Grandmother claims 3-year-old grandson was thrown by teacher at East Patchogue child care center

Police say they are currently investigating an incident between an employee and at least two 3-year-old children.

Krista McNally

Oct 23, 2024, 9:58 PM

Updated 59 days ago

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News 12 is learning about a disturbing incident at the Way to Grow Child Care Learning Center in East Patchogue.
Police say they are currently investigating an incident between an employee and at least two 3-year-old children.
One of those families spoke with News 12 exclusively, and says their grandson was thrown by a teacher last Thursday.
Debbie Loesh says her grandson was on camera being thrown twice and his ears were flicked. She says when her grandson got sad that he was tossed and his ears were flicked, he got reprimanded.
Loesh says the child's mother was notified immediately and went to the school to watch the footage.
According to a statement from a spokesperson for the Way to Grow child Care learning center, “management was made aware of an isolated incident involving an employee’s inappropriate physical conduct toward children. Two other staff members, who witnessed this conduct, did not fulfill their legal obligation to report it. All three individuals were immediately terminated.”
New measures are being implemented by the school, including enhanced training, increased monitoring and a new confidential hotline, according to the statement.
Loesh says she is worried this may have happened to other children.
Police say CPS was notified and that there are no criminal charges at this time.