Largo Preschool Teacher Accused Of Abusing 2-Year-Old: Sheriff

LARGO, FL — A 62-year-old former preschool teacher has been arrested after being accused of abusing a 2-year-old.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Rebecca Bird of Belcher Road South in Largo was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with one count of felony child abuse for an incident that took place at Aldersgate Christian Learning Center, 9530 Starkey Road, Largo, July 18 at 4:16 p.m.

Deputies said the child's mother reported to the sheriff's office that Bird forcefully grabbed the 2-year-old several times and, in a separate incident, caused the toddler to fall.

The sheriff's office obtained and reviewed surveillance video from the school before making the arrest, according to the sheriff's report.

Bird began working at the preschool July 12 and was fired on the day of the incident when the preschool administrators saw her interaction with the 2-year-old on the surveillance video. The sheriff's office does not believe there are other victims.