NORWOOD, MASS. (WHDH) - A school employee in Norwood has been placed on administrative leave, accused of assaulting a student earlier this week.
Officials said the incident happened in a hallway at the Willett Early Childhood Center in Norwood. The child was evaluated by the school nurse before they were picked up by their parents.
“We’re obviously upset, I have a 5 year old – you don’t want anything like that happening at a school, obviously,” said Diana Vaugh, a Willett School parent. “It’s horrible.”
The superintendent said they are disturbed by the allegations and plan to quickly investigate.
“I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I hope everything that was noted in the letter didn’t happen and, hopefully, everyone can move on from it,” said Kevin Donohue, another parent of a Willett School student.
In a statement, Norwood Police Chief William Brooks said the department was notified on Wednesday, Sept. 28, of an an alleged assault of a student by an employee at the school.
“An investigation was immediately launched, and has since concluded,” the statement read. “A show cause hearing has been requested before the Clerk Magistrate at the Dedham District Court. As a criminal complaint has not been issued at this time, the individual’s name is not being released.”
They added that, because the incident involves a juvenile, no further information is currently available.
“It’s a little concerning, but I trust the teachers here and I feel l safe bringing my children here,” said parent Maria Gallesyan. “I feel, at least, they’re looking into it and taking it seriously for sure.”
Officials say because no charges have been filed, no names of those involved in the incident have been released yet.
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