Cumberland Teacher Charged with 2nd-Degree Child Abuse

Djamila Vaz Rosa accused of assaulting three students under 10 years old

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A teacher at Blackstone Valley Prep School in Cumberland, Rhode Island has been arrested and charged with three felony counts of second-degree child abuse. The 39-year-old teacher, Djamila Vaz Rosa, is accused of slapping two students with special needs in the head and a similar incident involving a third student.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of young students, especially those with special needs, and the responsibility of teachers to provide a secure and nurturing environment. It also highlights the importance of robust reporting and investigation protocols within schools to address allegations of abuse promptly and appropriately.

The details

According to police, the school was notified on February 10 about reports that Vaz Rosa had slapped two students with special needs in the head while at Elementary School 2. Officers were contacted by school administrators the following day and launched an investigation. During the investigation, the family of a third student reported a similar incident involving Vaz Rosa. Police then obtained an arrest warrant for Vaz Rosa on three felony counts of second-degree child abuse.

  • On February 10, the school was notified about the alleged incidents.
  • On February 11, police were contacted by school administrators and launched an investigation.
  • Vaz Rosa turned herself in on Wednesday and was arraigned before a Justice of the Peace.

The players

Djamila Vaz Rosa

A 39-year-old teacher at Blackstone Valley Prep School in Cumberland, Rhode Island who has been charged with three felony counts of second-degree child abuse.

Blackstone Valley Prep School

The school where Vaz Rosa was employed as a teacher and where the alleged incidents of abuse took place.

Cumberland Police Chief Matthew Benson

The police chief who stated that "Students should feel safe in schools and classrooms with those entrusted with caring for and educating them. In this circumstance, that was not the case."

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What they’re saying

“Students should feel safe in schools and classrooms with those entrusted with caring for and educating them. In this circumstance, that was not the case.”

— Matthew Benson, Cumberland Police Chief (WPRI.com)

What’s next

Vaz Rosa is due back in court on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for rigorous screening, training, and oversight of teachers to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, especially the most vulnerable. It also underscores the importance of swift and thorough investigations into allegations of abuse to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.