A mother in southeastern Australia is demanding answers after her 3-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries at a daycare center. Claire Gaiter claims her non-verbal child, Matilda, was struck multiple times with a shovel by another toddler at Goodstart Early Learning in Echuca, Victoria, on February 4.

The incident left the child with bruises across her body, bite marks, and a mild concussion requiring hospital treatment. Gaiter says she received a call from the center about the attack and found her daughter with visible injuries including marks on her back, neck, head, and legs. The mother has filed a police report and is awaiting an incident report from the childcare facility.

Goodstart Early Learning declined to comment on specific details, citing privacy concerns for both children involved. The organization stated the center was properly staffed at the time, with additional support for children with special needs scheduled to arrive shortly after the incident. The local Childhood Regulatory Authority is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

Quick Fact: The incident occurred at Goodstart Early Learning in Echuca, Victoria, on February 4.