A preschool teacher in Florida was imprisoned for allegedly attacking a 4-year-old autistic kid after she became irate that he was constantly hurling crayons at her.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office was called to Kids City in Vero Beach on Tuesday regarding a potential child abuse case, said a probable cause arrest document. After the owner contacted the victim’s parents of an incident involving their kid and his 48-year-old instructor Alice Wood, a detective met with them at the school. According to the affidavit, Wood was dismissed as a result of the event.
The owner claimed that when she came back from the restroom, the boy’s behaviour technician informed her that the boy was “visibly upset.” They saw the classroom video, which purportedly showed Wood approaching the youngster seated at a table.
According to the affidavit, she took the youngster by both arms and dragged him toward her face “so hard that his head snaps backward.” According to the affidavit, Wood then pulled the youngster for almost three feet across the floor before releasing his hold, causing one of his arms to smack the floor.
Additionally, Wood is accused of shoving the youngster back down and putting him back in his chair, which caused his head to snap back once more. Before another teacher entered the room, she led him there, according to the police. According to the affidavit, the boy had a “large inflamed area” close to his shoulder that was consistent with him being grabbed. Police also observed that he seemed “timid.”
The youngster’s behaviour therapist told detectives that although the boy has a tendency to lose his temper and damage property, he has never posed a threat to himself or others. Additionally, it was said that the school had a strategy in place for handling him in the event that he lost his temper.
According to the affidavit, staff were expected to do a “basket hold,” which involves putting his hands across his torso and holding him there for a brief period of time.
Wood was interviewed by officers at her residence. Police reported that she said the youngster was hurt when he stumbled or fell. According to the affidavit, Wood also claimed that the youngster had punched her, but the footage did not support this claim. The youngster threw “one too many crayons” at her, according to her. The defendant acknowledged the use of excessive force and expressed sorry for the occurrence. Wood was taken to jail after being apprehended by police.
Since then, Wood has secured bail, and his court hearing is set for July 10.
