Blackstone Valley Prep teacher accused of assaulting special needs students

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Police say a teacher from Blackstone Valley Prep has been arrested following allegations that she assaulted three elementary school students with special needs.

According to investigators, school officials were alerted on February 10 about reports that a teacher slapped two students while they were attending class. Authorities said the children involved are all younger than 10 years old.

Administrators contacted police, and officers went to the school the next day to begin an investigation.

Police said that during the investigation, the family of a third student reported a similar incident involving the same teacher. Police identified the teacher as Djamila Vaz Rosa, 39, of Pawtucket. According to the school, she was immediately placed on administrative leave and terminated the following morning.

Police later secured an arrest warrant for Vaz Rosa. She faces three felony counts of second degree child abuse.

Authorities said Vaz Rosa turned herself in to police on Wednesday. She appeared before a justice of the peace for her arraignment.

According to court records, Vaz Rosa does not have a prior criminal record.

The judge released her on $15,000 personal recognizance. She is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday for her next hearing.