WASHINGTON – A local daycare chain faces allegations of teacher abuse at a second location.
Alleged abuse at the Minnieland Academy at the Glen in Woodbridge, Va., is under investigation by Prince William County police. Now issues are being raised about staff conduct at Minnieland Academy’s Lorton Station location in Lorton, Va.
“There’s not really an excuse for that – especially when you’re paying the rates you’re paying for a place like this,” says parent Melanie Mercado who has a two- year-old at the daycare in Lorton.
Another parent whose child attends the Lorton daycare tells WUSA9 it was only after observing a child being thrown by a teacher that she learned conduct involving her toddler is being investigated.
Stella Staine tells WUSA9 a report on Virginia’s Department of Social Services website describes allegations her two-year-old was abused and hit by a staffer at Minnieland Academy’s Lorton Station location.
Many parents who spoke with WTOP about the accusations at both locations express support for the daycare and staff and give the overall operation glowing recommendations.
“We’ve had some really good experiences,” says Max Lapertosa, whose two-year-old is a current student and five-year-old is a former student of Minnieland Academy in Lorton.
Lapertosa’s child didn’t get along with one of his teachers and was moved to another classroom. Lapertosa believes the issue was handled well and appropriately.
“I’ve never had a problem. They call me, they e-mail me. If something happens I get an accident report,” says Pam Green, whose eight-year-old attended the Lorton location and her three-year-old has been going since he was a newborn.
“I’m very happy with the service here,” she says.
Minnieland Academy’s Woodbridge location fired two staffers last September when a Virginia Department of Social Services report detailed abuse occurring during a six month period.
Parent Miryam Brunson says she was told by the daycare’s director that staffer in question at the Lorton location is no longer working there.
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