An Illinois day care worker has been arrested on child endangerment charges after allegedly leaving a 4-year-old boy in her care in a freezing alley before placing him in a trash can as punishment. Anna Petrou, 58, was taken into custody for leaving the toddler outside The Learning Lab Preschool & Childcare in Homewood for about 20 seconds when he refused to take a nap, according to the Homewood Police Department. The incident occurred on a day when temperatures were around 19 degrees.
Surveillance video captured Petrou bringing the child back inside the facility and then putting him inside a garbage bin in front of other kids and teachers. The boy’s parents reported the incident to the police after picking him up from day care that day. The mother, Monica Forte, expressed shock and dismay at the situation, stating that her son has been more clingy since the incident.
Forte criticized Petrou for her lack of proper de-escalation and discipline techniques, labeling her actions as unacceptable. She has decided not to send her children back to the day care center and is considering taking legal action. The father, Justin Barnes, echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern for his son’s well-being.
Petrou has been charged with endangering the life of a child, a misdemeanor, and was released from custody pending a future court date. She has also been terminated from her position at the school, along with another employee who failed to intervene during the incident.
The Learning Lab Preschool & Childcare issued a statement expressing their cooperation with authorities and the family involved. They have shared additional information with the relevant agencies and have taken action against those responsible for the incident. The school is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children under their care.
