The state has closed Park Hill United Methodist Children’s Center in the wake of a 20-year-old staff member’s arrest on child sex allegations.
Benjamin Janiciki, an aide hired to help out at the school this summer, was arrested Wednesday on allegations of an assault that happened Tuesday.
On Thursday, the state Department of Human Services closed the 27-year-old school, which serves more than 125 children from ages 2 1/2 to 12. The center has a staff of about 15 members, said assistant director Rich Condon.
The agency did not specify a reason or explain its quick action, he said. A DHS spokeswoman could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
In a statement released at 9 p.m., Children’s Center director Candis Robinson responded to questions about the school’s closure:
“The Board of Directors of the Park Hill United Methodist Church Children’s Center has recently learned of claims of physical misconduct concerning a summer aide working within the preschool. The Board of Directors and the school administration have been in cooperation with the Denver Police Department since the first report of the misconduct and will continue their efforts to assist in its investigation.
“Given the nature of the claims, privacy interest of our students and their families and ongoing police investigation, the Board cannot provide any details at this time. The Board and staff of Park Hill United Methodist Church Children’s Center ask for the school and Church membership, as well as the members of the public, to pray for all of those affected by these events. Thank you.”
The school’s website notes that all its staff pass background checks. Janiciki has no previous arrest record in Colorado, records show.
Denver police have not released any details, including publicly naming the church day care, the nature of the allegations or a booking photograph of Janiciki.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we’re dealing with children,” police spokesman John White explained.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com
Note: Police originally identified the suspect as Benjamin Janiciki, but the suspect’s last name is Janicki.
