NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A mother is demanding answers after a paraprofessional was arrested for allegedly slapping her 6-year-old son, who has autism, inside a New Haven classroom.
Rosa Scott says she was shocked when she received a call from an administrator at John C. Daniels School on Wednesday informing her of the incident.
“She needed to inform me that there had been an incident involving my son – all she could tell me was that he had been slapped by a staff member and that that staff member had been sent home and DCF was called,” Scott told News 8.
Scott’s son, Jace, is a nonverbal kindergartener. She says she rushed to the school and called police after learning what happened.
“The school did not call police,” Scott said. “I wanted charges to be pressed. I wanted charges pursued.
Police say 48-year-old paraprofessional Chevonne Boone struck the child during lunch inside the classroom. According to Scott, she was not notified until about two hours after the incident and was initially given few details. She says she later learned more about what happened from police.
“The children were building towers with Legos,” Scott said. “Jace walked over and knocked over one of the children’s towers. And the para, Chevonne, turned and slapped him in the face. I don’t even know how to explain the feelings that I’m having right now. It’s too much.”
Boone was later arrested and is now facing charges of risk of injury to a minor, third-degree assault and breach of peace.
New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón said they are taking the situation seriously but could not comment on specifics.
“This is a priority for us to make sure we are working closely with the police department and DCF,” Negrón said. “We know that trust has been broken, and we have to rebuild that.”
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said incidents involving possible misconduct in schools must be addressed quickly.
“I think we also have a track record of making sure when there is any potential misconduct in schools, we act quickly to keep our kids safe and ensure there is accountability,” Elicker said.
Scott says her son has been traumatized and plans to move him to another school district.
“Emotions are high in our household,” she said. “We just want justice for Jace and for New Haven to do better and not let this happen to anyone else’s kid.”
Boone, whom the superintendent said was relatively new to the district, has been placed on leave. Her bond was set at $10,000.
