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Video shows woman kicking child at New York day care, police say

Posted at 6:41 AM, Apr 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-11 06:41:19-04

NEW YORK — A woman has been charged with assault after video captured her allegedly kicking a toddler at a New York City day care, after his mother says the boy refused to take a nap.

Valeriaya Buonadonna, 36, of Brooklyn, was arrested after the incident at Znayka Day Care Center on Avenue U on Tuesday, police said.

Video obtained by WPIX shows the disturbing few seconds when the 2-year-old boy was picked up from his chair, tossed on the ground and kicked by the woman, according to police.

A witness apparently alerted the boy’s parents to the incident, leading to Buonadonna’s arrest.

The child's mother, who does not wish to be identified, says the attack happened after her son refused to take a nap.

"I was so angry, there was nothing I could do. She was in the classroom with kids," the mother said. "It's just sad. I know you see this all the time, but I would never think it would happen to my child."

The mother said she is satisfied with the investigation, but added that officials at the day care have not said anything to her.

"When I walked in there, they didn't have much to say, they didn't apologize, nothing."

Day care officials also refused to comment when WPIX approached them Wednesday morning.

The child suffered pain and bruising to his leg because of the incident, according to his mother, who plans to take him to a doctor.

City records show the day care does have an up-to-date license. It was last inspected in August 2018, and has no violations.

“Our top priority is protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children in New York City," New York City Administration for Children's Services spokesperson Chanel Caraway said. "We are investigating this case with the NYPD."