Daycare worker accused of hitting 5 toddlers with metal stapler, then says ‘my babies are gonna miss me’ after she’s fired: Police

A Florida daycare worker is facing criminal charges after police say surveillance footage captured her repeatedly striking several toddlers with a variety of objects, including a metal stapler. The case has drawn significant attention after investigators alleged that five young children between the ages of 2 and 4 were physically abused over the course of several days at a childcare facility in West Melbourne, Florida.

The employee, identified as 41-year-old Latasha Mullings, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of battery after an investigation by the West Melbourne Police Department. Authorities say the incidents occurred at Mustard Seed Kidz, a daycare center located in Brevard County.

Parent Complaint Triggered Investigation

According to police documents, the investigation began on May 27 after the daycare director contacted authorities regarding allegations that a teacher had assaulted several children in her classroom. The complaint was reportedly sparked when a parent informed the daycare administration that Mullings had flicked their child in the face.

After receiving the complaint, daycare director Kaitlin Fletcher reviewed surveillance footage from the classroom covering a seven-day period between May 19 and May 26. What she allegedly discovered prompted immediate action and a report to law enforcement.

Surveillance Video Allegedly Showed Repeated Abuse

Investigators reviewed the footage and concluded that Mullings allegedly struck five different children on 11 separate occasions. The children involved were reportedly between 2 and 4 years old. Police stated that some of the victims appeared to show visible signs of pain after being struck.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the footage allegedly showed Mullings engaging in a variety of abusive actions toward the toddlers. Authorities said she could be seen flicking children in the face, striking them with objects, and using physical force against multiple students.

Toddlers Allegedly Hit With Metal Stapler

Among the most disturbing allegations in the case is the claim that two toddlers were struck in the head with a metal stapler. Police say the surveillance recordings captured separate incidents involving the stapler being used against children in the classroom.

Investigators described the stapler incidents as part of a broader pattern of physical abuse allegedly committed by the daycare worker over the reviewed period.

Additional Alleged Assaults Captured on Video

The arrest affidavit outlines several other incidents that investigators say were recorded by classroom cameras.

According to police:

• One child was allegedly slapped across the face three consecutive times.
• Another child was struck in the head with a bucket.
• A separate child was hit across the face with a stuffed animal.
• One toddler was struck on the hand with a shoe.
• Mullings allegedly threw a shoe at another child, although it reportedly missed.
• In one incident, she allegedly grabbed a child’s shirt and yelled directly in the child’s face.

Authorities say the various incidents collectively resulted in multiple battery charges being filed against the daycare worker.

Confrontation With Daycare Director

After reviewing the surveillance footage, daycare director Kaitlin Fletcher confronted Mullings regarding the alleged behavior. According to police records, the confrontation took place on May 26.

Investigators say that during the confrontation, Mullings responded by stating, “My babies are gonna miss me.” Shortly afterward, she was terminated from her position at the daycare center.

The remark quickly became one of the most widely reported aspects of the case because it was allegedly made after the daycare worker was informed she was being fired for physically mistreating children in her care.

Criminal Charges Filed

Following the investigation, Mullings was arrested and booked into the Brevard County Jail.

Court records show she faces:

Eleven Counts of Battery

Police charged Mullings with 11 misdemeanor counts of battery stemming from the alleged incidents involving the five children. Investigators say each charge corresponds to an individual act captured on surveillance footage.

One Count of Assault

In addition to the battery charges, authorities also filed one misdemeanor assault charge against Mullings.

According to reports, she later posted bond, which was reported to be $37,000.

Daycare Center Responds

Mustard Seed Kidz released a statement emphasizing that the safety and well-being of children remains its highest priority.

The daycare said administrators acted immediately after receiving the parent’s complaint. According to the facility, the employee was removed from contact with children and the allegations were promptly reported to both law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families. The center also stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The daycare declined to discuss additional details because the case remains under active investigation.

Court Proceedings and Current Status

Court records indicate Mullings initially had a court appearance scheduled shortly after her arrest. Some reports stated that an earlier hearing was canceled after she posted bond, while later records indicated a future court date had been scheduled as the criminal case moved forward.

As of the latest available reports, it was not publicly clear whether Mullings had entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf.

Ongoing Investigation

The West Melbourne Police Department continues to investigate the allegations. Authorities have indicated that the case was built largely around surveillance footage reviewed by both daycare administrators and law enforcement officers.

The case has raised concerns among parents and childcare advocates about supervision, reporting procedures, and the importance of monitoring systems within daycare facilities. Investigators maintain that the evidence gathered from the classroom recordings played a crucial role in identifying the alleged abuse and bringing charges against the daycare employee.

Conclusion

The case against Latasha Mullings centers on allegations that she physically abused five toddlers at a Florida daycare over multiple days, using objects that included a metal stapler, a bucket, a stuffed animal, and a shoe. The investigation was launched after a parent complaint led administrators to review surveillance footage, which police say documented 11 separate incidents involving children as young as 2 years old. Following her termination, Mullings allegedly remarked that her “babies are gonna miss me” before leaving the facility. She now faces 11 battery charges and one assault charge as the criminal proceedings continue.