In Concord, North Carolina, a distressing incident at Concord Academy has led to the jail sentencing of daycare teacher Lashawna Williams, 42. On September 30, 2025, Williams faced charges after using a hot glue gun to secure a 3-year-old to a chair when the child refused to comply with instructions to sit. The act resulted in second-degree burns to the child's upper thighs.
Following the event, Williams did not seek immediate medical attention for the child, who was left without proper care for approximately seven hours. The child's parent reported the incident the subsequent day, which led to Williams' immediate suspension and eventual dismissal from the daycare facility.
"If we can't have a little bit of compassion, then we need to find another job," said Tara Robertson, emphasizing the importance of empathy in childcare professions.
In Cabarrus County District Court, Williams admitted guilt to misdemeanor charges of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her plea agreement included a 10-day jail sentence, six months of supervised probation, and a mandate for 24 hours of community service. Additionally, the court ordered Williams to have no contact with the victim or their family.
Childcare advocates have voiced their disapproval of the sentence, advocating that it fails to equate to the gravity of the harm caused to the child. Tara Robertson, a behavioral therapist, expressed the need for compassion in childcare professions and called for better individuals to take charge of such roles.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has since cited Concord Academy for violations found during multiple inspections. These included issues with medication labeling, lapses in medical documentation, inadequate staff CPR training, and unsafe accessibility of chemicals to children. However, since the hot glue incident, subsequent unannounced inspections have not revealed further breaches.
Concord Academy has responded by underscoring their commitment to child safety, labeling the event as an isolated one perpetrated by an individual no longer in their employ. Head of school Frank Cantadore affirmed the immediate action taken upon learning of the incident and reiterated the institution's dedication to the well-being of children in their care.
This occurrence has amplified the demand for heightened oversight of daycare centers within North Carolina, with advocates pushing for more intensive staff training, strict safety protocol adherence, and prompt responses to such incidents. The case also resonates with a previous incident in the area where another young child sustained serious injuries in a daycare setting.
The Concord community, and indeed the nation, continues to grapple with the challenge of ensuring the safety of children in institutional care. The sentencing of Williams concludes the court's involvement, but the emotional repercussions for the child and their family are anticipated to be enduring. The consensus among authorities, educators, and childcare advocates is clear: vigilance, training, and enforcement are critical in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
