Mother: South Orange teacher hung my 4-year-old son upside down by his ankles

The incident that involved Daylan Williams, who is described as well-behaved child, took place at the Montrose Early Childhood Center in South Orange.

News 12 Staff

Apr 6, 2023, 9:21 PM

Updated 604 days ago

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A teacher in South Orange was fired after a mother accused the educator of holding her 4-year-old son upside down by his ankles.
The incident that involved Daylan Williams, who is described as well-behaved child, took place at the Montrose Early Childhood Center in South Orange.
"She interviewed six adults that were in the room when the incident occurred, and they all had the same story that the teacher, who performed the action, tried to make Daylan perform an activity three times. She wanted him to sit on her lap to perform this activity and he said 'no,' and on the third time he bit her," Wilkins said.
School Principal Bonita Samuels contacted Wilkins to let her know that her son was mistreated in school. She did not disclose the name of the teacher but only ensured her that the teacher was immediately fired.
"The week leading up to this event, he was coming home from the nurse's office with different scratches and bruises on him," Wilkins said.
Photos show bruises on the child.
"Daylan has a lot of energy. He's a sweet boy, loving and kissing. But since the incident occurred, he has been wetting the bed and having nightmares, so there's definitely a drastic change in his behavior since then.
"I think it needs to be more than just that because had it been a parent that did that to their child... that parent would be held accountable. So she needs to be held accountable for her actions aside from being fired," said Adrienne Smith, Williams' grandmother.
District Superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor issued a statement to News 12 New Jersey that says, "The health and safety of our students are the highest priority for the South Orange and Maplewood School District. We are cooperating with the appropriate authorities and are unable to offer further comments due to the confidentiality applicable to student and personnel matters."
"Daylan will not be returning to this school," Wilkins said.