Former Sedge Garden teaching assistant pleads guilty to child abuse allegations

The case follows state findings of mistreatment in the school's Pre-K program, triggering investigations and a corrective action plan.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:20am

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A blurred, impressionistic scene of children playing on a playground, with muted colors and a warm, dreamlike quality, conveying the importance of protecting vulnerable young learners.The Sedge Garden case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in early childhood education programs to ensure the safety and well-being of young students.Winston-Salem Today

A former Sedge Garden Elementary teaching assistant in Winston-Salem has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, receiving a 60-day prison sentence and a ban on supervising children alone. The case follows state findings of mistreatment in the school's Pre-K program, which triggered investigations, staff suspensions, and a corrective action plan for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Why it matters

The guilty plea in the Sedge Garden case highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of early childhood education in the Winston-Salem area, as well as the need for robust oversight and accountability measures to protect vulnerable young students.

The details

The former Sedge Garden teaching assistant pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The charges stem from an investigation into alleged mistreatment of students in the school's Pre-K program. State officials found evidence of improper handling and supervision of young children, leading to the suspension of several staff members and the implementation of a corrective action plan for the district.

  • The former teaching assistant pleaded guilty on April 12, 2026.
  • State investigations into the Sedge Garden Pre-K program began in late 2025 following reports of mistreatment.

The players

Sedge Garden Elementary

A public elementary school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that houses a Pre-K program.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

The public school district serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, which oversees Sedge Garden Elementary and implemented a corrective action plan following the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and well-being of all students, especially our youngest learners. This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures in early childhood education.”

— Superintendent Don Phipps, Superintendent, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

What’s next

The school district will continue to monitor the Sedge Garden Pre-K program and implement the corrective action plan to address any remaining issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

The takeaway

The guilty plea in the Sedge Garden case underscores the need for heightened scrutiny and accountability in early childhood education programs, particularly in light of recent incidents of mistreatment. It serves as a wake-up call for the Winston-Salem community to prioritize the protection and proper care of its most vulnerable students.