Bridgewater State Day Care Enacts New Safety Measures After Employee Arrest

A day care center at Bridgewater State University is enacting new safety measures after a student working there was arrested on charges he sexually abused two young boys.

According to a statement from the university, surveillance cameras will be installed inside two classrooms this week and the center's staff is being retrained.

"The new camera system, which is not a requirement set forth by the Department of Early Education and Care, will augment cameras in the playground and at entrances to the facility," the statement said.

Wrentham resident Kyle Patrick Loughlin, 21, pleaded not guilty last week to charges of raping a child and aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Prosecutors say the two victims are between 4 and 5 years old.

The center has been closed since director Judith Ritacco was placed on leave over allegations she failed to report the suspected abuse in a timely fashion.

The university said in the statement it is hoping to reopen by Monday, and that Joanne Hogan, who has worked at the center since 2001, will serve as interim director.

The university also said that for the remainder of the spring semester it will not use student employees.

With reporting from The Associated Press.