Virginia private preschool fires staffer after surveillance video shows toddler tied to chair
Investigation at VINCI School Alexandria North follows a reported lunchtime restraint of a one-year-old; school says policy and safety rules were violated and vows review.
A Virginia private preschool fired a staff member after surveillance footage showed a one-year-old child restrained in a chair with a blanket in a classroom. The incident occurred on August 13 around 11:40 a.m. in the Junior Toddler classroom at VINCI School Alexandria North, a private preschool and elementary school. The person seen tying the child to the chair has been described as an assistant who had worked at the school for more than four years and was well regarded by families, according to the school.
On August 21, the Virginia Department of Social Services opened an inspection after the daycare licensing office self-reported prohibited actions related to the incident. Investigators reviewed the case, with state records citing the assistant tying the child to the chair during lunchtime on August 13 for a duration of about 22 minutes. The school and its representatives have described the action as a serious mistake that violated regulations, while noting there is no identified evidence of abuse or harm to the child.
The DSS report indicates the child was not crying or described as distressed while restrained. The school’s Founding Principal, Dr. Dan Yang, said the incident was a clear violation of regulations and that while the employee had made a grave error, there was no evidence of abuse or harm. An additional adult in the room during the episode, identified as the lead teacher, entered the room and did not untie the child; that teacher was formally written up as part of the disciplinary actions.
Emails sent to parents, reviewed by local media, said the incident was discovered two days after the fact when the regional director of operations reviewed security footage. The regional director noted that the assistant had served VINCI for more than four years and was a well-liked member of the community. The Virginia Department of Social Services confirmed that staff plus the school completed additional training and that the school reviewed its behavior management policy in light of the incident. The policy bans physical restraint of children, including tying to chairs, car seats, strollers or any other device, and reserves restraint as a last resort to prevent harm.
Local residents expressed strong concerns about the use of restraints. A former teacher told local outlets that restraints are inappropriate and can create fear, adding that caregivers should model appropriate behavior rather than use physical restraint.
Alexandria Police said they were alerted to the incident through Child Protective Services and determined there was no criminal activity at the time of the events. The Daily Mail and local outlets reported that authorities and the school are cooperating, and that officials have asked for comment from VINCI School Alexandria North and the Virginia Department of Social Services. The case remains under review as state investigators assess compliance with child welfare and safety standards.