Teacher's Assistant Fired for Tying Toddler to Chair at Virginia Preschool

Incident at Vinci School

• 🚨 A teacher's assistant at Vinci School in Alexandria, Virginia, was fired for allegedly tying a 21-month-old child to a chair using a blanket.
• 📹 The incident was captured on surveillance video inside the preschool.

School's and Authorities' Response

• 📄 The Virginia Department of Social Services investigated after the preschool self-reported the incident.
• 🚫 Child Protective Services did not pursue charges, determining there was no malicious intent and the child was not harmed.
• ⚠️ The assistant claimed she restrained the child for 22 minutes because the child threw food and moved tables during lunch, stating the blanket was not tied strongly.

School Policy and Corrective Actions

• ⚖️ The founding principal stated the employee was fired for violating policy, which prohibits restraint unless to prevent a child from hurting themselves or others.
• 📝 Another teacher present was written up and counseled to report incidents, and staff were required to complete additional training and review behavior management policies.
• 💡 The school emphasized that while the assistant made a mistake, there was no evidence of abuse or harm caused to the child.