A Staten Island couple has gone public with a lawsuit accusing a preschool assistant teacher of slapping and dragging their 3-year-old son inside a classroom.
Ariana and Joseph Lebron, both local real estate agents, filed suit in Staten Island Supreme Court on Sept. 21 against Silvia Beshay, the Kiddie Academy of Staten Island, the city and the Department of Education, according to court records. The incident they describe took place on Oct. 14.
Video footage allegedly captures Beshay striking the boy “with an open hand” before dragging him across the room, the lawsuit claims. The parents say their son suffered permanent physical and emotional injuries from the assault.
Beshay was fired the same day as the alleged attack and is permanently barred from working for city public schools or their partner organizations, a city DOE spokesperson confirmed. She was arrested on Nov. 7 and entered a not guilty plea, though the Staten Island District Attorney’s office later dropped and sealed the case. An office spokesperson declined to explain why the prosecution was abandoned.
The Lebrons addressed the case in a statement to The Post, emphasizing their focus on their son’s recovery.
“Our primary concern is and always has been our son’s well-being and healing. Our faith in Jesus Christ has sustained our family throughout this difficult experience, and we are grateful for the prayers and support we have received,” they wrote.
“Because the litigation just commenced, we prefer not to discuss the facts or evidence publicly at this time. We trust the legal process and continue to pray for truth, justice and healing.”
The couple is seeking unspecified damages from all named defendants.
Kiddie Academy, which operates as a privately-owned facility partnered with the city, issued its own statement defending its response. The school told The Post it is “deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the children in our care.”
“At the time of the incident, our leadership team immediately dismissed the employee and reported the matter to the appropriate authorities,” the academy continued.
“We take situations of this nature seriously and are committed to responding appropriately, communicating with those directly impacted, and following all applicable requirements. There is nothing more important than creating a nurturing and safe environment for the children in our care and their families.”
The case has drawn scrutiny to hiring practices at city-partnered preschools. Assistant teachers at Kiddie Academy earn between $32,000 and $52,000 annually, according to public salary data. The position requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, and employees must complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks before working with children.
“All Kiddie Academy educators must meet or exceed the state requirements for child care providers, including background clearance, education qualifications, and ongoing professional development,” the organization’s website states.
The duration of Beshay’s employment at the Staten Island location remains unknown. She was hired directly by Kiddie Academy rather than through city channels.
Beshay did not respond to requests for comment. The Lebrons’ attorney, Peter Simonetti, and representatives for the city and DOE also declined to comment.