Teacher’s aide accused of shoving boy with disability on White Oak elementary school playground

WHITE OAK, Pa. — A teacher’s aide within a McKeesport Area School District elementary school is facing criminal charges over allegations she assaulted a child who has a disability.

On Monday, the Allegheny County Police Department says it began investigating a ChildLine report of an aide, identified as 53-year-old Amy Kevicki, assaulting a 5-year-old boy who has a disability at Francis McClure Elementary School in White Oak.

Detectives learned the incident happened at the school playground on Nov. 7. Video from the school shows Kevicki grabbing the child by the back of the neck and shoving him with force to the ground. She then is reportedly seen ignoring the child and walking toward the building.

Police say the child was not hurt in this incident.

After consulting with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, ACPD detectives charged Kevicki with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child and summary harassment.

The McKeesport Area School District posted the following statement to Facebook on Tuesday afternoon:

“We want to inform you that one of our instructional assistants has been charged by the county with simple assault. McKeesport Area School District takes all matters concerning the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. As soon as we were made aware of this situation, the instructional assistant in question was immediately placed on indefinite leave, pending a thorough investigation.

“We understand that situations like these can raise concerns. We want to assure you that every step is being taken to address the matter with the seriousness it deserves. We will provide updates as more information becomes available, while respecting the privacy and due process involved.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work through this matter.”

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