Virginia preschool teacher fired after CCTV shows tying 21-month-old to chair at VINCI School
State officials say restraint policies prohibit tying children to furniture; police found no criminal activity and the school says the incident violated regulations but caused no harm.
A Virginia preschool teacher at VINCI School Alexandria North was fired after surveillance footage showed her tying a 21-month-old child to a chair with a blanket during lunch on August 13, 2025. The security video records the action lasting about 22 minutes, prompting a Virginia Department of Social Services inspection at the private school after a tip from the day-care licensing office about potential irregular practices, according to a report obtained by AXLNOW.
The school has defended its handling of the incident while acknowledging that it violated regulations. The principal, Dr. Dan Yang, said in a statement that child care often involves nuanced decisions, but rules must be followed regardless of personal views about individuals involved. He described the act as a serious misstep that breached policy and said there is no evidence of abuse or harm to the child. The teacher’s assistant had worked at the school for more than four years and was described by families as well-liked, according to Kristina Milam, the regional director of operations. Milam emphasized accountability and the need to maintain a safe, compliant environment, noting that no one person’s history should override safeguarding standards. The report also notes that, according to the teacher, the blanket around the child was not tied tightly and that the child reportedly threw food and left the table during mealtime, with no other method attempted to keep the child seated.
The Department of Social Services findings underscore that VINCI School has a Prohibited Practices & Behaviour Management Policy that bans physical restraint of children, including tying them to chairs, car seats, strollers, or other devices as a form of discipline or as a substitute for supervision. Restraint is permitted only as a last resort if a child is in danger of harming themselves or others. Local police told WUSA9 they were alerted to the incident through Child Protective Services but found no criminal activity involved.
As the investigation unfolded, the school reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding and to compliance with state regulations. Officials did not identify any ongoing abuse concerns, and authorities indicated there was no criminal wrongdoing associated with the incident. The case has drawn attention to how private early-education centers manage discipline and the role of surveillance and external oversight in ensuring children’s safety. VINCI School has not released additional details about any subsequent staff actions or policy changes, but the incident has prompted broader discussion about restraint practices in classrooms and the standards applied by licensing and welfare agencies in Virginia.
The case raises questions about enforcement of child-protection policies in private early-education settings and the mechanisms by which supervisors and staff are held to account in Virginia. Officials stress that keeping children safe requires strict adherence to established guidelines, and they note that any action that places a child at risk is subject to review, regardless of context. As the investigation continues and more details become available, authorities and the school will confront questions about staff training, supervision, and the appropriate use of restraints in classroom settings.
