Inglewood Daycare Worker Dismissed for Hitting Five-Year-Old with Autism
Inglewood Daycare Aide Fired After Incident with Child with Autism
A teacher’s aide at the Destiny Development Center in Inglewood has been terminated following the emergence of video footage that shows her hitting a five-year-old girl with autism during naptime. The video, confirmed by the school, reveals that the aide threw a shoe at the child, known as Beautiful.
The incident occurred on January 9, when Beautiful was seen crawling off her mat. The footage captures the aide removing the girl’s shoe and hurling it across the room. In the video, she expressed remorse, stating, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do it.”
Danielle Williams, director of the center, reported that the aide later claimed her intention was merely to scare the child. Williams recounted, “The teacher did say she threw the shoe, but it was an accident. Mom said, ‘Why would they be throwing shoes in the school?’ I said, ‘You’re right. So, as a result, she’s not here.’”
Following a request from Beautiful’s mother for a thorough review of the incident, Williams initiated an investigation. She spoke with other adults present in the room, including a second aide and a teacher, who initially did not recall what happened. However, their statements changed after being provided in writing. Williams stated, “I said, well, shoes should not have been thrown in the school in the first place. And you guys did not report it to me.”
After reviewing footage from the school’s 26 cameras, all three staff members involved were terminated. “It’s not a representation of what my school is. It’s not a representation of what we stand for,” Williams declared.
In a statement, Beautiful’s mother expressed her shock and dismay: “I’m shocked and horrified that my innocent baby was harmed and humiliated in front of everyone. This teacher should not only be fired immediately but criminally prosecuted for child abuse.” She emphasized her desire for justice for her daughter.
Additionally, Williams reported the incident to the appropriate licensing agency, which subsequently issued a violation notice.
While Beautiful’s family has declined interview requests, a press conference is scheduled for Friday afternoon outside the school to address the incident further.
