A preschool worker was allegedly caught on video slapping and dragging a defenseless toddler in a classroom, prompting the child’s parents to seek justice in a civil lawsuit.
Ariana and Joseph Lebron allege that their 3-year-old son was assaulted by assistant teacher Silvia Beshay at the Kiddie Academy of Staten Island on Oct. 14, 2025, according to a lawsuit filed in Staten Island Supreme Court on Sept. 21.
Court documents state that video allegedly captures Beshay striking the frightened child “with an open hand” and then “dragging” him across the classroom.
Beshay was fired from Kiddie Academy on the day of the alleged incident. A city Department of Education spokesperson said she is also barred from working for New York City public schools or their partner organizations.
Police arrested Beshay on Nov. 7 in connection with the alleged assault. She pleaded not guilty.
The criminal case was later dismissed and sealed, according to the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office.
A spokesperson for the office said officials could not comment on why the case was dismissed.
The toddler suffered lasting physical and emotional injuries, according to the lawsuit.
The Lebrons are seeking unspecified damages from Beshay, Kiddie Academy, the city and the Department of Education.
“Our primary concern is and always has been our son’s well-being and healing. Our faith in Jesus Christ has sustained our family throughout this difficult experience, and we are grateful for the prayers and support we have received,” the Lebrons, who are both Staten Island real estate agents, said in a statement to The Post.
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“Because the litigation just commenced, we prefer not to discuss the facts or evidence publicly at this time. We trust the legal process and continue to pray for truth, justice and healing.”
Public salary information shows that assistant teachers at Kiddie Academy — a privately owned school that partners with the city — earn between $32,000 and $52,000 annually.
It remains unclear how long Beshay, who was hired directly by Kiddie Academy, had worked at the school.
Employees who work around children must complete a security-clearance process that includes fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
“All Kiddie Academy educators must meet or exceed the state requirements for child care providers, including background clearance, education qualifications, and ongoing professional development,” the company’s website states.
Applicants for assistant teacher positions must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
Kiddie Academy told The Post that it is “deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the children in our care.”
“At the time of the incident, our leadership team immediately dismissed the employee and reported the matter to the appropriate authorities,” the company said in a statement.
“We take situations of this nature seriously and are committed to responding appropriately, communicating with those directly impacted, and following all applicable requirements. There is nothing more important than creating a nurturing and safe environment for the children in our care and their families.”
Beshay and attorneys representing the city did not respond to requests for comment. The Lebrons’ attorney, Peter Simonetti, and the Department of Education declined to comment.