NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) — A former staff member at Newtown Discovery Preschool is now facing child endangerment and simple assault charges after authorities say she allegedly assaulted a 2-year-old boy while working at the Bucks County facility.
The preschool announced that Erin Burke, 27, was terminated after the incident, describing her behavior as “unacceptable.”
According to police, the investigation started in July when Burke reported the incident to her administrator, and school administrators then reached out to law enforcement.
The criminal complaint alleges that surveillance footage shows Burke trying to change the toddler’s clothes while he appeared to be crying. The complaint states she dropped him face down onto a mat, forcefully pushed his head into a pillow, pulled him by his ankles, and finished dressing him in an aggressive manner.
Police reported that the child sustained scratches on his neck and arms.
Burke’s attorney, Louis R. Busico, said his client loves children.
“She in no way, shape or form would ever intentionally or even recklessly put a child in harm’s way,” he said. “The reason why you know that is because she went to her director immediately and said, ‘ Look, this just happened. I wanted you to be aware of this.”
He added that Burke described the day as difficult.
“She said it was a difficult time at work that day. Some of the children were a little more amped up than usual…” Busico said. “There are still many, many people in this community who love her and would completely trust her with the care and well-being of their children.”
In a statement, the preschool’s CEO said, “The staff member’s conduct represented a serious and unacceptable violation of our standards of care, professional conduct, and the expectations we have for anyone entrusted with the safety of a child. The staff member’s actions are not reflective of our values…”
Some residents expressed strong reactions to the news.
“It’s crazy. It shouldn’t happen. People like that shouldn’t be allowed to be around kids,” said Adrianna Ventura of Levittown. “Call for help. Do anything but lose your cool. You can’t lose your cool. You’re getting paid to not lose your cool.”
Yardley resident Annamarie Widener added, “These children do not deserve that and parents don’t deserve it because you’re putting your child in their care. It was horrific. Should have never been. She should be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest.”
Burke is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 3.
Police are urging anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately.