuse: Critical Lessons for Providers

A Shocking Allegation: Two Daycares, One Owner, and a License Suspension

According to a recent report, Daniel Arvella Perez, the 60-year-old co-owner of Dany’s Little House and Little Sunshine Daycare in Syracuse, has been charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Police allege that Perez assaulted two girls under the age of 10 at both centers during the summer of 2025. The state immediately suspended the licenses of both facilities, and an OCFS complaint was filed. Read the original article here.

The Legal Fallout: Criminal and Regulatory Consequences

This case is a nightmare scenario for any daycare owner. Beyond the criminal charges, the state’s swift license suspension demonstrates how seriously New York regulators treat allegations of abuse. Even before a conviction, a daycare owner can lose their license, their reputation, and their ability to operate. If you are facing similar accusations, you need a knowledgeable daycare defense attorney who understands both OCFS and DOHMH regulations.

OCFS Part 416: Family Day Care Violations

If these facilities were licensed under OCFS Part 416 (Family Day Care), several sections may have been violated:

416.3 – Caregiver Qualifications: This section requires that all caregivers be suitable and free from a criminal history. The alleged conduct would directly violate this standard.
416.5 – Supervision: Providers must ensure constant, appropriate supervision. The alleged assaults in the kitchen, playroom, hallway, and bathroom suggest a failure to supervise.
416.8 – Safety: The facility must be maintained in a safe, hazard-free environment. Allowing a co-owner with predatory tendencies to have access to children is a safety failure.
416.12 – Child Abuse and Maltreatment: This section mandates reporting and prevention of abuse. The failure to prevent these acts, or to report them, would be a violation.

OCFS Part 418-1: Day Care Center Violations

If the centers were licensed as day care centers under Part 418-1, the following sections are likely implicated:

418-1.3 – Personnel: All staff must be of good character and suitable for child care. A sexual abuse charge is the ultimate disqualifier.
418-1.5 – Supervision: The program must provide adequate supervision at all times. The alleged incidents show clear gaps.
418-1.8 – Safety: The facility must protect children from harm, including ensuring that no adult poses a risk.
418-1.12 – Child Abuse and Maltreatment: This section requires immediate reporting and protective measures. The failure to act is a violation.

DOHMH Article 47: New York City Standards

While these Syracuse centers are not directly regulated by DOHMH, New York City providers should take note. DOHMH Article 47 contains parallel requirements that would be violated in a similar incident:

47.11 – Personnel: Requires that all employees be of suitable character and free from a history of abuse.
47.13 – Supervision: Mandates adequate and direct supervision of children.
47.21 – Safety: Requires a safe, clean, and secure environment.
47.51 – Child Abuse and Neglect: Requires prevention, detection, and reporting of abuse.

What This Means for Your Daycare

This case is a stark reminder that a single allegation can trigger an OCFS investigation, a license suspension, or even a revocation. If you are contacted by OCFS or DOH, do not wait. The Law Office of Gregory P. Mouton, Jr., LLC is here to help daycare owners and workers navigate these crises. As an experienced daycare defense lawyer, we can protect your rights and your business.