Pennsylvania charter school staff accused of abusing children in emotional support program – The Times of India

Authorities have charged 20 staff members at a suburban Philadelphia charter school with abusing children in an emotional support program. The accusations, involving physical abuse and failure to report the misconduct, have shocked the community and raised serious concerns about school safety.
The charges affect 26 students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, at Chester Community Charter School in Delaware County. According to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, the staff members are accused of using painful and unapproved restraint techniques to punish the children, who were enrolled in the program designed to help them deal with emotional issues. The investigation began in January 2025 after two parents complained that their children were afraid to attend school due to fears of being subjected to these “holds,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Abusive techniques and failure to report
Investigators revealed that nine of the accused staffers allegedly used harmful restraint techniques, including pinching children on pressure points near their necks, applying knee pressure to their backs, and holding students in painful positions, such as with their arms crossed in front of them. The abuse was reportedly captured on surveillance footage. As quoted by the Associated Press, Stollsteimer said, “This case is every parent’s nightmare. We send our children to school expecting the adults will keep them safe, not abuse them physically and emotionally.”
In addition to the staff directly involved in the abuse, 11 others are charged with failure to report child endangerment. These staffers, who are mandated reporters of child abuse, allegedly failed to notify authorities of the incidents, which occurred throughout 2024. Chester Community Charter School officials have since terminated the staffers involved and put others on leave, as confirmed by the school, according to the Associated Press.
Lack of proper training
The abuse occurred in a program aimed at helping children manage emotional challenges. Investigators found that many of the staffers involved were employed by Peak Performers Staffing, a private company that provided personnel to the school. Despite assurances from the company founder that staff were properly trained in restraint techniques, no documentation of the required training was found, as reported by the Associated Press.
The Chester Community Charter School has since ended its contract with Peak Performers Staffing and is cooperating with authorities. The school serves over 4,000 students and is one of the largest public schools in the Chester-Upland School District.