Child Care Teacher From Ellington Arrested, Fired

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA — An Ellington woman has been arrested in connection with an incident last month at the child care center where she worked, following an investigation into allegations that she “intentionally, recklessly and unjustifiably” disciplined a 2-year-old “in a very aggressive and rough manner with no apparent regard for the child’s safety,” according to a court document obtained by masslive.com.

Jennifer Callahan, 45, was charged with two counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and reckless endangerment of a child. She pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday in Palmer District Court, and is slated to return to court April 15.

She is accused of placing a blanket over the head of a 2-year-old girl on Nov. 7, then pinning her to a hallway floor while holding down her arms, masslive.com reported.

Callahan has since been fired from the child care center.

Read more at www.masslive.com.