When you drop your child off at nursery school, you do it trusting your little one in the care of others.
But families in New Jersey have been left devastated after it emerged that staff members at a nursery encouraged infants to ‘push and shove’ each other in the playground.
Video clips watched by police show around 12 boys and girls at the day care centre ‘fighting’.
The members of staff are heard in SnapChat videos referencing the film ‘Fight Club’ and quoting the movie.
Lightbridge Academy, which operates the centre, said in a statement earlier this week: “Today the Union County Prosecutor’s Office informed us that charges have been filed against two former staff members related to their encouragement of children to push and shove each other on the playground on Aug. 13th.
“As parents and caregivers, we are shocked and saddened by this isolated incident, and we have assisted the Prosecutor’s Office from the start of its investigation into this matter.
“While no children were physically harmed during this incident, we have a zero tolerance policy for anyone who acts in conflict with the core value of Lightbridge Academy — the safety and well-being of children. We terminated the employment of these staff members and have maintained open communication with our parents throughout this process.
“We sincerely thank our parents and dedicated staff for their support and patience. The actions of these two individuals do not reflect the culture of Lightbridge Academy and what we have stood for more than 18 years.
“While we will continue to fully support and assist the Prosecutor’s Office, we remain focused on the education and well-being of all children in our care.”
Staff members could face up to 18 months in prison if they are found guilty of harming children in their care.