A pre-school worker was caught on video slapping and dragging a defenseless toddler in class — and the child’s furious parents are demanding justice for the savage attack.
Ariana and Joseph Lebron say 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.
Video allegedly shows Beshay striking the terrified boy “with an open hand” before she “dragged” him across the room, according to court documents.
The unhinged educator was fired from Kiddie Academy on the day of the attack and is barred from working for city public schools or its partners ever again, according to a city Department of Education spokesperson.
Police arrested Beshay for the assault on Nov. 7 and she pleaded not guilty.
The case has since been dropped and sealed, according to the Staten Island DA’s office.
An office spokesperson said they couldn’t comment on why the case was dismissed.
The toddler was left with permanent physical and emotional injuries, according to court papers.
The couple is demanding unspecified damages from Beshay, Kiddie Academy, the city and the DOE.
“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, both Staten Island-based real estate agents, said in a statement to The Post.
“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.”
According to public salary information, assistant teachers at the Kiddie Academy — a privately-owned but city-partnered school — make anywhere from $32,000 to $52,000 each year.
It is unclear how long Beshay, who was hired by Kiddie Academy directly, worked there.
School employees must go through a security clearance process to work around children, which 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 Kiddie Academy website reads.
Assistant teachers need a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for the job.
Kiddie Academy told The Post 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,” it 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 for the city did not return requests for comment. The Lebrons’ attorney, Peter Simonetti, and the DOE declined to comment.
