A woman working as a teacher’s aide in northeast New Jersey has been charged with assaulting a 2-year-old in her care, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announced Tuesday.
Investigators say 19-year-old Meghan Hornidge, of River Edge, “slammed and dragged” the child at the Apple Montessori School in Wayne on Aug. 12, 2024.
The incident caused the infant to sustain bodily injury, according to Valdes.
Amid an investigation into the case, authorities concluded there was enough evidence to charge Hornidge with fourth-degree abuse of a child and simple assault.
Prosecutors have referred the case to a grand jury. If convicted, Hornidge could face up to 18 months in state prison on the abuse charge and up to 60 days in county jail for the simple assault charge — a disorderly persons offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor offense.
Montessori is a child-focused education method that involves students’ natural interests rather than formal teaching methods. The student-led and self-paced but guided education is “enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment,” according to the American Montessori Society.
Apple Montessori Schools operates 20 locations across New Jersey, serving children from 6 weeks through sixth grade. Its “modern Montessori approach to early education empowers young children to reach their full potential.”
A representative for the Wayne location did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.