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Erin Moon, 44, of 345 Chilton Point, Montoursville, was charged with aggravated assault of a victim less than six and endangering the welfare of a child on Nov. 10.
The charges stem from a childline report indicating that when a 15-month-old was picked up from Moon's residence on Nov. 9, the child had a significant injury to the right side of their face.
The pattern of the injury was consistent with an open handed slap by an adult, according to Dr. Pat Bruno, pediatric trauma specialist, Geisinger Medical Center. The injury was visible on the child's face for approximately three weeks, an affidavit stated.
Moon had been hired by the parents of the child to provide care within her home, and upon picking up their child, the parents observed the injury and questioned Moon as to the cause. Moon stated the child had fallen from a children's rocking horse, and struck his face on a Little People's toy, court documents said.
During police questioning, Moon acknowledged that the child had no visible injuries when being dropped off on the morning of the incident, but denied any abuse had occurred, repeating the story she had previously given to the parents, an affidavit said.
Moon further stated she was the only adult in the house, and had been caring for five children, ranging in age from 14 months to four years old.
Moon was arraigned before District Judge Gary Whiteman, and was remanded to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000, according to a press release by Pennsylvania State Police.