Virginia preschool teacher fired after video shows tying toddler to chair in classroom

A Virginia private preschool has fired a teacher’s assistant after surveillance video captured the individual tying a one-year-old to a chair with a blanket in a VINCI School Alexandria North classroom during lunch on August 13. The incident, which lasted about 22 minutes, prompted a Virginia Department of Social Services inspection on August 21 after the school reported a forbidden action, according to local reporting.

The incident occurred in the Junior Toddler classroom around 11:40 a.m. on August 13, with the assistant shown tying the child to the chair for roughly 22 minutes using a blanket. The report says the assistant later claimed the blanket was not tied tightly and that the child had thrown food and stood up from the table, though no redirection was attempted. An adult in the room, identified as the lead teacher, entered the room during the restraint but did not untie the child and was subsequently written up. The child did not appear distressed during the restraint according to the report.

VINCI School’s Founding Principal Dr. Dan Yang said the institution is committed to transparency. He acknowledged that child care involves nuanced decisions but stressed that regulations and rules must be followed regardless of personal views about individuals involved. He indicated that the incident revealed a serious violation, while asserting there is no evidence of abuse or harm to the child. The school also noted that the lead teacher was formally disciplined for her role in the episode and that the incident prompted a broader review of the classroom’s procedures.

An email to parents, reviewed by local outlets, said the incident was discovered by Kristina Milam, the regional director of operations, two days after it occurred as she reviewed security footage. The message described the staff member involved as someone who had served VINCI for more than four years and who was well-regarded by many families, while underscoring that accountability and safety standards must prevail over prior tenure or sentiment.

Virginia’s Department of Social Services said VINCI School has a prohibitive policy on restraints, including tying a child to chairs, car seats, strollers or any other device as a form of discipline or as a substitute for supervision. The policy states such restraint is only warranted as a last resort to prevent harm. DSS said staff involved in the incident were required to undergo additional training and that the school reviewed its behavior-management policy. Alexandria Police said they were alerted to the matter by Child Protective Services and determined that no criminal activity had occurred.

Local reactions to the episode have included concern about the use of restraint with young children and the potential impact on trust in early childhood settings. Coverage from local and national outlets has tracked the responses from families and authorities as investigations continue.