KITCHENER - A Kitchener woman who operated a home daycare has been arrested after she allegedly poisoned two young children in her care.

Christine Allen, 32, who may have also used the name Christine Keilbar, is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault and administering a noxious substance following a lengthy investigation by Waterloo Regional Police.

"The accused had access to children during the period in which she operated the informal daycare, so as a precaution for public safety we want to make the public aware that anyone who maybe subscribed to her services at some point and has had a child who has become sick with similar symptoms (should) give police a call," said Waterloo Regional Police spokesperson Olaf Heinzel.

Police were alerted to an incident in March 2013 when a child under the care of Allen was brought to a local hospital with serious physical symptoms. The child recovered, but returned to the hospital at a later date with similar symptoms, police said.

Through investigation, detectives learned of a second child who had become ill in July 2010 under the care of Allen, with similar symptoms.

Both children recovered from their illnesses after spending several days in hospital receiving medical treatment.

Police allege Allen gave the children an over-the-counter eye care product. If ingested, it can cause symptoms including abnormal drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and decreased heart rates, specifically in young children.

Police wouldn't name the specific eye care product.

Allen is in custody and will appear in court July 24.

Allen operated a home daycare in Kitchener from 2009 to 2011. The incident in March 2013 involved a child of a friend Allen was looking after as a favour, Heinzel said.

The daycare did not have a name, he said, and it's not known how many children Allen cared for during the three years it operated.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to call Central Division detectives at 519-653-7700 ext. 4437 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.