A kindergarten aide in New Jersey faces serious allegations after reportedly slamming a 5-year-old girl’s head against a metal cabinet and forcibly seating her in a chair, resulting in visible bruises, as detailed in a news report.
According to CBS Philadelphia, the young girl’s distraught mother is seeking answers from both school authorities and law enforcement regarding the incident that occurred at John Fenwick Academy in Salem.
“As a parent, you strive to protect your children, and to think this could happen in a kindergarten setting is unimaginable,” said Mariah, the child’s mother, who accuses the school of mishandling the situation.
On Thursday, Mariah said the principal reached out to her around noon, stating her daughter was acting out in class, and less than two hours later, she was asked to rush to the school.
Upon arrival, she learned of the alleged incident, prompting her to inquire whether authorities had been notified and where the paraprofessional involved was located.
“I asked about the staff member, and they said she had been sent home. When I asked about the police, they mentioned they hadn’t notified them and were handling things internally,” Mariah recounted.
“I felt numb and just stared in disbelief.”
A staff member present during the incident submitted a police report, describing how the aide allegedly seized the young girl and violently placed her in a chair, causing her to strike her head against a metal cabinet.
Mariah expressed frustration over not being able to speak with the teacher who reported the incident, noting that her daughter has developed additional bruises on her arms, legs, and neck, which has made the child hesitant to return to school.
The employment status of the aide involved in the incident remains unclear.
Officials from the Salem City School District stated, “The safety, welfare, and academic success of each student are our top priorities. We remain dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing educational environment for our community.”
They added, “We assure families and the public that all concerns are treated with the utmost seriousness. Every situation is addressed internally with great care, adhering to proper protocols and legal requirements.”
No formal charges have yet been filed against the paraprofessional, as investigations by the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families are ongoing.
