JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The child care director at Small Blessings Learning Academy was arrested after it was reported that she punched a child in the head.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Department of Children and Families on July 25, 2012, in reference to a child abuse case at Small Blessings Learning Academy at 2038 Blanding Boulevard.
According to the DCF investigator on scene, there was surveillance video obtained of the Small Blessings director, Shelia Rose, punching a child in the head. In the video, the child topples backwards after being hit, gets back up and Rose flinches at the child as though she was going to strike again. Rose strikes the child for a second time causing the child to fall backwards to the ground.
DCF had been notified of the incident on July 17 after receiving a complaint that a child had come home with a black eye and said they got it after Rose hit them.
After multiple failed attempts by JSO to get ahold of Rose for questioning, a warrant was released for her arrest.
Rose turned herself in a few days later and was charged with Child Abuse. She was released from Duval County Jail after making bond and her arraignment is set for August 20.
