Virginia preschool teacher fired after CCTV shows tying toddler to chair

A Virginia preschool teacher was fired after a security camera captured her tying a 21-month-old to a chair with a blanket for about 22 minutes during lunch at VINCI School Alexandria North, according to documents obtained by AXLNOW. The incident occurred Aug. 13, 2025, in a private classroom, and an unidentified teacher’s assistant was also recorded tying the child to the chair. The footage prompted an inspection by the Virginia Department of Social Services after a tip from the daycare licensing office, and local authorities were notified.

The child was bound to the chair for roughly 22 minutes at around 11:40 a.m. during a lunch period, the report notes. The teacher involved reportedly said that the blanket was not tied tightly around the child. The records indicate the assistant was present in the room, and a witness or another adult entered the room at some point while the child remained in the restraint, according to the account.

In a statement provided to WUSA9, VINCI School Alexandria North’s principal, Dr. Dan Yang, said the school recognizes that there are nuances to care and discipline in child care settings, but emphasized that regulations and rules must be followed. Yang noted that the teacher had made a serious mistake by violating regulations, but asserted there was no evidence of abuse or harm to the child.

Kristina Milam, the regional director of operations for VINCI Schools, told WUSA9 that while the teacher had made meaningful contributions over more than four years, accountability is essential and a safe, compliant environment cannot be compromised. Milam underscored that the school expects adherence to policies regardless of personal circumstances.

The Virginia Department of Social Services cited VINCI School’s policy on behavior management, which explicitly prohibits physical restraint of children, including tying them to chairs, car seats, strollers or any other device, as a form of discipline or in lieu of supervision. The policy permits restraint only as a last resort if a child is in danger of harming themselves or others. Local police told reporters they were notified of the incident through Child Protective Services and found no criminal activity.

The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of early childhood discipline practices and how private facilities implement state-mandated safety protocols. DSS inspections and licensing office inquiries are standard responses when concerns are raised about child welfare, and authorities say the case will inform any future regulatory actions at VINCI School Alexandria North. The broader public health and safety context centers on ensuring children have safe, supervised environments during meals and rest, with clear guidelines for when physical intervention may be necessary and how to document such actions appropriately.