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Teacher accused of punching, choking child

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By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer Updated 4:56 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

DAYTON — A preschool teacher was charged with a misdemeanor assault after she is accused of punching and choking a 4-year-old boy at YMCA Grace Childcare, 1001 Harvard Blvd.

The charge against Sherra Howard, 25, of Trotwood, was filed today, Nov. 19, in Dayton Municipal Court.

Dayton police were contacted by the victim’s mother, a Trotwood resident, about 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a police incident report.

Howard is accused of punching the boy in his chest, with a closed fist, after the boy allegedly tried to slap her in the face, the report said. The lead preschool teacher told the police that Howard’s punch caused the boy to fall down and cry.

Tim Helm, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton, said the lead preschool teacher witnessed the alleged assault.

The lead preschool teacher also told police that “Howard then grabbed his leg and spanked his bottom numerous times with her open hand” and that Howard “then took (the 4-year-old) out of the classroom for approximately three minutes and when both of them returned, (the 4-year-old) was crying and stated that his neck hurt because Howard had choked him,” according to the report.

“Which is not true,” Howard said during a phone interview with the Dayton Daily News on Thursday. Howard referred all other questions to her attorney at the law firm of Rion, Rion & Rion.

The report also said that police checked the boy for visible injuries and found none.

“It’s really an unfortunate incident,” Helm said.

Howard, whose job was terminated on Wednesday afternoon, had been working at the childcare facility for less than a year, according to Helm.

Howard is scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 3.

Statement released by Tim Helm, president & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton

“The YMCA of Greater Dayton is one of the largest providers of childcare in the Miami Valley. As such, we consider the safety and well being of the children and families we serve to be the top priority of our organization and we go to great lengths to ensure that all children in our care are safe. All employees are background checked prior to hiring and sign a code of conduct which outlines our expectations for every staff member’s interaction and conduct with children. As with any organization that hires employees to work with people, we expect our employees to follow our policies and procedures and deal appropriately with those in their care. Clearly, this person acted inappropriately while caring for this child. One of our staff members observed the inappropriate behavior, immediately removed the child from the situation and cared for the child’s needs. The supervisor was alerted and immediately contacted the proper authorities and the parents. The employee in question was then immediately terminated. The YMCA is fully cooperating with local authorities and has fully reviewed our operating policies and procedures and is committed to ensuring that we provide the safest environment possible to the children and families we serve.”

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