After a five-month-long investigation into assaults at a daycare west of Edmonton, RCMP in Spruce Grove have charged two people with assault.
In March, Parkland RCMP said it received a complaint of an assault alleged to have occurred on Feb. 19, at the Little Stars Montessori Early Learning Centre, located at 280 Pioneer Rd. on the east side of Spruce Grove.
RCMP said on March 6, management of the daycare had notified parents about some alleged assaults by staff. Once the parents were made aware, they then contacted the Spruce Grove RCMP detachment.
Within a week, RCMP said it received several more complaints of physical assault, and on March 13, said four victims had been identified and that more were suspected.
At the time, the province’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade had issued a probationary licencse to the daycare due to safety concerns and removed Little Star’s ability to care for infants, which would affect seven children. The probationary license expired on June 12, at which time the Alberta government said it reinstated the daycare’s full license.
Story continues below advertisement
“We have been closely monitoring Little Stars Montessori and we have seen meaningful cooperation and action to address concerns and improve quality of care,” said Garrett Koehler, the press secretary for the Ministry of Education and Childcare.
1:44
4 kids allegedly assaulted at daycare in Spruce Grove
Trending Now
Dubai brand chocolate recalled in Canada over salmonella risk
Air Canada flight attendants cast their final ballots in strike vote
Now, RCMP have laid charges in connection with allegations of assault by staff on children at the daycare.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
Dimpy Bawa, 32, is charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and two additional charges of assault. Shivani Shivani, 29, is also charged with two counts of assault.
RCMP said both Bawa and Shivani were released from the daycare at the onset of the investigation. Little Stars has been co-operating with investigators.
Koehler said the province suspended the early childhood educator certifications of the two former staff members who have been charged by police, rendering them unable to work in any licensed child-care setting.
Story continues below advertisement
The province added Alberta Education and Childcare will not reinstate the certification of those facing criminal charges, and remain prohibited from working in child care pending the outcome of the charges.
Both Bawa and Shivani have been released from custody and have court dates set for Sept. 17 in Stony Plain.
The province said anyone wishing to report concerns regarding a child care program is encouraged to call Child Care Connect at 1-844-644-5165.
More on Crime
More videos
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.