A Cocoa day care worker was arrested Tuesday for child neglect after surveillance footage showed her mistreating children at M & M Community Academy.
“I thought she was going to check on her. Maybe she got a little frustrated and did it by a mistake or something, but all she did when she came back was move a chair. She didn’t try to check on her at all,” said Sammisha Anderson, the mother of 2-year-old Malani Cunningham and aunt of 3-year-old Journi Smith, as she expressed her frustration and anger over the incident.
“It makes me frustrated and angry. Children are our future,” she added. “They can’t get no more than you give them. To see them getting upset with a child who can only get what you give them, it makes me angry. It really does.”
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident occurred Monday at M & M Community Academy.
The day care worker, identified as 24-year-old Marlissa Rozzier, was seen on surveillance video hitting a child on the head with papers, grabbing another child by the arm, and dragging her across the floor. Rozzier later picked up the child and forcibly carried her to a corner, nearly tossing her on the floor.
Anderson says all of this happened to her daughter and niece on a Monday, but it wasn’t until the following day that she was told about it.
Shortly after Rozzier mistreated the children, another teacher walked in and confronted her. Court documents state that the teacher heard a “thump” and went into the class to see what happened.
Rozzier told the teacher the “victim had fallen and all was well.”
Leaders at the day care reviewed camera footage and notified authorities the following day.
“I highly appreciate her, considering they didn’t have to report it at all, but they did,” Anderson said.
Anderson worries the abuse may have been ongoing for some time, as she is now noticing changes in the girls’ behaviors. She hopes the children in the classroom will get the support they need and urges parents to be more vigilant.
“If you have children that go to day care, question them. Ask them how was their day. Ask how their teacher was with them. Just ask them questions. Your child may be a victim of abuse and we don’t know,” Anderson said.
Rozzier faces charges of child neglect with great bodily harm. The investigation is ongoing.
Child neglect can have serious and long-lasting effects on a child’s physical and emotional well-being. At Ovadia Law Group, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of neglected children and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities involved in child neglect cases and work tirelessly to gather evidence, collaborate with experts, and build a strong case. We are committed to securing the necessary compensation for medical care, therapy, and any other needs arising from the neglect. If you suspect a child is being neglected or if you are seeking justice for a child who has been harmed, don’t face this alone. Contact Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us provide the compassionate and effective legal support you need.
Source: wesh
