CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — A former employee at Ocean State Academy appeared in court Thursday morning, accused of assaulting a 6-year-old student with developmental disabilities last month.
Police were called to the school on March 30 after administrators received a report from a parent who believed their child, who has “significant developmental impairments and limited verbal ability,” may have been assaulted.
BACKGROUND: Cranston school staffer allegedly assaulted student with developmental disabilities
According to prosecutors, video recorded on a device worn by 32-year-old Timesha Harley showed her repeatedly striking the child inside a classroom. Prosecutors also said the child could be seen spitting at Harley during the incident.
In a statement, Ocean State Academy said the teaching assistant was “immediately fired” after putting her hands on the arms of a student. The school said the child’s parents were notified, along with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families…