A local mother tells Action News Jax a teacher’s assistant at John E. Ford Elementary School was fired for physically and verbally abusing students, including her 7-year-old daughter.
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Patrice Jones tells us she got a call from her daughter’s teacher Friday morning saying her assistant was under investigation.
“Basically stating that the teacher had said ‘mean things,’” Jones said.
Jones said she called an administrator Friday afternoon, who informed her the woman had been fired for being verbally abusive.
Jones adds that her daughter claimed the assistant grabbed her by the neck, hit her and had cursed at her.
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She says administrators didn’t tell her about a physical abuse investigation involving her daughter until she sat down with them Monday.
Then, she says, they revealed her daughter had given a statement, and was checked for bruises Friday.
Jones tells us she felt administrators were leaving her in the dark.
“The first person you should call is the parent,” Jones said. “I should have been called immediately!”
DCPS spokesperson Laureen Ricks sent the following statement to Action News Jax reporter Ryan Nelson in reference to Jones’ claims:
"The school addressed this incident immediately when it was reported initially as inappropriate language, and afterwards when it was reported as possible physical abuse of a child. The parents involved were notified on multiple occasions and provided with updates as to the reports and the action steps being taken. This includes notification to the Department of Children and Families, an active investigation by the district's Office of Professional Standards, and the termination of the employee involved.
The school and district followed all protocols and procedures as it relates to this incident. We will continue to take every precaution to protect the safety and well-being of our students, and make sure our parents stay informed."
Cox Media Group
