URGENT UPDATE: A Melbourne mother is calling for criminal charges after her three-year-old son, Kayce, was reportedly slapped by a childcare educator at the First Early Learning Centre. The shocking incident occurred on October 17, 2025, just 40 minutes after Kayce was dropped off at 7:00 AM.
Jaymie Barber received a distressing call from the centre’s manager later that day, informing her that her neurodivergent son had been “struck across the face” after expressing distress through hitting. “I just broke down, I didn’t know what to say. It’s horrible,” Ms. Barber told 9News. She emphasized that educators are meant to protect and care for children, not harm them.
The childcare centre has launched an immediate investigation, gathering witness statements. Reports indicate that Kayce, who has “complex behavioural needs,” exhibited upset behavior, leading to the unfortunate altercation. The involved educator described the moment, stating, “I reacted impulsively and slapped him back.” Following the incident, Kayce was removed from the room, and the educator has since been dismissed.
Victoria Police and the local education department have been notified, with Ms. Barber now advocating for legal action. “It’s heartbreaking… he is the sweetest kid known to mankind,” she expressed, highlighting her son’s struggles with trust in adults post-incident.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of children with diverse behavioral needs. Kayce has reportedly become more withdrawn and distrustful of adults since the slap, which has left his mother deeply concerned. “He was already having a very hard time being neurodivergent as it is,” she added.
The childcare centre claims it cannot ensure a safe environment for Kayce, citing his behavior as a reason for his suspension. Ms. Barber insists that the centre was aware of her son’s needs prior to enrollment and had promised to support him adequately. She now calls for enhanced training for educators to better manage children with similar needs.
“This is a systemic issue,” Ms. Barber stated. “You’ve probably got 10 children in a daycare setting that have all got neurodiverse needs these days, and they’re being overlooked.”
The incident is currently under investigation by Victoria’s early childhood regulator, which has stated, “Our priority is, and always will be, the health and safety of children.” A new independent regulator is set to launch on January 1 as part of significant reforms aimed at improving child safety standards.
As this story develops, the community watches closely, demanding accountability and better protection for vulnerable children in childcare settings.
