WS/FCS Sedge Garden Pre-K Program put on corrective action plan for 'child maltreatment'

A Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Pre-K Program at Sedge Garden Elementary has been put on a state-ordered corrective action plan following violations related to child maltreatment.

Sedge Garden Principal Angela Reeves and Teaching Assistant Teresa Hazlett have both been suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.

According to a report by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education, Hazlett on multiple occasions, forcefully restrained, kicked, and lifted children by their arms. She also “wrapped a child’s head with a blanket and pushed the head down with her foot.”

The document states that Reeves was aware of these actions but did not report them.  

In a press release from WS/FCS, Superintendent Tricia McManus said the district does not condone the use of physical force against students, and is grateful to those who reported these issues. 

The district is working to meet the requirements of the corrective plan, in part by retraining school staff on policies and practices that ensure a safe environment for children. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.