A Florida daycare worker has been arrested after authorities say she repeatedly struck young children in her classroom with various objects, including a metal stapler.
Daycare Employee Arrested
Latasha Mullings, 41, faces 11 counts of misdemeanor battery and one count of misdemeanor assault.
The investigation began after a parent reported that Mullings allegedly flicked a child in the face at Mustard Seed Kidz daycare in West Melbourne.
Surveillance Footage Reviewed
According to police, a review of classroom surveillance footage from May 19 through May 26 showed multiple incidents involving five children between the ages of 2 and 4.
Investigators allege that Mullings flicked children in the face, struck them on the head with a metal stapler and hit them with other objects.
Police also said she slapped one child multiple times and threw a shoe at another child before grabbing the child’s shirt and yelling.
Fired After Investigation
After reviewing the allegations, the daycare director confronted Mullings and terminated her employment.
The daycare reported the incident to law enforcement and state child welfare authorities and said it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Court Date Scheduled
Mullings was arrested and booked into the Brevard County Jail.
She later posted a $37,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 23.
Authorities continue to investigate the case.
