An Indianapolis daycare teacher faces charges of child battery after allegedly mistreating children under her care at Victory Academy Preschool.

Allegations and Investigation

Brittany Collins, aged 34, stands accused of battering multiple children at the preschool located on Indy’s northwest side. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit initiated an investigation following reports from the Department of Child Services regarding physical abuse allegations against Collins. The incidents, said to have occurred in February, involved at least four children under three years old.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Abuse

Court documents revealed that the alleged abuse was captured by surveillance cameras in the daycare room. A detective overseeing the case stated that Collins was observed roughly handling the children in the footage. Additionally, a daycare employee reported witnessing Collins mistreating the children on a live video monitor.

Employee Concerns Raised

Further adding to the gravity of the situation, a daycare employee recounted observing Collins exhibiting signs of distress upon arriving at work on February 9. Despite being offered the option of taking the day off, Collins declined. However, concerns arose when Collins was observed mishandling the children later that day, prompting her dismissal for the remainder of the day.

Delayed Reporting and Legal Action

Disturbingly, it was admitted that the incident was not promptly reported to parents, DCS, or law enforcement. It was only after three days that concerns were raised with the pastor, leading to subsequent contact with DCS. Upon reviewing the surveillance footage, detectives noted instances where Collins allegedly pulled and slammed children, even striking one with a shoe on a separate occasion.

Legal Proceedings

Online court records indicate that Collins faces four counts of battery on a person less than 14 years old, each constituting a level 6 felony. An initial hearing is scheduled for April 5 at 1 p.m. in Marion Superior Court 18.

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