A daycare worker in Greenwood, Indiana, is facing charges after admitting to slapping a 2-year-old child during an incident at the Kiddie Academy daycare in November 2024.
Joyce Perkins, 31, was charged with battery on a person under 14 years old after authorities reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly shows her striking the child.
According to court documents cited by local outlets, Perkins told investigators that she slapped the child because he had spit in her face.
She allegedly claimed, “I had to smack him because he spit all in my face.” Perkins added that she did not intend to hurt the child, explaining that he “didn’t cry or nothing” after the slap.
READ ALSO: Ohio Police Officer Resigns After Accusations of Secretly Filming Teen in Bathroom
Once the daycare center became aware of the incident, Perkins was fired from her position, and a thorough investigation was conducted by the state licensing authority.
Aaron Pankratz, the center’s director, confirmed to WRTV that they took appropriate action in response to the incident, emphasizing that they handled the situation according to the proper guidelines.
In the wake of the incident, the daycare center issued a statement assuring the public that they had done everything possible within their control to address the situation.
However, it remains unclear if Perkins has entered a plea or retained an attorney, and the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to provide further comment.
