by Spring, TX – Spring ISD officials are investigating an allegation that a four-year-old Pre-K student was slapped twice in the face by a substitute teacher at Smith Elementary School. The incident, reported by the child’s mother, has prompted district action and raised concerns among parents about student safety.
The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, according to the student’s mother, Marissa Braughton, who said her daughter was visibly upset and crying when picked up from school.
Mother Describes Distressing Scene
Braughton recounted that her daughter immediately told her about the assault:
“I get down to her level. I’m like, baby, what’s wrong? Tell mama what happened. And she immediately is like, the teacher hit me… He hit me twice. And I heard my neck make a sound.”
Braughton said she reported the incident to the assistant principal, who assured her it would be investigated. She also filed a police report, but expressed frustration at the pace of the investigation.
“Why haven’t we talked to these students yet? We’re about to go into the weekend where these kids might forget what they saw. They’re four-year-old’s,” she said.
School District Response
Spring ISD confirmed the allegation and said the substitute teacher has been removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of students remains our top priority. Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time,” the district said in a statement.
Union lawyer Chris Tritico, representing Spring ISD staff, emphasized that federal laws limit what information can be shared publicly:
“That does not mean they’re not doing anything. It just means they can’t tell them that they’ve interviewed these students, who they are, and what they’ve told them.”
Tritico noted that the district is mandated by state law to investigate allegations immediately, reporting the matter within 24 hours to both the State Board for Educator Certification and Child Protective Services. Investigations by these agencies are ongoing.
Parent Reaction and Next Steps
Braughton said her daughter remains traumatized and that she has decided to homeschool her child for the time being.
“She’s four years old. No child, especially my baby girl should have to go through this,” Braughton said.
The district sent a letter to parents Friday, describing the incident as the substitute teacher having made “inappropriate use of force on a student.” Whether the teacher will be allowed to return to the classroom will depend on the results of the investigation.
Broader Context and Child Safety
Experts stress that allegations of physical misconduct in early education settings must be taken seriously and investigated promptly, as even brief exposure to physical discipline can traumatize young children. School districts are encouraged to provide clear reporting channels and maintain transparency with parents while complying with legal privacy restrictions.
Conclusion
Spring ISD is actively investigating the alleged slapping of a four-year-old student, with the substitute teacher removed pending the outcome. The case underscores the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and protective measures to ensure the safety of young students in school environments.
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