Newtown, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania preschool worker is facing criminal charges after authorities say surveillance footage showed her repeatedly handling a 2-year-old child in an aggressive manner, including allegedly dropping him face-down onto a cushioned mat and later lifting him by the wrist.
The incident at Newtown Discovery Preschool was reported to police after school officials were alerted, and investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that they say documented the alleged treatment of the toddler.
Police Say Toddler Was Dropped Onto His Head
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Erin Burke, 27, was attempting to change the child’s clothes when the incident occurred. The toddler appeared to be crying, investigators said.
Police allege Burke picked the boy up, moved him across the classroom and then dropped him face-down from approximately six inches above a cushioned mat.
The court document says Burke then appeared agitated while the child remained face-down on the mat. About 30 seconds later, investigators allege she moved the child before forcefully pushing his head into a pillow.
Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows Repeated Rough Handling
According to police, the surveillance footage showed several additional interactions between Burke and the toddler.
Investigators allege that after putting shoes on the child, Burke carried him across the room and accidentally knocked another child down with her leg.
Police then say Burke placed the toddler on the floor before allegedly pushing his head into a pillow from behind and using her foot to push his legs.
The affidavit states that the alleged treatment continued moments later.
Investigators say Burke grabbed the child’s ankles and pulled him across the floor, covering a distance roughly equal to the child’s body length.
She then allegedly grabbed his wrist and moved him toward the rest of the class.
Toddler Was Allegedly Suspended by His Wrist
One of the most serious allegations in the court document concerns what happened after Burke reached the area where other children were seated.
Police allege she picked the toddler completely off the ground by his left wrist and swung him forward. The child was reportedly crying during the incidents, while another employee attempted to console him.
Investigators also reviewed footage from another interaction that same day in which Burke allegedly attempted to put a shirt over the child’s head.
According to the affidavit, the movement was aggressive enough that the child’s head appeared to whip back and forth several times.
Child Was Found With Scratches
The investigation began after authorities were contacted about the incident on July 24, shortly before midnight. The 2-year-old was found with a scratch on his neck and marks on the backs of both arms, according to the affidavit.
School administrators cooperated with investigators, who reviewed surveillance footage from earlier that day.
The preschool director also told investigators that Burke had reported her own conduct to an administrator. She was subsequently sent home, and the school contacted its director, the child’s parents and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Employee Allegedly Admitted She Lost Her Temper
When detectives interviewed Burke on July 28, authorities say she acknowledged that she had been struggling at work.
According to the affidavit, Burke said she was “overwhelmed and burnt out at work” and admitted that she had “lost her cool” and handled the situation poorly.
Investigators say she also acknowledged being frustrated because the child was crying and did not want to go outside.
Police said Burke agreed that she had been too rough with the toddler and confirmed that the injuries to his arms and neck resulted from her grabbing him out of frustration.
Preschool Says Worker No Longer Employed
Burke faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault. She has been released from police custody after posting bond.
A spokesperson for Newtown Discovery Preschool said Burke no longer works at the facility, describing the alleged conduct as a serious violation of the school’s standards.
Burke had a preliminary arraignment last week and is expected to return to court on Sept. 3. The allegations remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and Burke is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? What additional safeguards do you think preschools should have in place to protect young children? Share your opinion in the comments below.
