Day care worker accused of hitting 8-year-old girl in McKees Rocks

Police said a 19-year-old Ross Township woman was arrested over the weekend, accused of slapping a day care student in McKees Rocks.

According to police, Shelby Podgorski is charged with endangering the welfare of children, assault and harassment.

Officials said the incident happened Friday at Immanuel Christian Daycare on Chartiers Avenue.

Podgorski is accused of striking an 8-year-old girl, then kicking and hitting furniture and doors as the day care director tried to get her to leave, police said.

Darlene Russell, the day care's director, said the other children in the room were hiding under their desks while the alleged assault took place.

"She was slapped in the face, kicked in the buttocks and thrown up against a wall," Russell said. "She was shaking and scared."

Podgorski, who worked at the day care for four to six months, was fired immediately.

“It was very unprofessional of her,” Russell said. “I would rather have had her take whatever break she needed and regrouped herself then come back. But, she let anger set her off.”

Russell said Podgorski passed all background checks before being hired and was certified to work at the day care.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital but had no injuries other than a mark on her face.