Daycare Teacher Sparks Outrage As She Allegedly Hits A 4-Year-Old Child In The Head At A Playground

Every parent does their best to research and review different daycare centers before they decide to enroll their child. However, most parents would settle for the nearest one locally. But they hope that they find the best for their children.

But a parent’s worst nightmare when it comes to trusting a daycare or school to care for their child is happening in Florida.

The community is shocked after a preschool teacher is said to be facing felony charges after being accused of repeatedly hitting a 4-year-old child in the head while on the playground. And this incident was allegedly caught on video.

A third-degree felony charge of child abuse has been filed against 32-year-old Ashley Richards. She has worked at the daycare center since 2021.

An official press statement was issued by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office regarding the incident. The sheriff’s office claims that a resident in Dunedin, Florida, heard screams coming from the KinderCare Learning Center’s playground. And when the eyewitness proceeded to check things out, got shocked by what was happening.

The witness could not believe what they discovered. So they pulled out their mobile phone to record the incident.

“The witness observed Richards yelling at the victim and repeatedly punching the child with both an open and closed fist to the back and side of the head. Richards was also observed pushing the child to the ground and yelling ‘Do you want me to hit you?’ The incident was captured on the witness’ cell phone.”

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the cell phone video recorded by the witness was brought into and viewed by the authorities. Authorities allege that the video showed Richards pulling the child over her legs and then continuing to punch him as the child was screaming. The witness also said that Richards pushed the 4-year-old to the ground.

The 4-year-old boy was also interviewed regarding the incident. He told the authorities that what happened was that he was getting in trouble for fighting with his brother.

Colleen Moran, the KinderCare public relations manager, released a statement saying: “The teacher’s alleged actions do not reflect who we are or the training we provide our teachers. We are working with the police to determine what may or may not have happened. In the meantime, the teacher involved is on administrative leave until further notice.”

Reports say that Richards admitted to the deputies that she did put her hand over the 4-year-old’s mouth when he laughed at her for reasons that have not been specified in the affidavit. However, according to her, no hitting or punching the child ever happened. She said that the boy was upset and she was only consoling him. The affidavit also did not specify why Richards thought the child was upset.

She continues to deny hitting the child. Richards was booked into the Pinellas County Jail, did not enter a plea but she is out on a $5,000 bond.

Every parent only wants what’s best for their children. And when it comes to education, it starts with preschool experiences. It should be fun and positive for every child. And this overall experience is greatly affected by how their teacher treats them.