A former employee of the Two Birds day care in Alexandria hit kids, the Virginia Department of Social Services said in a recent report.
The employee, unnamed and referred to as Staff #1, was fired amid the VDSS investigation in late May and early June, prompted by a complaint alleging “forbidden actions” at the day care.
Between October and May, other staff at the Two Birds location saw Staff #1 “physically punishing children ages 2-3 years old by physically striking and roughly handling them on a daily and ongoing basis,” according to the report.
VDSS said Staff #1 hit kids in the face, head, mouth and limbs; grabbed, pushed and pulled them by their hair, clothing and limbs; and made children hit themselves.
The agency also said Staff #1 orally demeaned children in her care and left one child in a closet for about a minute.
In response to the agency’s findings, Two Birds is increasing mandatory reporting and sensitivity training and installing cameras in any classroom or studio space used by children, VDSS said.
The day care company told WTOP-FM, “We were recently notified that VDSS had completed its confidential and independent investigation and have informed our community about its conclusion. We are taking swift action to implement corrective measures as well as additional steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
The Alexandria Police Department told the radio station that it would be looking into the VDSS findings.
