At a Glance
- Oaks Learning Center closed Dec 30, 2025 after multiple infant injuries.
- Former employee Catalina Baldwin arrested July 31, 2025 on assault charges.
- Four infant injury cases at the center since Oct 2024.
- Why it matters: The closure and arrest highlight serious safety failures in a licensed day care, raising concerns for parents and regulators.
On Dec 30, 2025, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning shut down the Oaks Learning Center in Oaks after a baby fell from a changing table and a former employee was arrested on assault charges. The decision follows four infant injury incidents at the center since Oct 2024 and a state investigation into negligence and incompetence.
State Closure and Investigation
OCDEL cited negligence and incompetence after a video captured a baby rolling off a changing table. The incident, involving delayed reporting and staff downplaying severity, was the fourth case of an infant injury since Oct 2024.
- Baby fell from a changing table, video captured.
- 7-month-old girl suffered subdural hematoma, brain shift, retinal hemorrhages, and cervical ligament injuries.
- 5-month-old girl injured with bleeding in mouth, likely non-accidental trauma.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
On July 31, 2025, Catalina Baldwin was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering a child’s welfare, and reckless endangering another person. Investigators traced texts and a Google search that linked Baldwin to the incidents, leading to a preliminary hearing on Sept 10, 2025 where she posted a $99,000 bond.
Prosecutor Lauren Marvel stated:
> “We are always continuing to investigate on every case…”
Impact and Response
The center released a statement announcing the arrest and its commitment to safety, noting a spotless record for 11 years and the installation of video cameras. A civil lawsuit filed in September 2025 alleges additional abuse cases, while the state continues to investigate.
Oaks Learning Center spokesperson stated:
> “We want to inform you that one of our employees has recently been arrested by the Upper Providence Police Department. This employee worked in our infant room.
The employee in question has worked in the childcare industry for 12 years, and has had a spotless record for 11 of those years, prior to these allegations. The employee will not be working while these charges are pending.
We are conducting an investigation. We want to arrive at and embrace the truth.
We are a STAR 4 center, which is the best of the best in Pennsylvania due to our rigorous safety protocols and procedures. We take great pride in that. Our staff is well trained and we remain in compliance with the protocols of the Department of Human Services.
To ensure the safety of the children in our care, we are installing video cameras in all of the rooms. This is of the utmost importance to us: the love and care of the children and staff that work at Oaks Early Learning Center.
The child and the family are in our prayers.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2025 | Investigation begins after 7-month-old unresponsive |
| July 31, 2025 | Catalina Baldwin arrested |
| Sept 10, 2025 | Preliminary hearing |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Oaks Learning Center closed |
The timeline shows how quickly the investigation progressed from the initial incident to the center’s closure.
Key Takeaways
- Oaks Learning Center closed Dec 30, 2025 after multiple infant injuries.
- Catalina Baldwin arrested July 31, 2025 on assault charges linked to infant abuse.
- Four infant injury cases since Oct 2024 prompted state investigation and legal action.
These events underscore the critical need for rigorous oversight in child care settings and the serious consequences when safety protocols fail.
